Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but for over 50% of pregnant women, it also brings significant back pain. Hormonal changes and the physical stress of carrying a growing baby can lead to discomfort that disrupts daily activities.

Treatment Options for Pregnancy Back Pain

Many women facing pregnancy-related back pain weigh their treatment options:

1. Enduring Pain: Some opt to endure the pain, which can severely impact daily life.
2. Over-the-Counter Medications: Others consider over-the-counter pain medications, but these can pose risks to both mother and baby.

3. Chiropractic Care: Increasingly popular among pregnant women, chiropractic care offers a safe and effective alternative. It not only alleviates back pain but also helps prevent it.

Causes of Pregnancy Back Pain

During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous changes:

Weight and Size: The baby’s growth increases both size and weight, shifting the mother’s center of gravity forward. Postural Changes: This shift can create a sway back posture, increasing the normal curve in the lower back (lordosis) and placing pressure on the lower back.

Hormonal Changes: In the third trimester, the release of relaxin hormone relaxes pelvic joints in preparation for childbirth, further impacting posture and potentially causing pain.

Why Avoid Painkillers?

Recent research highlights concerns with painkillers (NSAIDs) during pregnancy:

Fetal Development: NSAIDs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen have been linked to developmental issues in infants, including undescended testicles and possibly contributing to conditions like ADD/ADHD.

Maternal Health: Painkillers can also cause liver toxicity and gastrointestinal complications in pregnant women.

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care offers a drug-free approach to pain relief by correcting spinal misalignments (vertebral subluxations):

Natural Healing: Instead of masking pain, chiropractic adjustments restore the body’s natural healing abilities. Effectiveness: Studies show significant improvement in back pain with chiropractic care, even after just a few sessions.

Labor and Delivery: Beyond pain relief, chiropractic adjustments can ease chronic headaches and potentially make labor and delivery more comfortable.

Chiropractic Techniques for Pregnancy

For breech babies, where the baby is positioned feet-first:

Webster Technique: Dr. Jeffrey Ptak is trained in the Webster technique, a gentle adjustment that aligns pelvic bones and associated muscles. This technique supports optimal positioning for birth without directly manipulating the baby.

Dr. Jeffrey Ptak, with nearly four decades of experience, provides specialized chiropractic care tailored to each stage of pregnancy. Whether early in the first trimester or nearing delivery, his approach ensures comfort and well-being throughout this transformative journey.