If you’re among the 90% of pregnant women experiencing this discomfort1, you know just how much it can affect your daily life. The good news is that you’re not alone, and there are ways to find relief. Let’s dive into how chiropractic care can help ease your pregnancy-related back pain and improve your quality of life.
Understanding Pregnancy-Related Back Pain
Did you know that up to 35% of pregnant women classify their back pain as moderate, severe, or even disabling?1 This pain often begins during pregnancy and can persist postpartum.1 Although pregnancy-related low back pain and pelvic gridle pain often resolves spontaneously after birth, research has shown that up to 75% of women may continue to experience pain up to 3 years postpartum.1 Despite its prevalence, many healthcare providers tend to dismiss it as a temporary condition that resolves after delivery.1 But for those who have felt the daily toll it takes, waiting months for relief isn’t an option.
There are three main types of pregnancy-related back pain:
- Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain (LBP)1
- Typically presents as a dull ache, worsened by forward bending, localized to the lower back above the buttocks.
- Risk factors include previous episodes of LBP, higher anxiety levels, and dissatisfaction with work tasks.
- Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)1
- Often felt at the top of the pelvis and buttocks, potentially radiating to the back of the thighs.
- Risk factors include previous pelvic trauma, multiple pregnancies, and conditions like polyhydramnios.
- Combined Pain1
- A mix of low back and pelvic pain.
- Risk factors include a history of combined pain and previous pregnancy-related back issues.
Why Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractors are experts in the bones, muscles, joints, and nerves of the body, making them uniquely equipped to address the back pain that arises during pregnancy. Here’s how Dr. Rebecca can help:
- Customized Assessment: Dr. Rebecca will conduct a thorough health history and physical exam to pinpoint the type, and cause, of your pain.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Dr. Rebecca will create a plan tailored to your needs, incorporating research guidelines, your treatment preferences, and her clinical expertise.
- Safe Techniques: Techniques like soft tissue therapy and spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) are considered safe for pregnant women and can offer significant relief.1
Seeking Care Early
It’s important to seek care as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent the pain from worsening and help maintain your quality of life throughout pregnancy. A trial of care may be recommended, with periodic re-evaluations to modify the treatment as needed as you progress through your pregnancy. If the treatment doesn’t bring relief, Dr. Rebecca can help facilitate a referral to another healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Beyond Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is often most effective as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Collaborating with your OB-GYN or midwife can enhance your care.1 In the next part of this series, we’ll explore additional tips to manage pregnancy-related back pain at home and discuss the benefits of a collaborative healthcare approach.
Take the Next Step
If you’re experiencing back pain during or after your pregnancy, don’t wait to seek help. Book a complimentary consultation to discuss how chiropractic care can make a difference for you. Relief is within reach—you deserve to enjoy this special time without the burden of back pain.
Stay tuned for part two of this series, where we’ll delve deeper into home care strategies and the importance of an integrated healthcare team.
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