Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Back Pain.
By Andy Park DC,
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Specialist.
Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Back Pain.
Often times pregnancy is associated with back pain which can sometimes then carry over to the postpartum phase if nothing is done to address the symptoms. Once you get to the postpartum phase of motherhood, it is also very common to see people with lateral forearm pain due to breastfeeding or bottle feeding putting your wrist in odd positions for extended periods of time. At this point, if you find yourself in either of these situations you might be thinking, well I would love to address said injury but I also do not want to go down a pharmaceutical route because it will probably just mask the symptoms and also I cannot take them due to pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. So what are your options? Physical medicine based therapies and clinics like the kind of care you could find at a chiropractic or physical therapy office is likely your best bet and it just so happens those are both disciplines that we practice at our office.
So how exactly though can these types of therapies help?
Chiropractic care and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises are two approaches that can significantly help alleviate prenatal and postpartum back pain along with other physical injuries which are common during and after pregnancy. Understanding the benefits and mechanisms of each can provide valuable insights into how they can be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Chiropractic Care for Prenatal and Postpartum Women.
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, hands-on approach to musculoskeletal issues, focusing primarily on the spine. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat misalignments or dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, which can contribute to pain and discomfort.
1. **Adjustments and Spinal Function:** During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant changes, including hormonal shifts and physical adaptations to accommodate the growing fetus. These changes can lead to shifts in the spine and pelvis, contributing to back pain. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper movement / stability of a joint, reduce nerve irritability, and improve overall function. For example, the increased weight of the baby and changes in posture can cause the curvature of the spine to change, potentially causing discomfort and pain.
2. **Pain Relief:** Chiropractic adjustments can provide relief from pregnancy-related back pain by reducing pressure on the spine, nerves, and surrounding muscles. This can alleviate discomfort in the lower back, hips, and pelvis, which are common areas of pain during pregnancy. Adjustments are tailored to accommodate the specific needs and comfort levels of pregnant women, often involving gentle techniques and specialized tables that accommodate the pregnant belly.
3. **Pelvic Balance:** Maintaining pelvic balance is crucial during pregnancy, as it can influence the position of the baby and ease the process of labor and delivery. Chiropractic care can help optimize pelvic movement and support, which may potentially contribute to smoother deliveries and reduce the likelihood of interventions such as cesarean sections.
4. **Postpartum Recovery:** After childbirth, the body undergoes a period of readjustment as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Chiropractic care can assist in this process by addressing any residual areas of restriction due to pregnancy, helping to restore normal function and alleviate postpartum back pain.
5. **Complementary Care:** Chiropractic care often complements other therapies such as physical therapy and exercise programs, providing a holistic approach to managing prenatal and postpartum back pain. By addressing underlying structural issues, chiropractic care can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments aimed at promoting overall wellness during pregnancy and recovery after childbirth.
Physical Therapy/Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises
DNS is an approach to rehabilitation that focuses on restoring and stabilizing movement patterns through developmental kinesiology. Developed by Professor Pavel Kolar, DNS is based on the principle that optimal movement patterns are established during early development and can be reactivated to restore function and reduce pain.
1. **Developmental Movement Patterns:** DNS utilizes principles of developmental kinesiology, which observe how infants develop motor control and movement patterns from birth onwards. These innate movement patterns are considered fundamental for establishing optimal posture, movement, and stability.
2. **Core Stability:** During pregnancy, the body undergoes changes that can compromise core stability, leading to back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. DNS exercises emphasize core stability through specific movements and exercises that activate deep stabilizing muscles, such as the transversus abdominis and pelvic floor muscles.
3. **Integration of Movement:** DNS focuses on integrating movement patterns rather than isolating muscles. This approach helps to restore efficient movement patterns and improve coordination, which is particularly beneficial during pregnancy and postpartum recovery when coordination and balance may be compromised.
4. **Postural Correction:** Pregnancy often alters posture due to changes in the center of gravity and weight distribution. DNS exercises aim to correct postural imbalances by activating specific muscles and promoting proper alignment of the spine and pelvis.
5. **Functional Movement:** DNS exercises are designed to be functional, meaning they mimic activities of daily living. This helps pregnant women and postpartum individuals regain functional movement patterns and reduce the risk of injury during daily activities.
Integration of Chiropractic and Physical Therapy During and After Pregnancy
The combination of chiropractic care and DNS exercises can provide a comprehensive approach to managing prenatal and postpartum back pain. While chiropractic adjustments focus on realigning the spine and pelvis to reduce pain and improve function, DNS exercises complement these efforts by reinforcing optimal movement patterns and enhancing core stability.
1. **Assessment and Individualized Treatment:** A thorough assessment by a chiropractor can identify specific areas of misalignment or dysfunction that contribute to back pain during pregnancy. Based on this assessment, chiropractic adjustments can be tailored to address these issues, while DNS exercises can be prescribed to strengthen supportive muscles and improve movement patterns.
2. **Pain Management:** Chiropractic care can provide immediate relief from pregnancy-related back pain through targeted adjustments. DNS exercises then serve to stabilize and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and pelvis, reducing the likelihood of pain recurrence.
3. **Preventive Care:** Both chiropractic care and DNS exercises emphasize preventive care by addressing underlying musculoskeletal issues before they escalate. This proactive approach can minimize the impact of pregnancy-related changes on the spine and pelvis, promoting overall well-being during pregnancy and facilitating smoother postpartum recovery.
4. **Educational Component:** Chiropractors and DNS practitioners often educate pregnant women and postpartum individuals about proper body mechanics, ergonomic principles, and exercises that can be done at home to support treatment outcomes. This empowers individuals to take an active role in their own health and well-being.
5. **Long-Term Benefits:** By restoring proper alignment, improving core stability, and promoting optimal movement patterns, the combination of chiropractic care and DNS exercises can have long-term benefits beyond pregnancy. These include improved posture, reduced risk of musculoskeletal injuries, and enhanced overall quality of life.
Summary
The bottom line is that if you are dealing with various symptoms like low back pain, pain in your forearms/elbow, or neck tension to name a few it is important to remember that chiropractic care and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises offer valuable therapeutic approaches for managing prenatal and postpartum back pain without medications. Chiropractic adjustments target spinal mobility and joint function, providing immediate relief and facilitating optimal balance of the muscles that control pelvic movement during pregnancy and recovery after childbirth. DNS exercises complement these efforts by restoring developmental movement patterns, enhancing core stability, and promoting functional movement. Integrating these approaches within a comprehensive treatment plan can optimize outcomes, reduce pain, and support overall musculoskeletal health during and after pregnancy. As always, it's essential for individuals to consult healthcare providers specialized in prenatal and postpartum care (that’s us!) to develop personalized treatment strategies based on individual needs and considerations.
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