Pregnancy
Pregnancy is both a wondrous and physically challenging experience for the expectant mother. Many women experience pain and discomfort throughout pregnancy and following the birth of a child. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment provides relief for many expectant mothers.
The most common symptom reported during pregnancy is low back pain. In fact, in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology one study indicated that over one-half of all pregnant women experience significant low back pain. Other symptoms that tend to occur during pregnancy and respond well to chiropractic care include:
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Headaches
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Sciatica
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Plantar Fasciitis
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Tendonitis
The most common cause of low back pain during pregnancy is a condition known as “sacroiliac joint dysfunction” or “sacroiliac subluxation”. Subluxation is a Latin term meaning “partial dislocation”. The pelvis consists of three bones that move thanks to 3 separate joints. Two of these joints are located at the rear of the pelvis (left and right sacroiliac joints) while the 3rd is located at the front of the pelvis called the pubic symphysis (a symphysis is a type of joint). Without the movement provided by these joints it would be difficult to walk and nearly impossible to run.
As the pregnancy progresses more weight is transferred to the front of the abdomen. The mother must often lean backwards to counter this if she doesn’t wish to topple over! This constant, abnormal pressure on the joints of the pelvis can lead to significant dysfunction and pain.
The most effective way to alleviate this pain is to restore healthy motion and alignment to the pelvic joints. Chiropractic treatment is the method of choice to naturally correct sacroiliac joint function without the need for potentially harmful medication. In fact, studies show that 90% of pregnant patients experience relief for their low back pain following chiropractic treatment.
Dr. Donath can identify the proper areas involved and provide the necessary treatment based on your specific needs.
Chiropractic has been a safe and effective treatment option for pregnant patients for over 100 years.
Call Dr. Donath at (914) 368-7668 to arrange for a consultation either by phone or in person.
I had a relatively great pregnancy except for a relentless upper back, dull ache that never went away. I thought it had to do with the way I was forced to sleep on my side, and tried pillows, new positions, and yoga to relieve it. Nothing worked. Finally I searched for a chiropractor who treated pregnant women and came across Dr. Donath. I was able to go see him right away. He explained my problem and did a combination of adjusting my back and muscle work. What was really impressive was his knowledge of pregnancy and how it affects the body. He was able to give me some exercises and stretches to do on my own as well. After my first visit I felt major relief. The dull ache was significantly less bothersome. I returned to his office a few days later and after that visit I was pain free. I no longer had any pain throughout the rest of my pregnancy! I was able to do the stretches on my own to help prevent the return of the pain, and I honestly never felt it again. After enduring labor, and beginning breastfeeding, the dull ache returned and I had difficulty even holding my newborn. I immediately went back to Dr. Donath. Once again he relieved me of the pain! Pregnancy is a wonderful thing, but it certainly can be stressful on the body. I feel that Dr. Donath was able to use his expertise of pregnancy related issues to specifically target these stresses. It was wonderful to see someone who really knew what he was talking about, and was able to help me to enjoy my pregnancy and feel wonderful!
Michelle C. Bronxville, NY
About two years ago, I suffered a back injury. This injury caused me to experience excruciating sciatica pain. This was not just localized in my lower back, but radiated down both my legs. My primary care physician sent me off to physical therapy, and when that didn’t work prescribed cortisone shots. I found a pain management specialist and was receiving these very painful, debilitating shots at least once every 2-3 months. In March I became pregnant and knew my back pain would only get worse. I also knew the shots that I had been getting would not be an option during the pregnancy. Thankfully I was referred to Dr. Donath around May at about 2 months pregnant. After my very first session with Dr. Donath, my lower back was completely pain free. Not only did he adjust my lower back, but also worked on my upper back/neck as I have been told I have weak muscles there which cause severe headaches. This is also something that I have previously been in physical therapy for. In addition to the adjustments I received, Dr. Donath took the time to teach me stretches to do at home to help in my healing. I have been seeing Dr. Donath on a weekly basis throughout my pregnancy. He truly has worked wonders for me and I feel that if I had gone without these adjustments, I probably would have ended up on bed rest at some point in the pregnancy.
Christine T. Scarsdale, NY
After a long pregnancy with a lot of back pain, I went through 10 plus hours of severe back labor. While I was ecstatic about the birth of my son, the lingering intense back pain really prevented me from enjoying every moment as much as I would have liked. I was recommended to Dr. Donath and after two sessions, my back pain was 90% better. I continued to see Dr. Donath and within a matter of weeks, my back was not only feeling better from the pregnancy and labor, but it was feeling better than before I was pregnant. I was initially skeptical of being treated by a chiropractor, but Dr. Donath explained everything in great detail and was able to answer all my questions about why the treatment he was performing was the answer to my back problems. I was so grateful for his attention and professionalism and would not only recommend, but encourage, any one that has a problem with their back to call Dr. Donath. I am now on the floor, playing with my 4 month old, pain free, thanks to Dr. Donath.
Erica L. New Rochelle, NY
One morning in 2006 I woke up unable to move. I will never know if it was a spasm or a pinched nerve but I was never the same. I would wake in the night with sharp pains up and down my neck and back and I'd be unable to turn or move. During my first pregnancy the back pain became worse. I had terrible leg cramps, and my labor was over 48 hours of excruciating back labor due to my son being posterior. After he was born, my back was a mess. It was painful to carry him, to nurse him, and often just hunched over to find some relief. I'm a horseback rider and I found myself constantly in pain from even the slightest unexpected jarr or movement of the horse. When I became pregnant again in 2009, I began to see Dr. Donath in my 3rd month. From the first visit on, my back pain was lessened. If run of the mill pregnancy aches got too bothersome, I'd come in for an extra session and I would feel a difference almost instantly. What I really appreciated was his knowledge of optimal baby positioning and how to best achieve it. I had a much easier labor and had no pain after my daughter was born. Carrying her-which I do almost always either in my arms or a sling- was no problem. Even riding has been pain free again! If I get sore or stiff, I just make an appointment. I must also say that Dr. Donath is a warm, friendly, approachable person that makes you feel at ease while you are in his care. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Jennifer E. North Salem, NY
"Although my first pregnancy was without complication, I had to have a c-section in my 42nd week. I was told that my pelvis was small and, since my son was large (9lbs, 9oz), I would not be able to deliver vaginally in the future. I was disappointed at this outcome and when I got pregnant with my second baby 18 months later, I began to do quite a bit of research. After learning a little bit more about my body and my birth choices, I decided to plan a VBAC. I found a practice and hospital that supported my decision and began to do as much as I could to prepare myself for this birth. Because of the information I was given about my pelvis, I started seeing Dr. Donath right away. The goal was to keep my hips and pelvis as open as possible in order to give the baby the room he needed to birth easily. By the final weeks of my pregnancy, the baby was engaged snugly in my pelvis and I was in pre-labor - neither of which happened the first time around. I had a successful and uncomplicated VBAC at 40 weeks and my second son was no small potato at 8lbs, 13oz. Thanks to Dr. Donath, my body was ready, I felt strong and confident, and my baby had plenty of room for his journey into the world."
Jennifer S. Larchmont, NY
I decided to seek Dr. Donath's help when he was recommended to me by other women who had successful VBACs with chiropractic help. Several women told me that chiropractic treatment helped their babies move further down into the pelvis, getting the baby into position for birth. I have now seen Dr. Donath 7 times, and since I haven't given birth yet I can't say whether the treatments I've received have made for a successful VBAC, but I can say that they have provided me with an unexpected benefit that was not part of my original goal but I am very happy about nonetheless. Ever since I started getting treatment from Dr. Donath, I have felt much less pregnancy-related pain and discomfort in my back (especially the excruciatingly painful tailbone area), hips and legs and I have also felt greater overall mobility and flexibility. It has made my last trimester a much more comfortable - nearly pain-free - experience. Dr. Donath is warm, friendly and approachable and genuinely cares for his patients, and took the time necessary to diagnose and treat my problem correctly. He's not one of those chiropractors where you are rushed out in a few minutes. I had a very pleasant experience in his care and recommend him highly.
Danielle L. Pearl River, NY
I am 39 weeks pregnant. After the 28th week, I started having problems with my back which gradually increased until I was experiencing sharp pain in my lower back almost every time I would walk up the stairs. With five other children at home to care for, I knew I needed to take care of this problem. I was encouraged to see Dr. Donath by those who had benefited from his expertise. It took me a while to make an appointment, but I'm really glad I did. Dr. Donath understood exactly what was the problem (it had to to with my muscles, not my bones) and after only a couple sessions I was able to walk much more comfortably. I haven't had the same pain since the treatment I received from him and the exercises that he taught me have been very helpful.
Juliane T. Eastchester, NY
Dr. Donath has been a life saver for me, both before and after my son’s birth. Before his birth, I saw Dr. Donath from 38 weeks on to prepare my body for a successful VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section). I also had pain in my inner thighs from 3 months pregnant on, which he got rid of in one visit! I wish I had gone to him from the beginning of the pregnancy, and will next time, that’s for sure! After my son’s birth, I had a fractured tailbone, which led to back pain as well. He treated both and I started feeling relief within a few weeks time. By six weeks post-partum I was healed! Oh, then one day I mentioned a knee surgery I had had twenty years ago as a kid, and how I never had regained full movement afterwards. In two minutes of stretching out the scar tissue, I had my full range of movement back. He is truly amazing at what he does!
Melanie M. White Plains, NY
Midway
through my pregnancy I developed a very painful case of sciatica. I was
lucky to find Dr. Donath -- who treats many pregnant women -- since it
is important to receive chiropractic care from someone who knows how to
modify treatment specifically for pregnancy. With several treatments
over a relatively short period of time I got a tremendous amount of
relief. I am grateful for the outstanding care I received and would
absolutely recommend Dr. Donath to anyone in need of chiropractic care,
pregnant or not. I credit him with getting me better and keeping me
healthy. Thank you Dr. Donath!
Sheila E. Greenwich, CT
Faster, Less Painful Labor
During a “natural” vaginal delivery, the pelvis must be able to expand and allow the baby passage through the pelvis and birth canal. Stiff or dysfunctional pelvic joints (sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis mentioned above) hinder this process causing unnecessary pain and prolonging labor. Increased risk to the baby can also occur if the hindrance is severe enough. This hindrance can also increase the likelihood that a Cesarean section will become necessary.
Chiropractic treatment can greatly reduce pain and delivery time. Also, research has found that chiropractic treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of back labor if administered during pregnancy. This is achieved by improving pelvic joint function and flexibility to prepare the body for the eventual delivery.
Dr. Donath can identify the proper areas involved and provide the necessary treatment based on your specific needs.
Chiropractic treatment is a safe and effective treatment option for pregnant patients that has been practiced for over 100 years.
Postpartum Recovery
Nine months of pregnancy involving rapid weight gain, severely altered biomechanics, rapid emotional swings and severe hormonal changes can take a great toll on even the healthiest of bodies. This recovery process can take up to one full year and involves nearly every system of the body.
Many of the most irritating symptoms involve the joints, muscles and nerves of the body. Dr. Donath as a Chiropractic doctor specializes in returning dysfunctional bodies to their natural, healthy state through chiropractic adjustments, muscle therapy and nutritional coaching. Many of these treatment can be found elsewhere on this website. A recovery program would involve a complete history and examination to determine which treatment methods would best aid in the recovery during this turbulent time.
Research Studies
There are numerous medical research studies demonstrating the benefits of chiropractic for expectant mothers:
In one study 11 women meeting the criteria for sacroiliac joint dysfunction were treated with chiropractic treatment of the sacroiliac joints. After chiropractic therapy, 10 of the 11 women (91%) had relief of pain and no longer exhibited signs of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. ("Sacroiliac subluxation: a common, treatable cause of low-back pain in pregnancy". Daly JM, et al. Family Practice Research Journal, 1991: 11(2) 149-159.)
In another study 84% of patients receiving chiropractic manipulation reported relief of back pain during pregnancy. There was significantly less likelihood of back labor when spinal manipulative therapy was administered during pregnancy. ("Back pain during pregnancy and labor". Diakow PR, et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, 1991: 14(2): 116-118.)
In a study of 500 women during labor, 352 experienced pain in the low back during labor, an incidence of 70.4%. Low back pain during was associated with baby presentation. Application of pressure to the low back area during labor reduced the need for major narcotic pain medication and minor tranquilizing medication. ("Effect of pressure…for inhibition of lumbar myalgia during labor". Guthrie RA, Martin RH. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. 1982: 82(4): 247-251.)
Chiropractic tips for pregnant women:
Be sure to get adjusted regularly. Chiropractic care is important to help maintain a healthy skeletal structure and nervous system function throughout a pregnancy and childbirth.
Do some gentle exercise each day, such as walking, swimming, or stationary cycling are relatively safe cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women. Avoid any activities that involve jerking or bouncing movements. Stop exercise immediately if you notice any unusual symptom, such as nausea, dizziness or weakness.
Wear flat shoes with arch supports. Your feet become more susceptible to injury during pregnancy, partially due to a rapidly increasing body weight, but also because the ligaments the support the feet become more lax.
When picking up children, bend from the knees, not the waist. Your low back is much more prone to injury during preganancy.
When sleeping, lay on your side with a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Full-length "body pillows" or "pregnancy wedges" are very popular and can be helpful.
Eat several small meals or snacks every few hours, rather than three large meals per day. This will help alleviate nausea, stabilize blood sugar and allow your body to extract the maximum amount of nutrients from the foods that you eat.
Take a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day; 800 micrograms is even better. Folic acid has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of neural tube defects in a developing fetus. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any vitamin or herbal supplement to make sure it's safety for you and the baby.
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