If there ever was an award for pain, it certainly would go to low back pain. Pregnancy is supposed to be a very special moment in every woman’s life. And you would think that low back pain would give you a break while you’re pregnant. Well, think again. Low back pain and pelvic pain while pregnant are as common as teenage pimples. Why do so many pregnant women get low back and pelvic pains?
Pregnant women get low back and pelvic pains because their bodies undergo structural changes, especially in the second and third trimesters. Changes in estrogen and progesterone hormones provide extra laxity in lumbar and pelvic ligaments which allow them to do some renovation.
The average woman gains 20 to 30 pounds during pregnancy, with the majority of mass distributed to the abdomen. And when you’re pregnant, the lumbar spine and pelvis are placed under a lot more strain than usual - and these detrimental forces continue postpartum, as you lift and carry your baby.
The lumbar spine natural inward curvature and the integrity of its ligaments change with pregnancy. Just like a bridge with weakened arch supports, the loaded lumbar spine is compromised. Structural reinforcements to the lumbar spine during pregnancy are needed. And these reinforcements come from the back and pelvic muscles and other connective tissues. Lumbar stability, support and weight bearing capacity are transferred to these soft tissues in the late stages of pregnancy. Low back pain during pregnancy is not postural related. Soft tissue problems are the major source for low back pain during pregnancy.
Pelvic pain from sacroiliac and pubis symphysis joint dysfunction is another common problem that plagues many pregnant women. Like the low back, the pelvis also undergoes some significant structural changes during pregnancy. A woman pelvis expands and widens in all directions during pregnancy. Unfortunately, the sacroiliac and pubis symphysis joints can become dysfunctional, irritated and painful during the late stages of pregnancy.
More than 50% of women experience low back and pelvic pains while pregnant. And women with severe low back pain during pregnancy have a very high risk for recurrent low back pain of a similar intensity during a subsequent pregnancy.
Contemporary women are aware of the risks and sensitivities for their babies if they resort to taking pain medications for their low back and pelvic pains while pregnant. Prescription medications and common over the counter drugs such as Naproxen, Motrin or Ibuprofen can induce miscarriage. So what would you do if you experience low back and pelvic pains while pregnant?
Pain and mental stress during pregnancy can negatively affect your baby. The good news is that you can ease your low back and pelvic pains safely and naturally.
If you experience low back pain or pelvic pain while pregnant, consider chiropractic care. When the lumbar and pelvic ligaments become excessively stretched during pregnancy under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, there is a good possibility that these ligaments will never fully regain their tensile strength and support as they did before pregnancy.
I provide chiropractic prenatal cares which are safe for all stages of pregnancy. Chiropractic adjustments and Active Release Technique treatments prevent physical damage to the soft tissues from the combination of high loading stress and ligament laxity during pregnancy.
Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue treatments improve your pregnancy. Healthy moms have healthy babies. Give your babies a healthy start to life.
Please feel comfortable contacting me if you have any question regarding chiropractic care for low back or pelvic pain during your pregnancy. I’m here to help you any way I can!