Posture During Pregnancy
There is little information published that can help pregnant women to understand more fully what proper posture is during pregnancy. Is it best to remain seated? Should comfort be the ultimate goal? Do I have to endure low back or midback pain? Am I going to have to endure poor sleep throughout pregnancy? We have answers and hope for all these questions.
Seated, standing, and lying down each have recommended postures or positioning that can help decrease pain and allow the body to function optimally.
- Seated: avoid maintaining a semi-sit position (leaning back or slouching) in a chair or soft seat. For some, if this position is frequented it may actually be the cause of low back pain or even a complicating factor with improper fetal position (breech). When sitting this way the sacrum – the portion of the pelvis in the posterior- is pressed or jammed and results in increased stress on the SI joint. This joint is the common offender for pregnancy back pain. Instead find a chair or seat that gives strong support of the back and encourages proper posture in the lumbar region.
- Standing: the position to avoid here is ‘hip sinking.’ This is the common position assumed when standing for any extended period of time. It is best described as leaning to one side with the hips allowing the pelvis to tilt sideways. This is another major culprit of low back pain. Try to maintain even weight from side to side. If this is difficult continue to move around by walking.
- Laying Down: Because the time spent on the back during pregnancy must be limited the recommendation is to lay on the side. To avoid any rotation in the lumbar spine or pelvis a firm pillow placed between the legs is needed. This will along the spine and pelvis to maintain structural integrity while decreasing stress on the joints. Finally, it is best to avoid any maintained posture whenever possible. Do not sit for longer than 20-30 minutes. Try not to stand for any longer than 30 minutes either. The best solution for this- walking. Mild, relaxing motion will help to balance the muscles and keep structure optimal. Avoid climbing stairs too often as this will increased strain on the SI joint.
If you are experiencing pain during your pregnancy please know that there are options for you. Receiving chiropractic care from a pregnancy certified physician during pregnancy is safe, gentle, and effective and can provide you with additional resources that birthing professionals don’t often provide. Also, there are additional benefits to receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy outside of simple pain relief- including improved sleep, improved mobility, and decreased labor and delivery times. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reynolds.
Back Pain In Early Pregnancy
One of the most common complaints we hear is back pain in early pregnancy. This can occur in patients who are pregnant for the first time or in women who have had one or more previous pregnancies. For those who have been through pregnancy before this pain is usually not new their first bout with this complaint, but that is not always the case. Either way there is a treatment available which can help to manage the pain or even completely resolve the issue altogether.
When looking for the source of back pain it is important to understand the many changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. Hormones have an enormous impact on the entire system. The one that is most influential with back pain is Relaxin. As you may have guessed, this hormones effect is to loosen the ligaments of the body, particularly in the pelvis, to prepare for labor and delivery. As a result, those joints that depend heavily on the ligaments may be weakened and more susceptible to biomechanical or physical stresses.
The most common place for this to express itself is the sacroiliac or SI joint. This joint is found at about the waist line on the back and includes two bony landmarks that can readily be felt on either side of the spine. If you have experienced back pain in early pregnancy and have been able to point directly to one of these two points it is highly likely that you have SI pain. There exist a few popular habits that can contribute to the dysfunction of this joint after relaxin has begun to take effect. All of the following may be habits that seem inconsequential and never have resulted in back pain previously, but remember that the joint is now loosened and preparing for labor and delivery making it less capable of enduring any moderate stressers.
- Leg crossing while seated
- Hip sinking (leaning toward one side while standing- usually seen in mothers carrying children)
- Sitting cross-legged on a flat or soft surface
- Driving a large vehicle in which one leg is constantly being lifted or overused.
So how can we help? Chiropractic has been successful for many years at helping to identify and correct imbalances and stresses on the body. More specifically, our office is certified in the Webster Technique- a technique created specifically for the treatment and management of pregnant women. Here we focus on the entire pelvis, including the sacrum (part of the SI joint) and associated ligaments, in a effort to restore balance, decreased tension and stress, and allow for proper motion.
We have seen fantastic success in helping pregnant women reduce or eliminate low back pain in early, middle, or even late pregnancy. The result of such sucess means that these women see a significant increase in mobility, improved sleep quality and quantity, and enjoy shorter labor and delivery times. In short, they are able to enjoy their pregnancy and can continue to function throughout pregnancy. Let’s face it, life doesn’t slow down or get easier when you become pregnant. Our goal is to help you stay happy and healthy. When you can stay active most of the concerns that can occur during pregnancy can be resolved.
If you are experiecing back pain in early pregnancy contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Reynolds to begin finding relief from your discomfort. We also have no charge consultations to help answer your questions. We have two locations in Salt lake City, Utah and Draper, Utah. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction- SPD
“I feel like my body is going to split in two. The pain is almost unbearable. I don’t even want to move.” This is a common expression of a pregnant woman who is experiencing SPD or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.
SPD is where the joint of the anterior (or front) of the pelvis isn’t functioning properly. This can occur during pregnancy when the hormone relaxin has taken effect loosening the ligaments of the pelvis to allow for labor and delivery. As the joint loses the support of the ligaments it begins to be susceptible to aberrant motion or painful separation at the joint. When there is misalignment pain occurs and loss of function soon follows. After this pain begins it is difficult to perform such simple tasks as getting in or out of a car or standing up. In fact, any movement might prove painful and difficult.
So how can chiropractic help with SPD? We are Neuromusculoskeletal specialists; we work with the nerves, muscles, and joints. We can help to position the joint correctly and allow for proper movement. By adjusting the joint proper function returns and muscles tone is stimulated via the nervous system. The best way to help reduce the chance of malposition or dysfunction returning is to strengthen the muscles of that region, specifically the leg adductors- those that bring the legs together. These muscles are located on the medial (inner) side of each leg and attach to the pubic rami very close to the pubic symphysis joint. We provide our patients with certain simple exercises that help reduce their pain and allow them to return to normal function. By strengthening this joint and having the joint in proper position most of the discomfort can be avoid or alleviated. It is essential to find a chiropractor who is experienced in pregnancy care, not just one who utilizes the same technique and approach during pregnancy as with any other patient.
Additional benefits of receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy include:
- Pain relief
- Increased mobility
- Improved sleep
- Optimal positioning of fetus
- Shorter labor and delivery time
There are other therapies that can prove very useful during pregnancy. Massage therapy is a great way to help the muscles to stay balanced. We recommend Salt Lake Prenatal Massage to our patients. It is a fantastic clinic and can provide experienced pregnancy massage therapy that is unparalleled.
If you are suffering (and we do mean suffering) from SPD please contact us today to schedule an appointment. We would love to help you get back to normal function. 801-810-4144. We have offices in Draper, Utah and Provo, Utah.
Pregnancy Chiropractic Statistics
There are limited resources for accessing information and statistics about chiropractic care during pregnancy. Our patients have reported wonderful results regarding chiropractic care during pregnancy, but few publications have research the matter. In an effort to consolidate information and identify thebenefits of receiving chiropractic care during and throughout pregnancy we have compiled statistical information here. Please note this information is gathered from many sources with varying degrees of credibility from scientific reviews to survey reports. Please contact our office with questions regarding specific resources.
Back pain during pregnancy
- 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during pregnancy
- 50-75% of women experience back pain during labot and delivery
- 21% of pregnancy women seek medical consultation regarding nack pain
Success rate of chiropractic care during pregnancy
- 75%-84% of women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy report relief of back pain
- Substantial relief from back pain is experienced with an average of 1.8 chiropractic treatments.
Benefits of chiropractic care with regards to labor and delivery
- Women who seek chiropractic care during pregnancy report a 24% shorter labor and delivery time than those who don’t seek care
- Women who seek chiropractic care while pregnant with multiple babies first report a 31-39% shorter labor and delivery time
- Breech presentations are reduced using the chiropractic Webster Technique with a success rate of 84%-92%
Postpartum care
- It takes approximately 8 weeks for pelvic and uterine ligaments to return to normal after labor and delivery.
There are many ways to interpret the above information. What is generally clear throughout the research and data is that chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and gentle. It is also considered successful and effective treatment for a variety of issues experienced during pregnancy.
Please contact our office to schedule a no charge consultation to answer any further questions you may have about receiving chiropractic care during your pregnancy. 801-810-4144. Please remember that we also have 2 offices to serve your needs- Salt Lake City, Utah and Draper, Utah.
How Many Visits?
Who hasn’t heard the myth that once you see a chiropractor you’ll have to keep going back for the rest of your life.
Most chiropractic patients arrive at their doctor’s office with months or years of problems. They are in pain and just want to get relief. Most often it hasn’t dawned on them that their condition is a result of months or years of habits, behaviors, and stress that have allowed pain to result. This can even be true when the source of the pain is an acute injury.
Chiropractic is a unique profession. Our philosophies and protocols differ from the traditional allopathic approach. We do not proclaim that all your problems can be cured with a magic little pill. We do not suggest that we go ahead and open you up to see if there is something we can find wrong with you. We much prefer to help you make small changes to lifestyle, posture, or biomechanics that can help result is significant changes.
When determining how many visits or treatments one might need there needs to be an understanding about expected outcomes. Which of the following is your purpose for treatment?
- I want to find out if this pain is serious
- I want pain relief only
- I want to do something I currently am unable to do because of pain/discomfort (i.e. play with kids, golf, ski, sleep)
- I want to be healthy & well
- I want to stay healthy & well
Those who are seeking to be healthy and well and to stay that way will find that chiropractic can be a fantastic source for assistance towards that goal and may seek care throughout their life. Those who simply want pain relief may simply choose to be treated a handful of times. The key here is that the patient determines what their purpose for treatment is.
So, how many visits do you need? You decide. But first, come see how we can help you.
We have offices in Draper, Utah and Salt Lake City, Utah. Call 801-810-4144 to schedule.
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.
Pregnancy Chiropractic FAQ’s
Q: Is Chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
A: There are adaptations that need to be made when providing care during pregnancy. We are certified and proficient in the Webster Technique- a technique that was specifically created for use during pregnancy. We utilize additional techniques that have been proven safe and effective to help address other issues during pregnancy.
Q: Will my insurance cover chiropractic care during pregnancy?
A: Many health insurance companies do cover chiropractic care during pregnancy. We accept most insurance plans. Please contact us or your insurance company if you have any questions.
Q: How often do I need to be treated?
A: Frequency of care is different for each patient. Most commonly, when providing care throughout pregnancy, is one visit per week during the first trimester, one visit every two weeks during the second trimester, and back to one visit per week for the final trimester until delivery.
Q: Do I need chiropractic care during my pregnancy?
A: The most common pregnancy complaints that chiropractic care can help with are low back pain, mid back pain, lower abdominal pain, and leg pain. We are also very successful at helping to reduce breech birth presentations.
Q: What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
A: Along with decreased pain or discomfort we can assist in decreasing tension and torsion in the pelvis. Other commonly reported benefits include enhanced muscle tone and improved biomechanics throughout pregnancy and into labor and delivery. Women who receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy often report less complications during labor and delivery. Chiropractic care can also help to keep the patient calm, relaxed, and happy.
Call 801-810-4144 to schedule a free consultation or to make an appointment
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.
Provo Office
Dr. Reynolds has begun seeing patients at Align Rehab in Provo, Utah. Call 801-235-9944 to schedule an appointment with him there.
PREGNANCY presentation
Wednesday, July 7th 6-7pm
Held at Rock Creek Pizza:
1300 West 12600 South (NE Corner), Riverton, Utah
Presented By:
Family Chiropractic & Wellness
Dr G. Shaun Reynolds
Topics include:
Solutions for common pregnancy complaints, chiropractic pregnancy care, nutrition throughout pregnancy, emotional wellness during and after pregnancy, and discounts for expectant mothers.
2-for-1 pizza & salad buffet discount for those who bring a pregnant guest. (~$8 per adult)
**Dinner purchase not required for presentation**
