How a Chiropractor Can Relieve Pregnancy Pain
Bringing a new little bundle of joy into your family is an extremely exciting and life-changing experience. However, many women end up suffering during their pregnancies because of unforeseen muscle pain they were not aware of.
Backache and hip pain are some of the most common byproducts of pregnancy. About 50 to 80 percent of pregnant women suffer from pain, particularly during the second trimester. Abdominal pain is normal for pregnancy as the uterus expands and the organs are displaced. However, severe hip and back pain also occurs in most pregnancies. This pain profoundly impacts physical ability, which decreases as the magnitude of pain increases. According to various studies, chiropractors alleviate this pain more safely than opioids, which have significant adverse effects on developing fetuses. Chiropractic care during pregnancy not only reduces pain but is also effective for nausea in pregnancy and labor.
What Causes Pain in Pregnancy?
There are many aches and pains associated with pregnancy, and there are a few causes for this. First is that you will typically carry between 20 and 30 extra pounds of weight. Second, the curve of your lower back becomes more stressed. Your posture is changed. Finally, your abdominal muscles become weaker during pregnancy.
These factors lead to added pressure on your joints and nerves, which lead to various pain. Even nausea during pregnancy can be caused by these pressures. One type of pain, however, is very common during pregnancy – sciatica pain.
Sciatic Pain During Pregnancy
Sciatic pain is also a manifestation of the action of relaxing on ligaments and joints. Piriformis is a muscle of your hip region. The spasm of this muscle at the sacroiliac joint irritates the sciatic nerve as it courses close to this muscle. Herniated discs in the lower spine are standard in pregnancy as the ligaments of the back loosen under the influence of relaxation. The herniated disc also puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing lower back pain. Excess inward curvature of the backbone as the pelvis tips forward irritates the sciatic nerve. This process can manifest as lower backache that also radiates to the legs.
Symptoms of Sciatic Pain in Pregnancy
Here are some things to look for if you think you're suffering from sciatica related to your pregnancy.
- Continuous pain in the hip and leg region on one side.
- Immense pain along the course of the sciatic nerve. This includes the buttocks, back of the thighs and radiates down to the foot.
- Sharp and burning pain
- Pin pricking and tingling sensation in the one side of the body.
- Inability to get comfortable in any sitting or standing position
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
If you're suffering from pain resulting from pregnancy, a chiropractor can help. Chiropractic treatment is proven to relieve sciatica pain, and has been found to help with other symptoms too, including back pain and nausea.
Chiropractic adjustments treat the affected region's misaligned spine, joints, and ligaments. This also relieves the muscle spasm, alleviates pain, and facilitates mobility. Chiropractic care during pregnancy neutralizes the pain caused by the action of relaxin. It also repositions the baby, which can lead to a smooth labor.
At the Greenwood Village Chiropractor, Dr. Leach offers his services and knowledge gained over years of experience to provide long-lasting relief from pregnancy pain. Contact Greenwood Village Chiropractor today to schedule your consultation and start feeling better!
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