Pregnancy is a joyous, miraculous time, but it can be difficult on a woman’s body. Most mothers-to-be experience lower back pain in addition to sciatica and pain in the feet, ankles, knees and other joints. As a chiropractor, Dr. Chris Walker specializes in all-natural pain relief and wellness. Because chiropractic is holistic and uses no medication, pregnancy adjustments are perfectly safe for mother and baby.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes to accommodate the growing baby. As the baby grows, a mother’s center of gravity shifts to the front of her pelvis, putting added stress on the lower back and pelvic joints. The weight gain of pregnancy also causes the curve in the lower back to increase to the point of causing serious impact on the vertebral joints, sacrum and hips.
The nerves that travel to the rest of the body originate in the spine. When the spine is compressed during pregnancy, the nerves become irritated, causing pain. Sciatica is a condition commonly stimulated by pregnancy, involving pain that radiates from the lower back all the way down the legs.
Pregnancy chiropractors such as Dr. Walker provide safe and effective personalized care throughout pregnancy – and after delivery. Dr. Walker will perform a thorough examination to determine the best treatment for each individual. He knows specialized adjustment methods to accommodate mothers-to-be.
Although it is OK for pregnant women to take some pain reducers, pregnancy adjustments could reduce the need for medications. In addition to reducing pain without medication, chiropractic treatments have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which is good for mother and baby.
Follow-up treatments after birth can help re-align mom’s body and speed up the transition to a healthy post-pregnancy body. Birth also is traumatic for the newborn, which is why Dr. Walker performs adjustments on infants and children.
