Osteopathy and Pregnancy
Approximately 50% of women suffer from back pain at some point during their pregnancy. A females body goes through an incredible transformation from conception to childbirth. Osteopathic treatment aims to help reduce pain and improve function during pregnancy and into the postpartum period.
Where could I experience pain and why does this occur?
The most common areas women experience pain during pregnancy are:
- The lower back region
- Neck and shoulders
- Sacro-iliac joint
- Pubic bone
The joint at the back of our pelvis is called the Sacro-iliac joint, or SIJ for short. In normal circumstances this is one of the most stable joints in the body and does not allow for much motion due to its strong ligamentous attachments. During pregnancy the hormone Relaxin is released. This hormone has a multitude of effects but the one we Osteopaths encounter most is its ability to soften the ligaments around the pelvic region. This is a natural phenomena that allows for softening of the pelvic structures helping aid childbirth. Unfortunately it can also be associated with joint pain. The softening of these ligaments means they offer less stability and a higher risk of sprains which can lead to shooting pain into the buttock, groin or thigh area.
The abdominal muscles also stretch during pregnancy which can lead to diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and their ability to help stabilise the pelvis declines. This then means that more pressure is placed on the mothers lower back muscles which become overstrained and tired leading to pain.
How can Osteopathy help?
Our Osteopaths have a thorough understanding of the human body and how it changes during pregnancy. We extend our care into the postpartum period, helping mother’s recover after childbirth. Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy uses a gentle combination of muscle treatment and joint articulation. Our Osteopaths may also be able to provide you with specific exercises to help with pain management.
Studies have shown that Osteopathic treatment has the ability to slow or halt the deterioration of spinal function during pregnancy. Treatment can improve comfort and reduce pain as the body adapts to the physiological and biomechanical changes of pregnancy.
By: Dr Michaela Asciak
Registered Osteopath
Lavelle JM. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Pregnant Women. J Am Osteopath Assoc 2012;112(6):343–3
Licardone JC. Osteopathic manipulative treatment of back pain and related symptoms during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol.2010