“ I suffered very bad back pain when I was pregnant that time “
“ How can preggers undergo chiropractic treatment? “
Ever find these lines familiar? Are these thoughts in your head as well? These are the common remarks or statements we hear in our chiropractic office.
First off, a big congratulations! Pregnancy is a wonderful season for all future mums and dads but sometimes it can put an enormous amount of strain on your body with all the change you’ll be going through and with your baby’s growth.
So what exactly does chiropractic care during pregnancy look like?
The Webster technique, as defined by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated.
As a brief background, Webster Technique originated over 30 years ago by Dr. Larry Webster. Dr. Webster found the specific technique and steps to be useful in the pregnant population, at its core the technique can be used on any individual as it is used to address sacral (the posterior portion of the pelvis) restrictions and dysfunction.
Throughout pregnancy, your body will go through many changes physically. Spinal dysfunction related to changing load distributions of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints are also a major factor in causing back pain in mummies.
As a chiropractor, we work with muscles, joints, and ligaments to address the biomechanical imbalances and dysfunction in the body. Thus, during pregnancy, a woman’s body is changing everyday with the growth of the fetus, and optimising that function is the goal. Chiropractic care for mummies prepares the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and delivery by creating a state of balance in the pelvis, and the muscles and ligaments surrounding it. In addition, it also helps to remove any excessive pull along the ligaments that support the uterus.
By allowing the pelvis to be balanced, Webster chiropractic treatment gives the baby more room which helps their bodies develop without restrictions. The uterus works best when pressure is taken off of it. With proper biomechanics and function of the mother’s pelvis along with proper fetal position, there is a significant decrease in dystocia, which is defined as obstructed labor or resistance to a normal birth.
The chiropractor who performs the Webster Technique itself DOES NOT turn the baby, but instead opens up space in the mother’s body creating room for the baby, making it easier for the baby to turn on its own.
To perform and make chiropractic treatment comfortable for the mom-to-be and her growing belly, pregnancy pillows are used so that she is able to lay face down on the table. Treatment consists of a combination of soft tissue and joint work through the low back, pelvis and abdomen in order to regain proper biomechanical function of the pelvis and decrease pain. Due to laxity of the ligaments brought on by the release of relaxin in pregnancy, treatment and adjusting are both comfortable and easy while using the gentlest of movements.
Disclaimer:
The advice provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a Chiropractor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
Article: Fallon J DC. The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labour: A Comprehensive Study. Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic, 1991:24-31., Fallon J DC. Chiropractic and Pregnancy, a partnership of the future. ICA Review Nov/Dec 1990.
