Pregnancy & Pediatric Conditions

Chiropractic care is a vital aspect of prenatal and postpartum support, helping mothers manage the physical stresses of an ever-changing body during pregnancy. As women experience significant neuromuscular and biochemical changes, they may encounter discomfort due to factors such as the release of the hormone relaxin, which causes muscle and ligament relaxation, increased weight gain, and altered spinal curvature. These changes can lead to misalignments in the spine and pelvis, resulting in pain and restricted mobility.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic adjustments offer a gentle, safe, and non-invasive approach to alleviating the discomfort associated with these changes. Key benefits include:

  • Gentle Spinal Adjustive Procedures: Tailored for pregnant women, these adjustments help maintain spinal alignment, reduce muscle tension, and support optimal biomechanical function, alleviating pain and discomfort.
  • Therapeutic Exercises and Stretches: Safe for use during pregnancy, these exercises help keep spinal muscles strong and balanced, enabling mothers to maintain proper posture and remain active.
  • Soft Tissue Work: Techniques such as massage and soft tissue mobilization keep muscles relaxed and flexible, reducing muscle aches and minimizing spinal stress.
  • Dietary and Nutritional Counseling: Tailored advice can help prevent complications, maintain energy levels, and support the health of both mother and baby during stressful periods.

Scientific studies underscore the effectiveness of chiropractic care for pregnant women. For instance, research has shown that 70% of women reported relief from low back pain following spinal manipulation, highlighting the treatment’s ability to address sacroiliac joint dysfunction common during pregnancy. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments have been associated with a significant reduction in average labor times, suggesting that consistent care can enhance the birthing process.

We are often asked if Chiropractic Care is Safe During Pregnancy?  The answer is unequivocally Yes, chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe for both mother and fetus. Spinal adjustments are especially gentle, requiring less force due to increased muscle and ligamentous relaxation. Special positions are used to ensure comfort and safety for both mom and fetus.

Once a pregnant woman knows Chiropractic is safe, her next question is how often should she receive chiropractic care during her pregnancy. The frequency of care varies depending on individual needs and circumstances. Typically, regular care during a non-complicated pregnancy may range from once per week to once per month.

In conclusion, regular chiropractic care is essential for managing the physical challenges of pregnancy, ensuring that mothers feel their best while supporting their health and the health of their baby, and at Hope Chiropractic we take excellent care of our moms during and after their pregnancy.

References:

  1. Bery G, Hammar M, Moller-Nielsen J et al. “Low Back Pain During Pregnancy.” Obstetrics and Gynecology, 72:71-75, 1988.
  2. Fallon J. “Chiropractic and Pregnancy.” International Chiropractic Association, 1994 – Arlington, Virginia.
  3. American Chiropractic Association – Benefits of Chiropractic Care.

Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is essential for children, as their spines are subject to various stresses from birth through adolescence. The birthing process, while a natural event, can exert excessive forces on an infant’s spine, particularly in the cervical area. This can lead to injuries that may not become apparent until later in life. As children grow, their spines develop rapidly, and the minor falls and collisions they experience while learning to crawl and walk can compound these early injuries. As they progress through childhood and into adolescence, these physical traumas may increase in frequency and severity, particularly for active and athletic youngsters.

The Importance of Regular Spinal Checkups

Given the physical demands and potential injuries associated with a child’s growth, regular chiropractic care is crucial. Many experts argue that spinal care for children is even more essential than for adults due to their unique developmental challenges. As children navigate their environment, the potential for injury increases, making it vital for parents to ensure their child’s spine is functioning optimally.

Having your child’s spine checked for problems is important—perhaps even more so than routine dental checkups for cavities. While we don’t aim to alarm parents, it’s our responsibility to emphasize the value of proper spinal care. Regular chiropractic evaluations can help identify and address issues before they lead to more serious concerns.

Danish researchers have determined that a staggering 70% of 8-16 year olds suffer from one or more pains in the spine and/or extremities lasting at least one week.  This data was collected over three school years. Now that children are getting back to learning and many are doing so remotely due to Covid, these musculoskeletal pains are likely to be even more prominent.  Extended sitting, increased electronics use, and a reduction in physical activity levels is sure to increase the already high degree of schoolchildren’s musculoskeletal pains.  Encourage your children to take frequency breaks from extended sitting positions, every 20-30 minutes.  Ensure they’re participating in daily physical activity whenever possible.  Limit the use of electronics.  And, if your child does suffer from musculoskeletal pain – in the neck, back or extremities – be sure to seek immediate help.  Chiropractic care is not only effective in adults suffering from musculoskeletal pain, it is similarly effective for all ages, including children and teenagers.  Please don’t let your young ones suffer, we can help!

References:

  1. K. G. West. “Chiropractic and Children.” Chiropractic Research Journal, 2005.
  2. Haldeman, S. “Chiropractic Care for Children.” Pediatric Clinics of North America, 2008.
  3. American Chiropractic Association. “Chiropractic Care for Infants and Children.”
  4. Author: ChiroPlanet.com, Source: Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, August 4, 2020.