Pregnancy brings many wonderful long-term changes to your life, as well as some short-term changes that can be less than pleasant. A woman’s body undergoes weight gain and redistribution, swelling from fluid retention, and other changes that can cause a neck pain, low back pain, headaches and other symptoms from a pinched nerve. Fortunately, the right combination of spinal adjustment, therapeutic massage and nutritional advice can help minimize these issues while also preparing your body for a healthier, easier delivery -- and that is why we offer these services at Atlantic Chiropractic and Rehabilitation.

The most obvious change in a woman’s body during pregnancy is the enlargement of the abdomen as the fetus develops. This enlargement causes the belly to shift forward, which throws the spinal column into an exaggerated curvature. The change in curvature and steady increase in weight puts strain on the lumbar region and can impinge nerves. A pinched nerve may cause low back pain, neck pain or sciatica, a collection of symptoms that include tingling or pain in one leg. Spinal misalignments that occur during pregnancy can contribute to impaired physical function, including hormonal imbalances, and may even create difficulties during labor if the pelvis in involved.

Chiropractic Adjustment, Massage, and Nutrition Evaluation Contribute to Healthy Pregnancy

Our Chesapeake chiropractor can prescribe a series of ongoing evaluations and gentle adjustments to help you maintain a healthy alignment even as your body weight is redistributed. We also offer massage to relax tired muscles and boost the circulation to your extremities, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation. A customized nutrition plan will also help you give your body, and that of your developing baby, the vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health. Even if you are just thinking about becoming pregnant, a thorough spinal evaluation can catch any little misalignments that could benefit from adjustment, thus optimizing your body’s wellness and functionality in anticipation of the changes experienced in pregnancy.

Do you know the ways babies can also benefit from chiropractic care?