What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic is a natural method of health care that
treats the causes of physical problems rather than just the symptoms.
Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise: "With a healthy
lifestyle and normally functioning spine, joints, and nerves, your
body is better able to heal itself." That's because the spinal cord, which
is protected by the spine, is the main pathway of your nervous system.
It controls movement, feeling, and function throughout your body.
Your chiropractor has at least 6 years of professional training in the
sciences and health care, including prenatal care, leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic
(DC) degree. He or she works to maintain your health and guides you in a personalized
approach to wellness during and after your pregnancy.
Why Are Regular Spinal
Checkups Important?
Even if you don't have back pain, having regular spinal checkups is one
of the best ways to help prevent back pain during and after pregnancy.
Giving birth is stressful on the spine. The extra bending and lifting
you do as you care for your baby puts added stress on the spine, too.
Your chiropractor can help you and your family manage or prevent spinal
problems and maintain healthier lives.
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What Causes Back and Leg Pain During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the increasing weight and size of the
baby put stress on the spine's three natural curves. As a result, changes in
posture occur that can cause pain in your back or legs.
Increased Stress on Your Spine
As your baby grows,
you carry more and more weight in front of you. This stretches your
abdominal muscles. When you stand, the baby pulls down on the thoracic
curve (middle back) and forward on the lumbar curve (lower back).
The larger the baby grows, the more exaggerated these curves become.
This puts pressure on the joints in the spine. It may also put pressure
on nerves, causing pain. The sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower
spine down the legs, can also become irritated, causing pain in your
legs. At the same time, joints in the pelvis loosen. This helps prepare
you for delivery, but it can also irritate nerves in the spine.
References
• American Medical Association records released in 1987 during trial in U.S. District Court Northern Illinois Eastern Division, No.76 C 3777.
• Berg, G., Hammer, M., Moeller-Nejelsen, J.:Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy, Obstetric Gynecology 1988; 71:701-775.
• Forbes, G. B.: Human Body Composition:Growth, Aging, Nutrition and Activity. New York:Springs-Verlay, 1987.
• Freitag, Per: Expert testimony of Pertag, M.D.,Ph.D., comparing the results of two neighboring hospitals, U.S. District Court Northern Illinois Eastern Division, No.76 C 3777, May 1987
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