Pregnancy is a roller coaster of a ride both emotionally and physically. A pregnancy term ranges between 38-40 weeks, which is a long time to be on a roller coaster!
But it doesn’t have to be a scary and painful ride. As a sports chiropractor with a particular interest in women’s health I have jotted down 4 key ways we can combat some of the most common problems my pregnant patients often waddle in with.
It is important to grasp an understanding of the pregnant body so that you can adapt and support its changing state. You don’t have to ride this roller coaster on your own! So without further ado, lets dive in to the 3 most common problems that plague our pregnant super mums!
3 Most Common Pregnancy Pains
Lower Back Pain
This is by far one the top nuisances during pregnancy. Roughly 50-70% of mothers will experience lower back pain during their pregnancy. With a growing belly your abdominal muscles stretch, your centre of gravity changes, so too does the position of your pelvis. This often leads to pain caused by overloading the joints, ligaments and muscles in your lower back.
Pelvic Girdle Pain
This refers to pain at the back of your hips that can radiate into either the front or back of your thighs. Just like lower back pain, PGP is often caused by overloading the hip joints, ligaments and muscles. A common cause can be uneven weight bearing when standing this can include leaning on one leg when standing or when putting your clothes on.
Shoulder and Neck Stiffness and Pain
Your belly isn’t the only part of your body that grows during pregnancy. Your breast tissue will also increase in size. This rapid change over a short period of time can increase the postural load and strain on both the shoulders and neck. This strain often results in muscle tightness, neck pain and even headaches.
So, what can I do about it?Let's find out!
4 Key Ways We Combat Pregnancy Pain
Hands on treatment
Treatment can range from muscle release, gentle joint mobilisations to exercises including pelvic floor work. Did we mention that Dr Grace has pregnancy pillows that allow you to lie face down and take the pressure off your back while getting treatment. Check them out in the gallery below!
Postural assessment and advice
Provide advice tailored to what trimester you are in and where your pain is. If you are getting lower back pain, advice would include activating and strengthening the appropriate back and deep abdominal muscles.
Use Recommended Sleeping Positions
We offer tailored advice on adjusting sleeping positions to make you more comfortable and minimise the load on your lower back to ensure your body gets the most out of when you are resting. Come in for a consultation if you want to sleep better!
Wear A Pelvic Support Garment
When your usual supports like your ligaments in your pelvis and your abdominal muscles that make up your six pack have given up don’t fear! There are plenty of ways to provide support. My go to are the SRC pregnancy shorts and leggings. These shorts and leggings were designed in consultation with an obstetrician Dr. Grant Saffer. They not only provide support but provide medical grade compression to the back and pelvis. The biggest plus is you can wear them while you sleep so you can wake up feeling fresh and supported. Of course to make your life easy this is something we offer in clinic. Ask us about them next time you're in!
The Takeaway Message
So, if you are currently riding the pregnancy roller coaster and need a little advice, support or relief then be sure to book yourself in with Dr Grace at Wholesome Health Chiropractic who is ready to jump on board with you.
We are experts that can helpSo why not book away your pain today!