Pregnancy often raises questions about the safety of common activities. Exercises, medications, and foods that usually give little concern suddenly become a question of safety for baby and mother.  While many people enjoy chiropractic treatment for a variety of nerve, muscle, and joint pain problems because of its effectiveness and safety, new mothers often have a lot of questions. Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy? Not only is chiropractic treatment safe during pregnancy, but chiropractic care has unique benefits for a pregnant mother. 

THERE’S A MAJOR NEED FOR NON-DRUG SPINE CARE DURING PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, hormonal and bio-mechanical changes have large effects on the musculoskeletal system. Low back pain, pelvic pain, and pain between the shoulder blades are common at various times through pregnancy.

• 20% of those with pregnancy related back pain suffer from severe pain that results in major personal, social, or economic ramifications.
• 40% of patients report continued pain 18 months after delivery.
• 19% of women with pain during their first pregnancy report avoiding future pregnancies because of fear about returning pain.

A randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a combination of chiropractic therapy, prescribed exercise, and patient education reduces pregnancy related low back and pelvic pain better than standard obstetrical care alone. Additionally those receiving chiropractic therapy reported less trouble sleeping at 33wks of pregnancy.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE IS A SAFE, EFFECTIVE, AND DRUG-FREE SOLUTION DURING PREGNANCY

At Cole Pain Therapy Groups, every plan for treatment is customized to your specific needs. Manual chiropractic treatments and prescribed exercises are effective and remarkably safe. One manual treatment may look and feel very different from the next, and this all depends on the problem and how best to ensure your comfort. It is important that you discuss any concerns that you have with your chiropractic physician. Only when you have a clear understanding of what causes the pain and how to address it, can you fully participate in the recommended plan of care.

1: Norén L, Ostgaard S, Johansson G, Ostgaard HC. Lumbar back and posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy: a 3-year follow-up. Eur Spine J. 2002 Jun;11(3):267-71. Epub 2001 Dec 8.

1: George JW, Skaggs CD, Thompson PA, Nelson DM, Gavard JA, Gross GA. A randomized controlled trial comparing a multimodal intervention and standard obstetrics care for low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Apr;208(4):295.e1-7