Breech Presentation Treatment Options
If you have just been told your baby is in the breech position and you are 34-37 weeks pregnant this article is for you.
What does breech mean? It simply means the baby is not in the correct position to allow a proper birth without complications- head down. During pregnancy the baby is often in a position where the head is up. When delivery draws closer (about 34-37 weeks) the baby should assume the vertex position of head down in preparation for delivery.
Breech birth presentations greatly increase the chance of a C-section birth. According to statistics from 2003, 87.2% of all breech presentations were delivered by Cesarean.
If you have reached this point and your baby is still not head down your physician may suggest a procedure called external cephalic version (ECV) -the doctor attempts to turn the baby while in uterus by pushing on the baby through your abdomen. This procedure involves risk of vaginal bleeding, premature rupture of membranes, fetal distress, and premature labor. When high-risk pregnancies encounter breech presentations often times the ECV is not recommended or even contraindicated (meaning it is not even considered a possibility due to increased risks). If this occurs the most likely response is simply to wait hoping that the baby will turn on its own. Even when the ECV is done it has only seen a 58% success rate. So if you have either tried the ECV unsuccessfully or are unable to try it what can you do besides wait?
Sometimes the best way to find a solution is to evaluate the cause of the problem. Most babies naturally assume the vertex position before labor because their instincts direct them to. So, why hasn’t your baby turned vertex? Is it because your baby is lacking the instincts to do so? Not likely. Something is preventing the baby from following the natural process. The most trusted obstetrics and gynecology text states that the cause for failure to turn over 50% of the time is simply unknown.
Enter the Webster Technique. Larry Webster, DC noticed a correlation between misalignments of the sacral and pelvic bones and abnormal fetal positioning in the late 1970’s. He developed a chiropractic technique focused on restoring movement and alignment in the pelvic region. Following this procedure the babies would regularly turn to the vertex position without additional external influence. His success rate was over 90% within three treatments. This can be explained through simple anatomy.
Ligaments of the Uterus -Uterosacral ligaments behind the uterus, Round ligaments in front and the Broad ligaments on each side- attached it to the pelvis and sacrum. When the hormone Relaxin is released during pregnancy it causes a loosening of soft tissues. The result can involve a shift in the pelvic bones causing misalignment and aberrant motion. Bed rest and improper postures contribute to this by adding additional tension to the pelvic structures. Ligamentous tension then leads to intra-uterine constriction as the uterus is limited. This leads to restriction of the baby and prevents natural healthy movement. Until the restriction can be removed the baby may not be allowed to assume the proper positioning.
The Webster technique uses chiropractic adjustments to realign the sacrum. This promotes proper movement and reduces constriction on the uterus. The baby can now be allowed to move freely and naturally. There are no other external forces applied and it is extremely safe and very comfortable. Additionally, this technique has been shown to have an 85% success rate of reducing breech presentation. Success has occurred with this technique when used as a last option with minimal treatments given, but it is much more successful when a series of treatments over a week of two is allowed. The Webster technique is most successful when begun by the seventh of eighth month of pregnancy.
When considering its success rate and non-invasive nature, this technique ought to be the logical first choice for mothers and birth practitioners who encounter a possible C-section or other complex delivery options due to abnormal presentation. It is also suitable for all pregnancies because of its safe and gentle approach.
Additional benefits from chiropractic care during pregnancy and from decreasing intra-uterine constraint include the following:
- Maximized diameter of the birth canal
- Decreased chances of difficult labor and additional complications during delivery
- Decreased discomfort
- Improve sleep
- Improved biomechanics & gait (walking motion)
Dr. Reynolds is Webster Technique certified and is available to provide care in his Draper, Utah office as well as in the Salt Lake Prenatal Massage clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Reynolds call 801-810-4144. Dr. Reynolds is also offering a 10 minute consultation at no charge to answer any questions you may have about the Webster technique or about chiropractic in general.
Referred Pain
Referred pain is when pain is felt in a different place in the body then where the source of the pain is located. This is very common with the shoulder and neck. A muscle trigger point in a rotator cuff muscle can elicit pain into the forearm and hand. Neck problems can present as pain in the shoulder or arm. Ankle pain may be resulting from a low back issue. The best way to isolate and diagnose the problem is through a physical examination and history. The cause of such pain can be from muscle trigger point (AKA muscle knots), pain from nerve involvement, or pain resulting from other tissue conditions such as adhesions.
Headaches are another good example of this. Some headaches are actually a result of bad posture, causing certain muscles to become overworked and begin to present as headaches. A very common presentation of this is a headache that begins in the base of the skull and starts to creep up the back of the skull to the top of the head. The usual suspects include the suboccipital muscles and have that before mentioned pain referral pattern.
What are the alternatives to seeking chiropractic help? Here are a few options (and explanations why they are less than ideal).
“If I wait long enough maybe it will just go away”
-Pain is an indicator from your body that there is something wrong or out of balance. By ignoring it the condition often worsens. Even if the pain goes away the cause remains. Yes, sometimes pain can be temporary and harmless, but that occurs far less frequently than commonly thought. It’s best to identify the cause before the results have a chance to become devastating.
“I can just take some ibuprofen”
-The holistic response to this is “your pain is NOT an ibuprofen deficiency.” Can over the counter medications be useful? Absolutely. But remember that they should only be used as a functional ‘band aid’ to allow the person to function. They are never the long term solution to bodily pain. My recommendation to patients is to use them only if you are not able to stay active and only for a short period of time.
“I just need to exercise more or get in better shape”
-Physical activity is a fantastic way to help the body heal itself and maintain its own optimal function. There is more to the story here, though. Most people do not perform exercises to perfection. By performing an exercise short of perfection there is an increased chance of injury during and after the exercise. Proper stretching and warmup and are essential for the body to avoid trauma to muscles, joints and ligaments.
So, what should you do if you’re experiencing pain in the shoulder, head, arms, or legs to which you can’t figure out the cause? Contact our office in Draper or in Salt Lake and schedule an appointment for a physical examination and treatment. 801-810-4144.
Back pain during pregnancy
One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back pain. I often hear pregnant women say “my back hurts, but I guess that just comes with the territory, right?” Wrong. It doesn’t have to be that way. Studies have shown that around 85% of pregnant women experience back pain, but less than half of those seek care or treatment. There could be many reasons why, but it is clear to me that most simply don’t know that there is treatment available.
In my professional experience women who seek chiropractic care to manage low back pain and other complaints are happier with their pregnancy, better understand the changes occuring in the body, and feel more in control of what is happening with their body. Studies also support this showing that 84% of pregnant women who utilize chiropractic care report relief from back pain. Those patients who receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy (at least once a month) report back to me that their labor and delivery seemed uncomplicated and “easier” than they expected- even when it’s not their first experience. Additional reports show that women sho seek chiropractic care during pregnancy experience 24%-40% shorter labor and delivery times.
Back pain during pregnancy is generally caused by the loosening of ligaments in the sacroiliac (SI) joint. This type of low back pain can be easily identified. Here are some identifying questions:
• Is the pain very local and specific?
• Does it seem as though you can put the finger right on the pain?
• Is the pain located on either side of your spine right around your belt line?
• Is the pain mostly achy, but occasionally sharp?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then this is most likely SI pain. If the source of your pain isn’t the SI joint we can still help. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a fantastic way to help alleviate the pain, avoid the recurrence of the pain, and promote healthy biomechanics (body motion) throughout maternity and into labor and delivery.
Prenatal chiropractic care is different than most other types. The pregnant women’s body must be treated more gently. The Webster technique is a specialized protocol to be used for pregnancy. When looking for a chiropractor during pregnancy you should ask if they are familiar with this technique and if they are certified to perform it. Whenever possible seek a chiropractic that is certified and proficient in the technique. Basic chiropractic care and techniques can help, but there is additional value in the Webster technique. Dr. Reynolds has been certified and is proficient in the Webster technique. He is also available at two different locations within the salt lake valley- Salt Lake City and Draper, Utah.
Who’s in charge of YOUR health??
With all the buzz about health care in politics I thought I should address an issue that has been on my mind lately. I will do my best to avoid any political discussion as this website is meant to promote health and wellness and not to discuss political philosophy. As I have seen new patients recently I have been reminded that most of the progression made during a treatment plan is related to the minor changes and corrections made in the patient’s habits or lifestyle. Which brings me to an important fact of life- you are ultimately responsible for yourself and your decision. Others can influence you, but you always have a choice.
When I ask ‘who’s in charge of your health?’ I am not asking who pays for your healthcare or even which physician do you trust to handle your medical information and prescriptions. The answer isn’t your physician. Nor is it your insurance company. They can have quite a bit of influence on your healthCARE, but ultimately your health is the responsibility of one person…YOU. You are the one who makes decisions about your health. So…
- What do you consume?
- How do you exercise?
- How do you handle your personal hygiene?
- How are your sleeping habits?
- Do you chose to take supplements or vitamins, or accept medications or pharmaceuticals?
- How do you chose to spend your free time?
- What are your personal interactions with other like?
- How do you spend your alone time?
All these decisions are yours. These questions relate to your health, be it mental, physical, or other. Each of these categories can have varying degrees of influences, but the decision is still yours.
It’s time to be accountable to ourselves. Listen to your body and educate yourself about your health. Work to improve your diet by making better choices each week. This doesn’t mean you have to change drastically now, but do change. At least slowly. I have a belief that the best physician for your own health is you. You know your body. You know what your feeling. That’s why the best physician is one who asks many questions and listen very closely to the answers.
My job as a chiropractic physician is to identify the cause and suggest the solutions to overcome or eliminate the complaint. I offer education and treatment, but there is always a level of home care involved. This is because your health is determined by YOU.
If you are interesting in taking charge of your health or if you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member please contact our office today and schedule a consultation. We do not charge for this service. 801-810-4144.
Family Chiropractic & Wellness
We are focused on providing gentle, professional, high quality chiropractic care to the entire family at an affordable rate. Our offices are located in Draper, Utah and Salt Lake City, Utah .
We can be reached at 801-810-4144.
We serve the following areas:
- Draper, Utah
- Sandy, Utah
- Bluffdale, Utah
- Riverton, Utah
- Lehi, Utah
- American Fork, Utah
- South Jordan, Utah
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Holladay, Utah
- Midvale, Utah
- Murray, Utah
- Taylorsville, Utah
- West Jordan, Utah
- North Salt Lake, Utah
- West Valley City, Utah
- Saratoga Spring, Utah
Upper Back Pain & Posture
Low back pain is one of the most common health complaints. What most people are coming to realize is that upper back muscle pain may be the fastest growing complaint today. Why? Today’s society has become much more sedentary and technology- oriented. This means that we are no longer in the habit of being physically active throughout the day. The way we communicate, enjoy entertainment, work, and basically life is through the use of technology and computers. What does that have to do with our health? It all relates to our posture. How we position our bodies while we are engaged in our activities or work and pleasure can and will determine our overall posture and appearance, not to mention the type and intensity of pain experienced.
I see people every week who come into my office who say, “Can you do anything for this pain between my shoulder blades?” The answer is “Sure, but the most effective way to get rid of pain and stay out of pain is to correct your posture.” The next set of questions I hear are, “well, how can I do that? Isn’t that difficult to do? And, can’t you correct it for me?” The truth is that chiropractors will help resolve the joint issues that results from bad posture and are an excellent resource for identifying the underlying cause, but the problem is long-term improper posture. Most people don’t even know that issues until their upper back is examined. What most people don’t realize is that the body has a balance between the muscles of the neck, the shoulder, and the upper back. The most common upper back muscle that is involved in upper back problems is the levator scapulae. This muscle originates at the shoulder blade (scapula) and inserts into the upper cervical vertebra and base of skull. As such, it can also be the source of headaches.
So, what can be done to resolve these issues? Correct your posture! How? Begin by being aware of how you sit and stand during long periods of time. Having a physical examination is essential to identifying exactly where weaknesses may be- left or right, lower of upper right quadrant pain, etc . Performing the proper upper back pain exercises is central to improvement and strengthening weak muscles and stretching shortened muscle is key to recovery. These exercises are simple and can make a huge difference in the decrease or elimination of back pain. General physical activity is a great source for postural improvement and in some cases may be more effective in improving posture. This is due to the use of entire muscles groups.
In summary- if you have upper back pain get it checked out. The solution may be as simple as receiving chiropractic adjustments, lightly modifying your standing or seated posture, and becoming more active. Sometimes we just don’t realize how much better we can feel until we try
Webster Technique
Dr. Reynolds has been certified to practice the Webster Technique. This technique is specifically designed for the treatment of pregnant women. It has been proven safe and is gentle. The Webster technique is based upon removing tension and torsion from within the pelvis including its bony structures, ligaments, and muscles thereby reducing strain on the fetus and providing the expecting mother relief from low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Although Webster technique does not claim to treat breech births it has been shown to be approximately 85% successful in helping to prevent breech birth presentations by reducing intrauterine constraint. This is accomplished by correcting sacral misalignment and promoting proper biomechnics within the pelvis. When this is accomplished the ligaments, muscles, and bony structures are allowed to function without undue tension thereby allowing for proper fetal movement. It has also been helpful in reducing other complications during labor and delivery and helping to make that process go more smoothly and naturally. In addition, Dr. Reynolds is proficient in the use of other various techniques to provide all necessary therapies to assist expecting mothers during maternity and throughout motherhood.
Dr. Reynolds is offering complimentary consultations to any who are interested in how the Webster Technique can improve your wellness and the well-being of your baby throughout pregnancy and during labor and delivery. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule an appointment.
For additional information of the Webster Technique and its origin please visit www.icpa4kids.com.
Morning Back Pain??
The alarm goes off. It’s time to begin the long process of what we might call “waking up.” You roll to the edge of the bed. And that’s where you get the striking reminder: MORNING BACK PAIN!! “Why, oh, why does my back hurt so badly in the morning?” you ask yourself. What type of lower back pain therapy should I seek out? What about my mid back pain? What about back pain surgery, am I a candidate? It’s time to figure this whole thing out.
There are many questions to ask that can help to identify the exact reason your back is giving you problems in the morning. The best way to negotiate through the answers is to speak to a healthcare provider; chiropractors are excellent in this aspect. Chiropractic physicians are experts at asking the right questions and deciphering where the answer should direct the additional questioning. Some common questions would be: Where exactly is the pain? Describe the pain? When is the pain the worst? What makes the pain worse or better? Does activity make it worse or better? Does this low morning back pain travel up the spine and causing mid back pain or severe upper back pain? For the sake of this article we will focus on morning back pain that begins to lessen during the day.
Most often the morning low back pain can be attributed to improper or unhealthy lifestyle habits such as a poorly supporting mattress or overuse of the low back from the previous day. If the lumbar spine has been allowed to degenerate, then morning low back pain is almost certain. One of the more serious concerns with morning low back pain is the possibility of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). This is a genetically linked auto-immune disease using presenting in middle-aged young men with sever low back stiffness in the morning. The morning low back is usually relieved with activity and anti-inflammatory medications.
The best way to decrease low morning back pain is to improve posture and biomechanics. This means one should optimize how they are using their low back, be conscious of injury prevention, and consistent be in contact with a healthcare professional for any changes to optimal low back wellness. Chiropractic manipulation is a wonderful lower back pain therapy that allows the spine to maintain its proper motion, thereby diminishing the chances of degeneration. The least healthy thing for a joint is to stop moving. This is when degeneration occurs. With chiropractic adjustment the body can maintain movement at each segment and allow for the spine to withstand everyday life without serious repercussions.
Now, let’s talk about what exactly can be done at home to help decrease, eliminate, or avoid altogether morning low back pain. Proper stretching before and after activity throughout the day can help lower pain levels. Avoiding poor posture situations, such as super soft couches or chairs, slumped posture, leg crossing, or hip sinking can also help to eliminate morning back pain and promote healthy functions. Proper physical activity is another great way of helping low back pain to decrease. Help the muscles maintain their proper tone by exercising them at a moderately intense activity. Muscle pain is one of the most common sources of back pain.
Sleeping position is vital to avoiding morning back pain, especially if the spine is already unhealthy. A healthy spine can endure a lot, but an unhealthy spine cannot. Side-posture or supine (lying on back face up) positioning are the two best ways to avoid back pain. Also using a pillow under the knees or between the knees (if on your side) is also helpful to reduce strain on the back while sleeping. One common rule for mattresses: if the back is unhealthy then the softer the mattress the worse the pain.
Always remember, when it comes to morning back pain it is easier to fix the problem quickly and with less strain on financial resources when it is taken care of early. If you have back pain please contact your local healthcare provider. The above advice and information is in no way meant to supersede the proper evaluation and guidance from a licensed healthcare provider.
