Reviewing the Help For Low Back pain Of Pregnancy By Dr. Tim Harcourt at Coast Chiropractic Centers
Jul 25, 2021 -- Posted by :In Part 1 of this series, we discussed the many aspects of pregnancy that contribute to low back pain (LBP) including hormonal, chemical, biomechanical, and psychological changes that occur throughout pregnancy. In Part 2, we looked at the results of several studies showing that chiropractic care can help reduce low back pain (LBP) both during pregnancy as well as during labor and delivery. This month, let’s focus on what to expect when you visit a doctor of chiropractic.
The initial visit typically consists of an intake process: a history, examination, vital signs, and so on. Your doctor of chiropractic will discuss the treatment goals and procedures typically utilized during the three trimesters of pregnancy and will provide a treatment recommendation.
After the initial treatment, it is not uncommon for people, pregnant or not, to feel a “post-exercise soreness” type of discomfort. This makes sense as chiropractic adjustments and mobilization are indeed “exercising” your spinal joints with the goal of reducing joint stiffness and fixations, which some chiropractors may refer to as “spinal joint subluxations.”
There are many types of manual therapies available, and finding the method that matches your choice and needs is important. One type of manipulation often associated with chiropractic includes the use of a “high-velocity, low-amplitude” (HVLA) thrust, which is frequently referred to as “an adjustment.” Joint cavitation or the “cracking” sound that commonly occurs with adjustments is created by the formation of a gas cavity within the spinal joint space during the maneuver. The spinal joints often become looser during pregnancy due to the increase in circulating progesterone, estrogen, and relaxin, especially in the third trimester. Typically, very little force is needed to successfully cavitate a spinal joint when utilizing HVLA adjustments. For some patients, the cracking sound can provoke anxiety and in those cases, low-velocity, low-amplitude techniques may be preferred, as this does not typically result in joint cavitation.
Exercise throughout pregnancy is important, as studies show it improves energy, reduces mood swings, facilitates in stress management, and results in more restful sleep. Other benefits include less weight gain during pregnancy (by approximately 21%); shorter and easier labor (decreased by an average of two hours); fewer medical interventions experienced (24% fewer cesarean deliveries and 14% reduction of forceps use); less fetal distress; and faster recovery times.
Nutritional counseling is also appreciated and very important during pregnancy, and chiropractors are well trained in this form of management.
Doctors of Chiropractic can work with OB/GYN doctors, primary care physicians, and/or midwives to coordinate care throughout the pregnancy with the common goal of making this the best experience of your life!
So, if you are experiencing back pain of pregnancy and type in pain management near me, you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, “Do I need an MRI scan of my back.”
Also, if you feel leg pain it may indicate things are getting worse and may indicate a bulge on the disc or worse yet a herniated disc in your back. Some people will try stretching the lower back first to see if they get relief. Pain very low in the lower back may be originating from the coccyx or tailbone. A pulled muscle in the back generally will get better with rest. Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional.
Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at (239) 278-3344 and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.