Pregnancy Back Pain: How Ottawa Chiropractors Can Help

Do you have pregnancy back pain?

Are you looking for a physical therapist to help your pregnancy back pain in Ottawa?

If so, you are in the right place.

Today I am going to talk about why pregnancy back pain occurs and how Ottawa Chiropractors can help?

Even better, I offer some practical tips you can try today to help prevent back pain in pregnancy.

Let’s jump straight in

Why Does Pregnancy Back Pain Occur?

Aside from visible belly growth in pregnancy, lesser-known changes occur within a woman’s body during these 40 weeks.

The average woman in Ottawa will gain about 30-35 lbs during pregnancy, and most of this weight will concentrate on the abdominal region.

This added load puts extra stress on the back, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. As a result, postural changes occur as a way to compensate for the transformation.

Most women will notice this posture change in the second trimester.

As the baby gets bigger, the woman’s center of gravity will shift forward, causing the spine and muscles to change positions to maintain stability.

As a result, the lower back begins to develop a more pronounced curve, and the shoulders shift backwards for counterbalance.

As a woman enters her third trimester, additional postural changes can occur. At this stage, a hormone called relaxin will increase.

As the name implies, relaxin “relaxes” the muscles, joints, and ligaments in a woman’s body to allow the uterus to grow.

It also prepares the pelvis to stretch for delivery. This loosening of the joint ligaments can also cause instability in the spine. In this case, the woman may experience additional pregnancy back pain due to this shift.

Not to fear, Ottawa chiropractors can help and prevent these types of pregnancy back pain and other changes.

Let’s find out how.

How Can Ottawa Chiropractors Help Pregnancy Back Pain?

Chiropractors can provide safe, drug-free treatment to help relieve pregnancy back pain caused by the extra forces put on your joints.

Chiropractic adjustments in pregnancy are not forceful and should never be painful.

The chiropractor will tailor their treatment to accommodate your specific prenatal needs.

Chiropractors may also incorporate other modalities such as acupuncture, soft tissue therapy and specific pregnancy exercises.

Some Ottawa chiropractors have specialized prenatal training, such as a technique called Webster.

Webster is a manual technique that your chiropractor can incorporate in your chiropractic treatment.

The goal of the Webster Technique is to reduce overall stress and strain on a woman’s pelvis and to create optimal space within the pelvis for the growing child.

Optimal pelvic alignment may help the baby to be more comfortable, thus reducing pregnancy back pain and strain on the mother.

It is important to remember that in addition to the Webster technique, there are many other ways chiropractors can help.

So, if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, consider an Ottawa chiropractor as part of your prenatal care team.

Next, here are some practical tips that can help pregnancy back pain.

Practical Tips That Can help Pregnancy Back Pain

Pay Attention To Your Posture

Paying attention to your posture will help prevent pregnancy back pain.

To improve your posture, consider these following tips:

• To keep the body aligned, try contracting your abdominal and buttock muscles as often as possible. This exercise will act as a natural corset around your spine and help stabilize the joints naturally. It will reduce strain on the stretched ligaments.
• Also, try to avoid standing for long periods. If you must stand for longer increments of time, rest one foot on a stool to help take the pressure off your low back.
• Pregnancy back belts can also be purchased to help take the strain off your lumbar spine. Since your shoulder will want to roll backwards, keep your chin tucked in so that it is in line with your shoulders.
• Since your centre of gravity will be shifted forward, avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. High heels will push your weight further forward.
• Furthermore, do not cross your legs as it will cause your pelvis to become more off balance.
• A good sleeping position will be on your side with a pillow between your legs. A good sleeping position takes the stress off your low back and will not decrease blood flow to the baby.
• You can also put a pillow under your belly to support the baby and another behind your back.

Incorporate The Right Exercise

When it comes to exercise, you need to find a healthy balance.

• You should be doing regular gentle exercises (3-4 times per week) like walking, swimming, biking, and yoga.
• Avoid intense cardio classes, heavy weight training or cross-fit type programs.

Being fit before you become pregnant will not reduce your risk of back or pelvic pain; however, maintaining fitness and exercising throughout the nine months will reduce your risk of this type of pain from occurring.

Although postural changes occur during pregnancy, do not fear, if you get pregnant, it is essential to remember that you will return to the pre-pregnancy state after the baby is born.

If you are experiencing back pain during pregnancy, conservative care such as spinal manipulation and mobilization from a chiropractor can help.

Many other therapists can help, as well! Massage therapy and acupuncture are great options to help reduce pain and improve function.

Have I missed anything?

Are you going to seek out an Ottawa chiropractor for your pregnancy back pain?

What tip are you going to try first?

Either way, leave a comment below.