Back pain during pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about various physiological changes that can impact a woman’s posture and strain ligaments and joints, particularly in the pelvic area.
The combination of altered posture, weight gain, and ligament laxity can exert additional pressure on these joints, potentially leading to discomfort. In Gloucester, it’s noted that up to 70% of women may encounter lumbo-pelvic pain during pregnancy, with about 20% experiencing this pain 18 months after childbirth. The likelihood of developing pain tends to rise with the number of previous births.
Risk factors
Risk factors for developing back pain pre- and post-partum:
- Pain in previous pregnancy
- Heavy workload
- Early onset of pain in pregnancy
- Low mobility
Centre of gravity
Pregnancy shifts a woman’s centre of gravity which leads to additional pressure onto various joints and soft tissue.
Those changes are:
- Anterior pelvic tilt
- Hyper-extended knees
- Increased spinal curvatures
- Forward rotation of the shoulders with forward head carriage (‘turtle neck’)
How can Chiropractic treatment help?
At our Gloucester clinic, we employ a range of gentle and safe techniques specifically tailored for the increased physical demands of pregnancy. Our chiropractic treatments focus on the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues, using light pressure to relieve tension and enhance spinal balance.
These treatments include a mix of specialized massage techniques, joint manipulation, and mobilisation, complemented by lifestyle advice to reduce pressure on the pelvis and lower back. All our recommendations are grounded in established guidelines and research.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a proven, gentle approach to maintaining comfort and minimizing back pain for expectant mothers.
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