Perinatal Chiropractic Care:
Supporting Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

The Importance of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy and Labor

During the 40 weeks of pregnancy the spine and pelvis go through many changes. Some patients will experience low back pain associated with these changes.

Misalignment, or subluxation, of the sacrum, pelvis, and spine may contribute to dystocia, which means difficult labor. The uterus, pelvic muscles, and position of the baby are all related to the function of the nervous system. Correction of spinal subluxations with chiropractic care aids in nerve function which enhances functions of the muscles and organs involved with labor and delivery. Adjustments to the pelvis aid in creating enough room for the baby to be in a comfortable, head down position, optimal for delivery.

What is the Webster Technique and How Can it Help?

Our practitioners here at Oswald Elevated Chiropractic Inc. are Webster Technique certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). According to the ICPA, Webster Technique is a “specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/SI joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated."

We are here to help you through your pregnancy from the moment you find out, to your final days before delivery, and after for postpartum support.  

Common issues chiropractic care can help with:

  • Low back pain
  • Sciatic pain
  • Pubic symphysis pain
  • Tailbone pain
  • Rib pain

Chiropractic Support for Postpartum Healing and Comfort

The pelvic floor and the rest of the lower body are affected following childbirth due to the fact that relaxin (the hormone released that aids in soft tissue relaxation for the birthing process) can be present in the body for up to a year. This causes issues with ligament laxity and instability.

Chiropractic aids in the alignment of the pelvic structures as well as helping with the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor consists of muscles and ligaments that attach from the tailbone (coccyx) to the pubic bones. We assist with relaxation of these muscles by adjusting the structures they attach to (sacrum and pelvis) and work on external muscles like the psoas (hip flexors), adductors (inner thigh), and piriformis & glutes.

Foot pain is also common postpartum due to the ligament laxity and instability. The most common issue for foot pain is plantar fasciitis. This will show up as heel pain that is most common early in the morning when you wake up and take your first few steps. The band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes gets inflamed which causes pain. Adjustments to the feet and ankles, soft tissue work to the calf muscles, and home care help alleviate the discomfort.

Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Enhancing Health and Wellness in Children

Chiropractic adjustments for children of all ages are safe and effective for many conditions. The nervous system is one of the most important systems in the body and newborns should be evaluated after birth to identify any restrictions in motion or body tension. When adjusting infants we use very light pressure consistent with checking the ripeness of an avocado. Kids should also be evaluated during developmental milestones including neck curve development, crawling, lower back curve development, walking, etc.

Common conditions that chiropractic care can help with:

  • Torticollis, head positioning
  • Gassiness and constipation
  • Ear infections, sinus infections
  • Latching or feeding issues
  • Limited movements and mobility
  • Growing pains

For further reading and to learn more, please check out this blog post about the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care.

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