Prenatal Chiropractic Care In Peoria

Enjoy a Healthy, Pain-Free Pregnancy

The body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy. Shifting the center of gravity and accommodating a growing baby can lead to back pain. Prenatal chiropractic care is a vital treatment for expectant mothers, effectively reducing aches and pains during and after pregnancy.

How can prenatal chiropractic care help?

Many women are unaware that chiropractic care can significantly decrease pregnancy-related pain and discomfort. Regular visits to a Peoria chiropractor throughout pregnancy maintain proper pelvis and lower back movement, reducing the likelihood of lower back pain or sciatica. Chiropractors assess spine and pelvis joints, correcting areas with restricted movement. Specialized techniques and equipment ensure comfort, using a pillow or table allowing patients to lay on their stomach without pressure on the baby. These techniques can also aid in opening the pelvis for easier delivery and help turn a breech baby.

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How many pregnant women experience lower back pain?

A study from the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine revealed that 50 percent of pregnant women experience pain, but only 21 percent seek consultation. Among those visiting a chiropractor for pregnancy-related lower back pain or sciatica, 72 percent found relief. It’s easy to see why pregnancy and chiropractic care go hand in hand.

Why do pregnant women experience lower back pain?

Sciatica and lower back pain are the most common issues that women experience during pregnancy. These problems arise due to the change in posture and a shift in the center of gravity. As the fetus develops, more and more weight is added to the front of the body, causing the center of gravity to move towards the front of the pelvis. This change causes the pelvic bones to rotate forward and the curvature of the lower back increases to compensate. This increased curve places a lot of pressure on the vertebral discs, joints, ligaments, and nerves, which can then lead to lower back pain and sciatica. The rest of the spine also compensates for the changes occurring. Additionally, the upper back becomes rounded and the neck protrudes a little further forward. 

Along with all of the postural changes, certain hormones cause the ligaments in the body to become relaxed. Sometimes these hormones work a little too well, allowing bones to shift into uncomfortable positions. 

With all of the structural changes occurring, muscles that support the spine and pelvis have to work harder to support the body. This leads to muscle soreness, spasms, and cramping.

What Type of Education Do Chiropractors Receive About Pregnancy?

Chiropractors undergo comprehensive education in embryology, obstetrics, and pediatrics. Courses cover embryo development, pregnancy progression, normal and abnormal physiology, and disorders of pregnant and pediatric patients. Special adjusting techniques, including Webster’s technique, are taught to open the pelvis and reduce tension on the round ligament. Webster Technique has an 82 percent success rate of turning a breech baby.

Dr. Keith Kramer has helped women at all stages of pregnancy for more than 23 years. He's provided prenatal chiropractic care to not only his wife, but countless employees, patients, and friends. His skills as both a chiropractor and acupuncturist have kept him busy helping expectant (and hoping to be expectant with acupuncture for infertility) mothers have comfortable pregnancies for decades.

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What else can help?

In addition to chiropractic care, prenatal massages, and yoga are beneficial. Prenatal massages provide an opportunity to relax and loosen all of the muscles that are working overtime to support the added weight and structural changes. Massage also increases blood and lymphatic flow to the muscles and tissue, which increases oxygen and removes toxins.

Prenatal yoga also has its advantages, such as teaching mothers-to-be how to breathe deeply and relax. These two things can come in handy during labor.

Senara's experienced team of massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors are skilled at helping you stay your most comfortable during your pregnancy. No matter what trimester you are in, they can help you move and feel your best as your body grows with the baby. Reach out to us today to schedule a prenatal chiropractic appointment at our Peoria wellness clinic.