Living with Pregnancy-Related Pain?
Take the first step toward relief.
Overview
Nearly 30% of pregnant women experience musculoskeletal pain caused by changes to the way they move and carry weight, and by hormonal changes which affect muscles, joints and ligaments.
Did you know? Nearly 30% of pregnant women experience musculoskeletal pain
Common Symptoms of Pregnancy-Related Pain
While pregnancy can cause varying degrees (and varieties) of discomfort, musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy typically presents as:
- Sciatic nerve pain (sciatica)
- Pain in the low back or pelvis (often referred to as Pelvic Girdle Pain or PGP)
- Hip pain
- Neck pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Foot pain, including Plantar Fasciitis
- Knee pain
Is Your Pain Chronic Pain?
Doctors categorize pain in these three ways:
- Acute pain: this is pain which comes on suddenly and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks
- Subacute pain: this type of pain can appear suddenly or over time, and typically lasts 4 to 12 weeks (about 3 months)
- Chronic pain may come on quickly or slowly, lasts longer than 12-weeks, and occurs daily – to the point of disrupting your life
Your chiropractor can identify the source of your pain to determine whether it’s directly related to your pregnancy, or whether there is an underlying condition contributing to your symptoms. Chiropractic care is effective for treating pain at all stages – acute, subacute, and even chronic pain.
Common Causes
Common Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body releases the hormone Relaxin to relax your joints and ligaments to ease labor and delivery. But if those ligaments loosen up too much, they can become unstable and painful.
Carrying an extra 25-30+ pounds in a body that’s rapidly changing can cause:
- Protruding and weakened abdomen muscles and/or an accentuated lower back curve which can contribute to back pain and sciatica
- Pelvic misalignments, leading to hip pain
- Postural adaptation that distributes your weight unevenly, which can cause neck, hip, and back pain
- Pressure on the median nerve, leading to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Over-pronation (flat feet) and edema (swelling of feet), as well as natural weight gain which puts added pressure on the knees and ankles, which can lead to heel pain, arch pain, and ball-of-foot pain
- Fluid retention, which can compress soft tissues, increasing risk of musculoskeletal pain conditions
Risk Factors
Common Risk Factors for Pain During Pregnancy
While many of the physical changes synonymous with pregnancy are unavoidable, there are several factors that can put you at increased risk for experiencing musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy, including:
Extended sitting or standing – especially without proper support
Lack of activity, which can weaken muscles and limit mobility
Poor posture (slouching or hunching, holding yourself in improper posture while carrying out tasks)
Excess weight gain
Previous history of back pain or musculoskeletal trauma
A physically strenuous job or repetitive activities that stress the body
When to Seek Treatment
When to Seek Treatment for Pregnancy Pain
While we believe all pain should be evaluated, pain during pregnancy that checks these boxes could be serious. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms as they could indicate preeclampsia, a blood clot, or other serious disorders related to pregnancy:
- Severe headaches, or a headache that doesn’t respond to medication
- Chest pain, including pain that radiates into the shoulder
- Severe or rapidly appearing edema (swelling)
- Blurred vision
- Severe or recurrent leg pain
At Chiro One, we don’t believe anyone should have to live with pain. If musculoskeletal pain is disrupting your pregnancy, chiropractic care from Chiro One can help. Unless you have vaginal bleeding, preeclampsia, or are at risk of premature labor, the American Pregnancy Association recommends chiropractic care for pregnancy to help maintain prenatal wellness. Learn more about how we diagnose pain, and what to expect at your first chiropractic appointments.
Tips for Preventing Pain in Pregnancy
Regular exercise can help prevent aches and pains by strengthening and stretching your muscles.
Try to avoid staying in one position for too long. Elevate your feet when sitting and try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees.
Try a lumbar pillow or maternity belt to prevent or relieve back pain. Supportive, low-heeled shoes and support or compression hose can also prevent pain.
Massage can be a great way to relieve tense, painful muscles. It is especially effective when paired with chiropractic care.
Electrolytes (found in sports drinks) can reduce cramping and pain, as can calcium and magnesium found in leafy green vegetables and prenatal vitamins.
“I am so grateful that I chose Chiro One to help relieve my symptoms during my pregnancy and postpartum! Before coming here, I was in so much pain due to sciatica.”
– Peggy W.
Find Relief with Help from Chiro One
Chiro One’s gentle chiropractic care delivers strong patient outcomes with exceptional levels of patient satisfaction. Here’s how Chiro One’s non-surgical, drug-free approach effectively treats the leading causes of pregnancy-related pain:
Thorough Upfront Evaluations
To assess your physical health, understand your daily routine and goals
Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments
To relieve pain and improve joint mobility and function
In-Clinic Therapies
To help you build strength, improve your range of motion, flexibility and balance, anddevelop muscle memory for longer lasting results
Get Started with our $20 New Patient Offer
Take the first step toward relief.
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Pregnancy Pain & Chiropractic Care
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