Vertebral Subluxation is a term used to describe when their’s a bone out of place which irritates delicate nerve tissue. The changes associated with pregnancy can aggravate or even cause a vertebral subluxation. The hormone relaxin is released when a woman is pregnant, relaxing her joints making it easier for the body to prepare for delivering a baby.
This can also make it easier for her joints to become out of place and irritate the nerve tissue. One woman described the feeling of hearing her joints move in her sleep as a “shotgun” going off up and down her spine and pelvis. Research has shown that as many as 56% of pregnant women experience back pain which can be a sign of subluxation. Pregnancy should be a time to reflect on your family’s goals and dreams – not a time to be burdened with pain.
Most pregnant women are aware of the benefits of avoiding alcohol, soft cheeses, smoking, and certain medications. However, numerous women report the benefits of chiropractic care during their pregnancy, something most pregnant women are not aware of. One study revealed that first-time mothers under chiropractic care had 24% shorter labor times than non-chiropractic patients. Chiropractic patients which have had previous children reported 39% shorter labor times with their delivery under chiropractic care.
There are no known contraindications to receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy, the American Pregnancy Association boasts on their website. In fact, they state that chiropractors invest in fertility and the wellness of pregnant women, which is routine care for chiropractors.
Chiropractors use specific techniques to check the alignment of the pelvic girdle which is crucial for an expecting mother. Dysfunction in the lumbar spine (low back) pelvic joints which leads to back pain during pregnancy. A properly aligned pelvis allows for sufficient space for the developing baby and a quicker and easier delivery. An optimally functioning mother, free of nerve interference, will contribute to the health of the baby.
If you’re trying to conceive or already pregnant, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
References: “Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Safety and Benefits.” American Pregnancy Association, 8 Nov 2017, http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/.
Anrig, Claudia and Gregory Plaugher, Pediatric Chiropractic. Wiliams & Wilkins, 1998. Plaugher, Gregory. Textbook of Clinical Chiropractic. Williams & Wilkins, 1993. Fast, A., Shapiro, D., et al. “Low back pain in pregnancy.” Spine, 1987 May; 12(4):368-71. Diakow, PR, et al. “Back pain during pregnancy and labor.” J Manipulative Physio Ther, 1991 Feb;14(2):116-8. Fallon J., “The effect of chiropractic treatment of pregnancy and labor: a comprehensive study.” Proceedings of the World Chiropractic Congress, 1991;24-31. Penna, M., “Pregnancy and chiropractic care.” ACA J of Chiropractic, 1998;26(11):31-3 Anrig-Howe C., “Scientific ramifications for providing pre-natal chiropractic care.” The American Chiropractor, 1993;May/June 20-3.
Obstetrics Gynecology, 1988; 71-75