Pregnancy, postpartum and Chiropractic

Did you know that low back pain affects 50% of pregnant patients and 25% of postpartum patients? Pelvic pain also affects 20% of pregnant patients and 5-10% of postpartum patients.

Recently a panel of general practitioners, midwives, OB/GYNs, physiotherapists and chiropractors evaluated the best health care options for pregnant patients.

Current research and the panelists have indicated that chiropractic care is a safe and a successful health care option for pregnant and postpartum patients who experience low back pain and pelvic pain. Safe chiropractic care for pregnant and postpartum patients include soft tissue work, adjustments, therapeutic exercise and therapies such as taping and TENS. Chiropractors can also suggest helpful home exercises (specifically for the pelvic floor, core & hips) and tips for increased comfort at home.

Chiropractic care can help increase range of motion of joints that are now undergoing more compressive forces, decrease pain levels, and decrease the increased muscle tone associated with increased strain on the body due to pregnancy. Chiropractors can also help you strengthen the correct muscles while you’re pregnant and postpartum.

Dr. Verity Stow offers chiropractic care and rehabilitation in North Vancouver for a wide range of injuries and conditions. To book an appointment click the “Book Now” button on the upper right.

Reference List

Best-Practices Recommendations for Chiropractic Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Patients (JMPT): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836673/ 

Chiropractic care of adults with postpartum-related low back, pelvic girdle or combination pain: a systematic review (JMPT): 

Weis CA, Pohlman K, Draper C, da Silva-Oolup S, Stuber K, Hawk C. Chiropractic care of adults with postpartum-related low back, pelvic girdle or combination pain: a systematic review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2020;43:732-43. https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(20)30127-5/fulltext 

Chiropractic care for adults with pregnancy-related low back, pelvic girdle pain or combination pain: a systematic review (JMPT): 

Weis CA, Pohlman K, Draper C, da Silva-Oolup S, Stuber K, Hawk C. Chiropractic care for adults with pregnancy-related low back, pelvic girdle pain or combination pain: a systematic review. J Manipulative Physiol Thera. 2020;43:714-31. https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(20)30128-7/pdf