Spine Problems Pregnant Women Should Be Aware Of

Pregnancy is a transformative experience — physically, mentally, and emotionally. While it's often joyous, it can also bring various challenges, including spine problems.

As your body undergoes hormonal and postural changes, it's common to experience new or worsening back pain and discomfort. Lincoln German, DC, CPN, Mikaela Foley, DC, and our Spine Care of Manassas team are here to help.

We specialize in diagnosing and treating spine problems, and we believe chiropractic care can help you enjoy a healthy and more comfortable pregnancy journey. Here's what you need to know about the most common spinal problems affecting pregnant women and how you can find relief.

Spine problems during pregnancy

Like the rest of your body, your spine changes during pregnancy. Understanding common spine issues during pregnancy can help you recognize when to get a back pain evaluation. Watch for symptoms of:

Pelvic and low back pain

The most common spine-related problem pregnant women experience is pelvic and low back pain. That’s because as your baby grows, your body's center of gravity shifts. This shift puts extra stress on your lower spine and pelvis, and it can cause pain and stiffness in your back and hips.

Sciatica

Sciatica is another common issue during pregnancy. Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down your legs, and pregnancy can compress or irritate it. This compression can result in pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in your buttocks, legs, or feet.

Postural changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy make your ligaments looser and your joints more flexible in preparation for childbirth. These changes can affect your posture and contribute to spinal discomfort and strain.

How chiropractic care can help

Although pain during pregnancy is common, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing your spine-related issues during pregnancy.

We focus on spinal alignment and your overall musculoskeletal system function to address the root causes of your pain and discomfort. Depending on your unique situation, chiropractic care could offer:

Spinal alignment and balance

Dr. German and Dr. Foley use gentle adjustments and manual techniques to restore proper spinal alignment and balance. We first identify areas of misalignment, then target them to relieve pressure on your nerves and reduce pain in your lower back and pelvis.

Pelvic alignment and stability

During pregnancy, we pay special attention to pelvic alignment. By ensuring your pelvis is properly aligned and balanced, we can help optimize the space available for your growing baby and help minimize your risk of complications during delivery.

Postural education and exercises

We also offer postural rehabilitation, which emphasizes maintaining proper posture and performing exercises to help strengthen your core and stabilize your spine. These practices can alleviate back strain and promote better support during pregnancy.

Improved flexibility and function

Finally, chiropractic adjustments also help improve your overall mobility and function. Your sessions may include soft tissue techniques like massage and stretching to relax tight muscles and improve flexibility. These methods can be particularly beneficial if you experience joint pain or muscle tension while pregnant.

It's important to note that chiropractic care for pregnant women must be modified to accommodate each individual's specific needs and safety considerations. Consult your pregnancy health care provider before beginning any new treatment.

Pregnancy brings many changes, but pain doesn't have to be one of them. Chiropractic care offers a natural and effective solution to these issues, providing relief and promoting overall well-being during pregnancy.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. German, Dr. Foley, and our team online or call our Manassas, Virginia, office at 703-972-1451 today.