Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care
• According to published research and the American Pregnancy Association, approximately 50 - 70% of all pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancy and 50% to 75% of women experience back pain during labor.
• In addition, one out of 5 women suffer from Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) at 36 weeks gestation and almost half of the women suffering from Pelvic Girdle Pain 3 months after delivery, continued to report symptoms 1 year after delivery.
• Low back pain and PGP respond well to chiropractic care. A lack of care or prompt treatment can result in prolonged symptoms, delayed recovery and ongoing symptoms which may last for months or years postnatally. It can also have a significant impact on a woman’s emotional and psychological well-being both during and after pregnancy. 75% of pregnant patients who received chiropractic care during their pregnancies stated that they found relief from pain.
• Dr Allison Hyman is certified in the Webster Technique which is used to care for pregnant patients. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) defines Webster Technique as, “A specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment for pelvic balance during pregnancy allowing for optimal fetal positioning (head down/anterior) for an easier, safer birth. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation and/or SI Joint dysfunction. In so doing, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.”
• Webster Technique is used to correct potential musculoskeletal causes of intrauterine constraint. Intrauterine constraint is defined as any force external to the developing fetus that obstructs the normal movement of the fetus. The technique is used throughout pregnancy as well as for women in the eighth month of pregnancy with breech presentation.
• Some effects of pelvic/sacral misalignment during pregnancy include:
- -Low Back Pain
- -Intrauterine constraint
- -Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP/SPD)
- -Pain/tightness in the gluteal region, legs and groin
- -Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- -Decrease in pelvic diameter/mobility
