How Chiropractic Can Ease Pregnancy Discomfort

Discomforts during pregnancy

Pregnant women often experience different types of discomfort during gestation, some of them are systemic while some of them are physical. Though chiropractic may not be helpful in alleviating some of the systemic discomfort such as breast changes, swelling varicose vein and so forth. Chiropractic care had been proven to be effective in treating pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain which is common to be seen among pregnant women. Research had shown that 45% of the pregnant women will experience low back pain and/or pelvic pain at some point during gestation while 10% of them will have severe low back pain and/or pelvic pain that greatly affect the quality of life.[1]

How Chiropractic can ease pregnancy discomfort

Fortunately, chiropractic care can be really benefited in alleviating lumbar pain and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy or labor. The relaxin hormone increases approximately tenfold during gestation, with its primary target being the enhancement of ligamental laxity, especially in the pelvic joints. These abnormal changes in ligamentous flexibility can lead to misalignment of the pelvic joints, either due to abnormal positions or movements of the lumbar spine and pelvis. Besides, abnormal positions of the mother’s uterus from alteration of ligament attachment could lead to asymmetrical forces on the fetus, thus, increase the risk of fetus malposition and bony malformation. Therefore, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good alignment and normal function of the pelvic joints is crucial to significantly alleviate the discomforts associated with pregnancy and ensure the safety of both the mother and the babies.

Gonstead Chiropractors specialize in addressing pelvic subluxation, considering a well-functioning pelvis as the foundation of a healthy spine. They place a considerable emphasis on the human pelvis and possess expertise in efficiently treating both low back pain and pelvic pain. This focus can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing pelvic pain during and after pregnancy. An interprofessional study conducted by chiropractors and medical doctors revealed that 75% of the pregnant women who received chiropractic care during their pregnancy stated that they benefited from care of their complaints of lumbar pain, neck pain, headache, vertigo and so more.[2]

In addition, maternal physiological alterations reported from upper cervical misalignment (subluxation) included disturbances in the circulation of the entire body due to cardiac malfunction, thyroid dysfunction, sexual disturbance, and hormonal dysfunction. Gonstead chiropractors, dedicated to restoring normal nerve function through specific spinal adjustments employing a short lever, high-velocity, low-amplitude, and sustained thrust, can significantly alleviate the systemic discomfort mentioned above.

While reducing discomfort is a priority, ensuring safety is equally paramount. The use of a knee-chest table customized in the Gonstead approach is instrumental not only for better set up in chiropractic adjustments, but also to secure the abdomen of pregnant women during adjustments. This unique chiropractic table minimizes the impact on the placenta, thereby enhancing the safety of both mothers and babies.

Conclusion

In summary, the Gonstead approach emphasize proper alignment and function of the joint helps alleviate discomfort during gestation, such as pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and alleviating headache, vertigo, hormonal dysfunction and so forth. With a focus on specific spinal adjustments, Gonstead chiropractors alleviate physiological disturbances and prioritize safety using customized knee-chest tables during treatments, enhancing the well-being of pregnant women throughout gestation.