Pregnancy-Related Back Pain
According to scientific studies, roughly one half of all pregnant women battle backache (Obstet Gynecol 1988; 71:71-5). Fortunately, there’s a powerful and safe solution to pregnancy related backache: chiropractic care. In fact, I assist many expectant moms prepare for their bundles of joy without the needless aggravation of back pain.
Who’s At Risk?
Simply the fact that pregnancy-related back pain is so widespread should motivate every expectant mother to focus on prevention. However, some women are at an even greater risk than others, according to a Swedish study of 804 moms-to-be. For example, a history if back pain doubles a woman’s odds of backache during pregnancy. In addition, moms-to-be who have physically demanding jobs are more likely to develop back pain than are their peers with sedentary occupations. Younger women tend to suffer from pregnancy-related backache more than older women — and mothers who have had previous children are at an elevated risk, compared to first time moms (Spine 1991; 16(4):432-6).
The Back Pain/Hormone Connection
Although backache occurs with similar frequency in both pregnant and non-pregnant women, back pain during pregnancy tends to be more severe. Why does pregnancy provoke such intense back discomfort? Chiropractors point to a condition called sacroiliac joint dysfunction (also called mechanical back pain). Scientific research shows that SI joint dysfunction is the primary cause of pregnancy-related back pain (Obstet Gynecol 1988; 71:71-5).
SI joint dysfunction involves misalignment or restricted movement in the sacrum and two iliac bones that form the pelvic girdle. In preparation for delivery, the body increases production of a hormone called relaxin. This hormone softens the ligaments that hold together the pelvic bones. Although this process facilitates delivery, it also undermines the alignment of the sacrum and adjacent iliac bones.
Scientific reports support the link between relaxin and SI joint dysfunction. One recent study looked at 200 expectant mothers. Early in their pregnancies, subjects underwent blood tests. Findings showed that women with high levels of relaxin were likely to develop backpain (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999: 180:128-34). Another study, which enrolled 403 women during late pregnancy, found that subjects with severe back pain had much higher levels of relaxin, compared with pain-free women (Lancet 1986; 2:243-5).
Why Chiropractic?
Why should expectant mothers choose chiropractic to prevent and alleviate back pain? For several reasons. First, chiropractors are specialists in correcting SI joint dysfunction. Also, chiropractic offers a drug-free approach to pain reduction. Since avoiding unnecessary medication is essential to preventing birth defects, chiropractic provides relief without the worry that comes from taking medication.
And here’s another reason to give chiropractic a try: scientific studies prove that it works. Research has demonstrated that this unique health-care approach is highly effective for ending pregnancy-related back pain. For instance, one study that examined expectant mothers with SI joint dysfunction concluded that, “After manipulative therapy (chiropractic adjustment), 10 of the 11 women (91%) had relief of pain and no longer exhibited signs of sacroiliac dysfunction” (Fam Prac Res J 1991; 11:149-159).
I invite you to reserve an examination in my office in Old Town Bloomingdale. We’ll see where you’re tight, tender, overactive, restricted, weak and deconditioned. After comparing you to other people in your age group and based on your goals and expectations, I’ll share my recommendations. If this interests you, please give us a call at 224-653-8094 so that we can reserve a time for you. I can’t wait to share my findings and recommendations to help you live life to its fullest.