Pregnancy and Chiropractic

CHIROPRACTIC TRAINING

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 the pregnancy.

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 and 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 the nerves, causing pain. The sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower spine down the legs, can also be come 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.