Chiropractic During Pregnancy: Is it really a solution for back pain?

Pregnancy is a beautiful and hopeful time. However, the back pain, hip pain, leg pain , and body discomfort that come with it are a bit difficult to bear, aren't they? These pains increase as the baby grows inside the womb. Some mothers can't even sleep properly at night because of these pains. So, at a time like this, how about talking about another method that can reduce these discomforts, not just limited to pills? Chiropractic treatment is one such method.

Simply put, what is chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic is an alternative treatment method that is a little different from Western medicine. It focuses mainly on problems that occur in our spine and joints. Simply put, when the alignment of our spine, that is, the way the bones fit together, is wrong, various types of pain can occur. A chiropractor uses gentle manual pressure to bring these misalignments back into the correct position. This is called an adjustment.

Now you may be wondering how this applies to pregnancy. Just think, as the baby grows, your uterus moves forward and your weight increases. This changes your body's center of gravity, putting a lot of pressure on your back and hips. Not only that, but the hormones released during pregnancy (especially the hormone relaxin) cause the ligaments and joints in your body to loosen and become loose. This is the body's preparation for childbirth. But because of this, the joints in your spine and hips can easily slip out of alignment. That's when unbearable pain comes.

How safe is this treatment for a pregnant mother?

This is the biggest question that many mothers have. "Will something happen to my baby?" "Could this be dangerous?" The fear is reasonable.

The best part is that it is generally considered safe to receive this treatment from a chiropractor who has experience treating pregnant mothers . They know how to treat a pregnant body.

• Gentle Method: During pregnancy , the joints are relaxed due to hormonal changes, so you don't need to apply as much pressure as you would normally. These adjustments are done very gently and delicately.
• Special equipment: There are specially designed tables and cushions for treating pregnant mothers. The part of these tables where the stomach is can be lowered. So, you can sit down and receive treatment very comfortably without any pressure on the stomach.

It is reported that this treatment method helps to relieve various physical discomforts that occur during pregnancy.

What do traditional doctors say about this?

Here we need to look at the other side of the coin. Many obstetricians and gynecologists in our country are not very interested in such alternative treatment methods. The main reason for this is that there is still limited extensive, accepted scientific research on the success and safety of this method.

Therefore, when back pain occurs, doctors often recommend things like physiotherapy, stretching exercises, and heat therapy. There is a good scientific basis for the success of these.

However, some chiropractors report that if the baby is in the wrong position ( breech position ), that is, if the head is up, it can also be corrected with this method. There is a special method for this called the Webster Technique. However, there is not enough research yet to confirm that this is 100% successful.

So what should I do?

With all of this, you might be wondering, "So should I do this or not?"

The most important thing is that before doing any of these things, you should first talk to your doctor (Obstetrician/Gynecologist), who will be watching you throughout your pregnancy and who knows your condition very well. You should only resort to such treatments after getting his approval and advice. It may not be suitable for you depending on your condition. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical advice.

If your doctor agrees and you're willing to try this treatment, the next most important thing to do is choose the right one.

How to choose a suitable Chiropractic doctor?

• Ask about experience: Ask directly, "Do you have experience treating pregnant mothers? How long have you been doing this?"
• Specialized training: Find out if they have received specialized postgraduate training in pregnancy and child health.
• Get recommendations: You can ask for a recommendation from trusted friends, family, or even your doctor.
• A place where you feel comfortable: When you go for the first time, see if you feel comfortable and confident talking to the doctor. He or she should be someone who patiently answers your questions.

Remember, this is not a quick fix for pain. You may need to go for treatment once a month for the first three months, then once every two to three weeks, and once a week for the last month.

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