Back pain during pregnancy is common and occurs due to hormonal changes causing your ligaments to loosen and your spine moving out of alignment as a result of your growing bump. Many over-the-counter and prescription pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications aren't considered safe during pregnancy, so pregnant women often think they have to just put up with back pain until their baby is born. However, chiropractic care is considered safe from early pregnancy right through to your due date. Here are three ways a chiropractor can treat pregnancy-related back pain.

Manual Adjustment

When your centre of gravity changes due to a shift in weight distribution during pregnancy, you may develop a trapped nerve in your lower back or generalised muscle tension. Chiropractors can move your spine back into alignment and release trapped nerves using manual adjustment techniques. These hands-on adjustments use a variety of gentle and firm thrusts and stretches and work directly at the site of the specific issue you're experiencing. Once your spine is adjusted back into alignment, inflammation and tension will settle down, and you should experience relief from your back pain.

Supportive Exercises

After carrying out a back assessment, your chiropractor can show you some stretching and strengthening exercises that will help loosen tight muscles. The exercises will be tailored to your needs and will help to strengthen your back, which may prevent a recurrence of back pain later in your pregnancy. Strengthening your back is also good preparation for labour and delivery, as weak back muscles can make pushing during labour seem more strenuous.

Aids

Your chiropractor will have a range of back support aids for you to try, and they will recommend specific aids based on the findings of your back assessment. For example, they may recommend a back wedge if you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. This will help you hold your spine in the correct alignment when sitting and discourage slouching. If your back pain is related to your posture during sleep, you may be advised to use a customised body pillow to support your back.

In addition to providing restorative, reactive treatment, a chiropractor can also provide preventive treatment, so if you're concerned about developing back pain during pregnancy, schedule an appointment before problems occur. Before your chiropractor assesses your back or carries out any manual adjustments, be sure to make them aware you are pregnant, as some modifications may be required to ensure the treatment they provide is safe for you and your growing baby.