by Dr. Deanna Carlisle, Carlisle Chiropractic Melbourne, Florida
One of the most important times for a woman to receive chiropractic care is during her pregnancy.
From the moment of conception, your body goes through a series of changes. Back, pelvic and postural changes can cause unwanted pain and discomfort. Two hormone levels, Relaxin and Progesterone, are very high during pregnancy. While these hormones are absolutely critical for a successful pregnancy, they also can make exercise more difficult. Because the ligaments are looser, pregnant women may be at greater risk for misalignment or fixation of the spine. The good news is, chiropractic can help!
How can chiropractic help?
Your spine is made up of 24 independent vertebrae that enable your body to twist, bend and move. It also helps protect the delicate central nervous system that controls and coordinates every cell, tissue and organ of the body.
Subluxations of the spine, commonly known as joint dysfunctions or misalignments, occur when two or more vertebrae become restricted and interfere with the body’s ability to communicate with itself. Joint dysfunctions during pregnancy can be caused by the changes taking place in your body as it prepares to support you and your new bundle of joy.
Changes such as weight gain in the abdomen, poor posture and rotation of the pelvis force the body to unnaturally adapt to additional stress placed on the spine. These changes negatively affect joint function and nerve communication throughout the body.
Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct joint dysfunctions by applying a gentle, targeted movement to the body’s spinal column and extremities–where and when needed–restoring proper joint function and improving nerve communication throughout the body. This non-invasive technique is commonly known as a chiropractic adjustment.
Chiropractors are highly trained to gently provide adjustments for women who are pregnant. Many chiropractors not only have special techniques to help keep moms safe and comfortable during adjustments, but tools such as pregnancy pillows to help them as well. Pregnant moms who take the time to visit a chiropractor during their pregnancy will find that their overall pregnancy can be more comfortable and enjoyable as they keep their bodies — and their babies — healthy.