Back pain during pregnancy is a very common problem. Three out of four women experience some degree of back pain during pregnancy.
For some women, symptoms may begin before they are showing and last throughout pregnancy. The cause of back pain during pregnancy is related to many factors: change in body posture, hormones that cause the relaxation of connective tissue in the body, poor body mechanics and muscle fatigue. The actual incidence of a pinched nerve during pregnancy is very rare.
So, how do you relieve and manage back pain during pregnancy?
Regular aerobic exercise and general conditioning exercise, such as walking, swimming, and bicycling, are the best methods. These types of exercises increase muscle tone and strength, improve endurance and decrease fatigue. Swimming and water aerobics are also excellent exercises for pregnant women. Frequent position changes, including stretching throughout the day, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs, and using proper posture and body mechanics are also important in maintaining a healthy back. Care should be taken to use the larger muscles of the legs and arms in moving objects to prevent muscle strain. You may strengthen your leg muscles by doing lunges and squats.
If you experience back pain, you may apply moist heat and/or cold packs as needed to decrease pain. You can wear a pregnancy support or SI (sacroiliac) belt to decrease pain and improve posture. Medications, including over-the-counter ones, should be taken only under the direction of your physician or health professional.
If you have persistent back pain, which interferes with your overall function, talk to your GP urgently.
One of the best methods in restoring function and self-sufficiency in persons with disabilities and pain is utilising Neuroskeletal Therapy, which is safe and gentle during pregnancy. Remember that most women who experience back pain during pregnancy do not have symptoms after delivery. Back strengthening exercises done throughout pregnancy will help you during labor and delivery and while caring for your growing infant after delivery.
Breech Baby
The Webster Technique is a chiropractic technique designed to relieve the musculoskeletal causes of intrauterine constraint. This technique is also known by names such as as Webster's In-Utero Constraint Technique or Webster's Breech Turning Technique. The Webster Technique was developed by Dr. Larry Webster in 1978. Dr. Webster was often referred to in the Chiropractic profession as "The Grandfather of Chiropractic Pediatrics." Additionally, the technique is presently taught in many chiropractic colleges and postgraduate chiropractic education seminars.
A recent study was done by surveying a large number of doctors of chiropractic who use the technique to see the percentage of results they obtain on real patients. The survey required detailed information to verify the accuracy of the responses. The results showed that 82% of the doctors surveyed reported a high rate of success when using the Webster Technique.
The results from the study suggested that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique in the 8th month of pregnancy, if it has been determined that the child is in the breech position. This timing is important because from the 8th month on, a breech presentation is unlikely to spontaneously convert to the normal head down position.
The study concludes by saying, "when successful, the Webster Technique avoids the costs and risks of cesarean section or vaginal trial of breech. In view of these findings, the Webster Technique deserves serious consideration in the management of expectant mothers exhibiting adverse fetal presentation."
Osteopathy and Infant Care
Did you know that it is a common belief that babies and children should have no structural stresses or strains in their bodies, because they are so young. The reality is very different.
Birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives. The baby is subjected to enormous forces, as the uterus pushes to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal. The baby has to twist and turn as it squeezes through the bony pelvis, on its short but highly stimulating and potentially stressful journey.
A baby’s head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses in a normal delivery. In order to reduce the size of the head, the soft bones overlap, bend and warp as the baby descends. The baby’s chin is normally well tucked down towards its chest to reduce the presenting diameter of the head.
Many babies are born with odd shaped heads as a result. In the first few days, the head can usually be seen to gradually lose the moulded shape, as the baby suckles, cries, yawns etc. However, this unmoulding process is often incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult. As a result, the baby may have to live with some potentially uncomfortable stresses within its head and body.
What effect does this have?
Some babies cope extremely well with even quite severe retained moulding and compression, and are contented and happy.
For others it is a different story, and they can display a variety of problems:
Crying and/or irritable baby wanting to be held constantly or rocked...
The reason - the baby may be uncomfortable, with a constant feeling of pressure in the head similar to a headache. This is made worse by the extra pressure on the head when lying down.
Feeding difficulties, often windy...
The reason - feeding is difficult and tiring due to stresses through the head, face and throat.
Sickness, wind and symptoms of colic...
The reason - regurgitation and trapped wind result due to the irritation of the nerves that supply the stomach and diaphragm (which originate in the neck), this constricts the stomach opening causing overfill reflux and difficulty expelling air.
Sleep disturbances...
The reason - the tension on the bony and membranous casing of the skull keeps the baby’s nervous system in a persistently alert state, they may also be uncomfortable. As the child grows: As the child grows, the effects of retained moulding can lead to other problems. The following are the most common but is not an exhaustive list:
Nasal and Ear Infections
Glue Ear
Sinus and Dental problems
Behavioural problems and learning difficulties
Headaches, aches and pains
Attention difficulties
For the older child - growing pains
Osteopathic treatment of babies and children
Treatment using the cranial approach is very gentle, safe and effective in the treatment of babies and older children.
Specific gentle pressure is applied wherever necessary (not only on the head) to enable the inherent healing ability of the body to effect the release of stresses.
Reactions to treatment are variable; often the baby or child is very relaxed afterwards and sleeps well. Others have a burst of energy after treatment, usually followed by a good night’s sleep. Occasionally the child may seem unsettled and this is merely because treatment may take a few hours or days to complete.
On average, 2 to 6 treatments are sufficient. This varies according to the severity of the actual problem and the age of the child.
Ideally it is best to commence treatment early in a child’s life; it is never too early or late to begin treatment.
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My Back Hurts & Iam Pregnant?