Back Pain during Pregnancy
Back pain is one of the most common complaints in pregnant women - more than 50% of expectant mums suffer with some level of back discomfort.
But you don't have to struggle through it - we can offer safe, medication free ways to manage the pain and find relief.
Why does pregnancy cause back pain?
Your body inevitably changes during the nine months of pregnancy to support your growing baby. Several factors can then contribute to pain, particularly in the lower back:
Increased weight: As the baby grows so does the demand on your spine and lower back muscles
Postural shifts: Your expanding belly moves your centre of gravity forward, which can add strain to your lower back
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones, particularly relaxin, loosen the ligaments in your pelvis, reducing spinal support and increasing discomfort
For many women, back pain manifests as sciatica, a condition in which the sciatic nerve becomes compressed, causing pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the lower back down the legs. The other common complaint is pelvic girdle pain.
How chiropractic care can help:
At Backs and Joints Clinic provide a gentle, noninvasive way to address back pain during pregnancy. Helping by:
Gently manipulating the spine to decrease nerve compression
Relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve
Improving circulation to decrease inflammation
Restoring balance in the pelvis to support a more comfortable pregnancy
What else a chiropractor can do to support your pregnancy:
As well as helping to relieve back pain chiropractic practitioners can also:
Provide better mobility because reducing nerve compression can improve flexibility and make movement easier
Give more comfort throughout pregnancy by relieving joint and muscle stress
Improve posture by correcting imbalances that can exacerbate back pain
Help prepare for labour by keeping the pelvis balanced - supporting positioning for childbirth and maximising your continued mobility through the pregnancy
What you can do at home:
We recommend:
Applying heat therapy to soothe sore muscles
Using supportive pillows when sitting and avoid slouching to improve posture
Stretching to ease tension and improve flexibility
Wearing supportive shoes
Reassurance for you:
We understand you will be worried about safety for you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. Rest assured, chiropractic care is recognised as a safe treatment for pregnant women. We use techniques that avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen, and our clinic is equipped with adjustable tables and pillows for your comfort.
