Pregnancy and Chiropractic
In the October
8, 2002 issue of the online magazine "The
Beacon Journal" at Ohio.com, appears a story with the
simple headline, "Adjusting baby". The story talks
about pregnant women's success in going to chiropractors
as part of their care. The article states that many women
who go to chiropractors during pregnancy do so for back pain
related issues. The misconception is that we treat pain,''
says Dr. Joseph Medina, an Ohio chiropractor. "My job
in health care is to find pressure that's in the spinal column
and take it off. When I do that, back pain tends to clear
up."
Additionally, the article highlights that more women are
going to chiropractors for a procedure known as the Webster
technique. This technique is specifically intended to help
women who have a breech pregnancy when the baby should be
positioned with the head downward. Dr. Jeanne Ohm, a chiropractor
from Philadelphia and executive coordinator and instructor
for the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association,
described the Webster technique this way: "It's a specific
chiropractic adjustment that removes interferences of the
nervous system, balances out pelvic muscles and ligaments,
which in turn removes constraint to the woman's uterus and
allows the baby to get into the best possible position for
birth.''
The article ended with a response from the patient who originally
went to the chiropractor for the pain she was experiencing.
Her comments about her results were, "In the morning,
my back would hurt so bad it would be hard to walk,'' she
stated. ``Now it's not bad at all. I really think it's helping."
How does chiropractic care help the pregnant woman?
Because of the additional weight and stress on the framework
of the body in pregnant women, chiropractic adjustments can
help lower the incidence of pain in the low back and legs,
and between the shoulder blades. In some cases, fewer headaches
and problems with nausea and elimination may also result.
Many chiropractors care for expectant mothers in the regular
course of their daily practices.
Most importantly is that chiropractic helps the expecting
mother by improving nerve system function. Chiropractic
has been based for over 100 years on correcting interference
to the nervous system known as subluxations. With a
properly functioning nerve system free of subluxations it
is easy to see how many aspects of this important time for
an expectant mother will be made easier. Many women
rely on chiropractic care as a regular part of their pre-natal
routine.
Back pain during pregnancy and labor. In
this study of 170 pregnancies with reported back pain, 84%
of patients receiving spinal care reported relief of back
pain during pregnancy. There was significantly less likelihood
of back labor when spinal care was administered during pregnancy.
(7)
7. Diakow PRP, Gadsby TA, Gadsby JB et al. Back pain during
pregnancy and labor.
JMPT . 1991;14(2).
During pregnancy, weight-bearing changes occurs. This can
cause an added stress to the spine. Chiropractic care during
pregnancy not only can help you to stay more comfortable,
but can also help to facilitate your birth.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to significantly
reduce the length of time a woman labors. First time moms
averaged a 24 percent shorter labor, while mothers who have
already given birth experienced a 39 reduction reduction
in the average labor length, compared to controls (Fallon,
1991). Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can also
reduce the likelihood of experiencing back labor (Diakow,
1991). Regular chiropractic adjustments can safely continue
up until the time of birth (Penna, 1989).
"As your baby descends into your pelvic cavity, you
may feel sharp, stabbing pains at the base of your spine
or in the middle of your pelvic bone, making uncomfortable
twinges of pins and needles in the cervix itself. Pain may
radiate down your back or thighs. The increased pelvic pains
are likely due to the relaxation and stretching of your pelvic
ligaments in preparation for labor. You can ease these discomforts
by changing positions. Exercise gently every day. If you
cannot exercise without pain, consult your doctor. He or
she may be able to recommend a chiropractor experienced in
working on pregnant bodies, who may be able to give you some
gentle pelvic adjustments to get your hips back in balance.
It is our personal theory that chiropractic care in pregnancy
can help to avoid or relieve back pain and also prepare your
back and pelvic structures the stresses of labor and birth." (Sears & Sears,
1997)
Chiropractic Technique Helps Turn Breech Babies
During Pregnancy
A November 7, 2001 report on a study conducted by the International
Chiropractic Pediatric Association showed that a chiropractic
technique known as the "Webster Breech Turning Technique" was
statistically very successful in resolving breech pregnancies
without medical procedures.
A Breech pregnancy is when the
baby is not properly positioned in the mother's womb near
the date for delivery. If the baby is not positioned head-first,
the delivery may be difficult or even dangerous for both
the mother and child.
This chiropractic technique was created by the late Dr. Larry
Webster, who was affectionately known as "The grandfather
of chiropractic pediatrics." The study entailed surveying
members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association,
Inc (ICPA - http://www.icpa4kids.com/) throughout the United
States and Canada. The survey noted that there were a reported
112 cases of breech recorded by the chiropractors. Of these,
the results were 102 positive resolutions. This means that
in 102 of 112 cases the baby turned properly after the chiropractic
procedure was performed. This represents a success rate of
almost 92%!
The conclusions of this study clearly stated, "When
successful, the Webster Technique avoids the costs and/or
risks of either, ECV, cesarean section or vaginal trial of
breech. In view of these findings the Webster Technique deserves
serious consideration in the health care management of expectant
mothers exhibiting adverse fetal presentation."
Pregnancy and Chiropractic
In the October
8, 2002 issue of the online magazine "The
Beacon Journal" at Ohio.com, appears a story with the
simple headline, "Adjusting baby". The story talks
about pregnant women's success in going to chiropractors
as part of their care. The article states that many women
who go to chiropractors during pregnancy do so for back pain
related issues. The misconception is that we treat pain,''
says Dr. Joseph Medina, an Ohio chiropractor. "My job
in health care is to find pressure that's in the spinal column
and take it off. When I do that, back pain tends to clear
up."
Additionally, the article highlights that more women are
going to chiropractors for a procedure known as the Webster
technique. This technique is specifically intended to help
women who have a breech pregnancy when the baby should be
positioned with the head downward. Dr. Jeanne Ohm, a chiropractor
from Philadelphia and executive coordinator and instructor
for the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association,
described the Webster technique this way: "It's a specific
chiropractic adjustment that removes interferences of the
nervous system, balances out pelvic muscles and ligaments,
which in turn removes constraint to the woman's uterus and
allows the baby to get into the best possible position for
birth.''
The article ended with a response from the patient who originally
went to the chiropractor for the pain she was experiencing.
Her comments about her results were, "In the morning,
my back would hurt so bad it would be hard to walk,'' she
stated. ``Now it's not bad at all. I really think it's helping."
How does chiropractic care help the pregnant woman?
Because of the additional weight and stress on the framework
of the body in pregnant women, chiropractic adjustments can
help lower the incidence of pain in the low back and legs,
and between the shoulder blades. In some cases, fewer headaches
and problems with nausea and elimination may also result.
Many chiropractors care for expectant mothers in the regular
course of their daily practices.
Most importantly is that chiropractic helps the expecting
mother by improving nerve system function. Chiropractic
has been based for over 100 years on correcting interference
to the nervous system known as subluxations. With a
properly functioning nerve system free of subluxations it
is easy to see how many aspects of this important time for
an expectant mother will be made easier. Many women
rely on chiropractic care as a regular part of their pre-natal
routine.
Back pain during pregnancy and labor. In
this study of 170 pregnancies with reported back pain, 84%
of patients receiving spinal care reported relief of back
pain during pregnancy. There was significantly less likelihood
of back labor when spinal care was administered during pregnancy.
(7)
7. Diakow PRP, Gadsby TA, Gadsby JB et al. Back pain during
pregnancy and labor.
JMPT . 1991;14(2).
During pregnancy, weight-bearing changes occurs. This can
cause an added stress to the spine. Chiropractic care during
pregnancy not only can help you to stay more comfortable,
but can also help to facilitate your birth.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to significantly
reduce the length of time a woman labors. First time moms
averaged a 24 percent shorter labor, while mothers who have
already given birth experienced a 39 reduction reduction
in the average labor length, compared to controls (Fallon,
1991). Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can also
reduce the likelihood of experiencing back labor (Diakow,
1991). Regular chiropractic adjustments can safely continue
up until the time of birth (Penna, 1989).
"As your baby descends into your pelvic cavity, you
may feel sharp, stabbing pains at the base of your spine
or in the middle of your pelvic bone, making uncomfortable
twinges of pins and needles in the cervix itself. Pain may
radiate down your back or thighs. The increased pelvic pains
are likely due to the relaxation and stretching of your pelvic
ligaments in preparation for labor. You can ease these discomforts
by changing positions. Exercise gently every day. If you
cannot exercise without pain, consult your doctor. He or
she may be able to recommend a chiropractor experienced in
working on pregnant bodies, who may be able to give you some
gentle pelvic adjustments to get your hips back in balance.
It is our personal theory that chiropractic care in pregnancy
can help to avoid or relieve back pain and also prepare your
back and pelvic structures the stresses of labor and birth." (Sears & Sears,
1997)
Chiropractic Technique Helps Turn Breech Babies
During Pregnancy
A November 7, 2001 report on a study conducted by the International
Chiropractic Pediatric Association showed that a chiropractic
technique known as the "Webster Breech Turning Technique" was
statistically very successful in resolving breech pregnancies
without medical procedures.
A Breech pregnancy is when the
baby is not properly positioned in the mother's womb near
the date for delivery. If the baby is not positioned head-first,
the delivery may be difficult or even dangerous for both
the mother and child.
This chiropractic technique was created by the late Dr. Larry
Webster, who was affectionately known as "The grandfather
of chiropractic pediatrics." The study entailed surveying
members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association,
Inc (ICPA - http://www.icpa4kids.com/) throughout the United
States and Canada. The survey noted that there were a reported
112 cases of breech recorded by the chiropractors. Of these,
the results were 102 positive resolutions. This means that
in 102 of 112 cases the baby turned properly after the chiropractic
procedure was performed. This represents a success rate of
almost 92%!
The conclusions of this study clearly stated, "When
successful, the Webster Technique avoids the costs and/or
risks of either, ECV, cesarean section or vaginal trial of
breech. In view of these findings the Webster Technique deserves
serious consideration in the health care management of expectant
mothers exhibiting adverse fetal presentation."