You’ve probably noticed that your body is going through quite a lot of changes, and these changes will continue as the pregnancy progresses. One change that goes basically unnoticed is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in the pelvis. This relaxation allows the pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering the baby easier.

This process, despite the fact that it functions superbly in assisting the mother during labor, can produce much discomfort in the months leading up to the birth. The elastin is being released in larger amounts as the months go on, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly more unstable. Add to that the gradual increase in the size of the baby and uterus, and you have the recipe for severe low back pain. As a chiropractor I see many pregnant women in my practice for a variety of symptoms, but generally it is for their low back pain.

One side benefit of having your spine and pelvis checked by a chiropractor regularly during your pregnancy is that it has been shown to actually decrease labor time. Why do chiropractic adjustments help? Simply put, if the pelvis is where it needs to be, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient because they don’t have to fight past misaligned joints.

Not only can chiropractic adjustments help you with your low back pain and other associated symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, swelling, etc., but it is actually good for both you and your baby. And, if needed, certain trained chiropractors can help mothers who have a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force manipulation of the uterus that helps to get the baby into the appropriate position for birth. A simple Google search on the Webster Technique can give you much more information.

In summation, not only is chiropractic safe for pregnant women and their baby, it is also very beneficial in helping with the symptoms associated with pregnancy. To any pregnant women reading this, please go to see your Santa Barbara Chiropractor. Chiropractic care can make you quite a bit more comfortable in the months of your pregnancy, and it can even make the labor process easier.

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Many times back pain is a mystery to the majority of people who experience it, and chiropractors are experts at solving that mystery. Why is it that the majority back pain sufferers have not had any trauma, accidents, or major injuries before the onset of their problem? The answer is that the cumulative effects of awkward sitting posture, bad work habits, improper lifting, lack of regular exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related influences generate most back pain.

These factors eventually add up and cause stresses and imbalances on the spine causing subluxations that can become serious back conditions. The process is not unlike the front end of your car being out of alignment. As you choose to drive, there is unbalanced wear and tear on your tires. If you chose not to get the problem fixed, the situation could worsen until a tire “blew.” The function of the spine is threatened when your spine is misaligned. In other words, it’s not only a problem waiting to happen, it’s a problem waiting to get worse. And then, something as effortless as reaching down to pick up a piece of paper can be the “final factor” that produces back injury. When this takes place, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm in order to stabilize the stressed or injured tissues of the back.

With regard to knowledge of conditions of the spine, chiropractors have more education, training, and experience than medical doctors. They provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and effective treatment for all muscular-skeletal problems. They not only offer welcomed relief if you are suffering from back pain, but they know what will help you to avoid further back pain. As an adjunct to effectual adjustments and other productive chiropractic therapies, your chiropractor will provide you with a personal exercise strategy and recommend other healthy lifestyle changes that will keep you well-adjusted and pain-free in the future.

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