Congratulations! You are pregnant again. You just started an exciting journey full of surprises. While you expect hormonal changes during this period, body and joint pains may also become part of your life. As your body’s ligaments naturally adjust to accommodate the growing baby, you’re bound to feel pain in your pelvis, hips, or lower back.
Are you struggling with unending lower back pain? Worry not. You’re not alone. Chiropractic care is one of the proven therapies to relieve such pains. According to Family chiropractic and wellness, 75-84% of women who receive chiropractic care report a commendable relief from back pain.
Chiropractors put pressure to realign your spine and joints. It’s best to go for those with specialized training in prenatal care to avoid complications. Most women are often concerned about cramping after chiropractic adjustment on pregnancy.
Is cramping normal? The article discusses why there’s cramping after a chiropractic adjustment and other aspects of this procedure that you should know.
Reasons Behind Cramping After Chiropractic Adjustment on Pregnancy
Cramping after chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy is usually caused by the realignment of muscles, joints, pelvis, and spine, and which may lead to a ripple effect on one’s abdomen/belly. The cramps present like a painful twitch. Call your doctor if you’re concerned about the cramps after chiropractic care.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
It is a procedure where a trained chiropractor applies sudden, gentle, regular pressure to your spinal joints. He may use hands or special instruments to help relieve joint pains, headaches, hip pain, and pelvic discomfort. If pregnant, you should go to a chiropractor specializing in prenatal care.
Can You Get a Chiropractic Adjustment While Pregnant?
Yes! It’s perfectly safe to get chiropractic adjustment during all stages of pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association explains there are no known clinical contraindications to chiropractic adjustment in pregnancy.
On the contrary, the procedure enhances a healthy, comfortable pregnancy by relaxing nerves and spine muscles. To protect you and your baby, choose an experienced chiropractor with specialized equipment, a comfy table, and cushions to support your body.
What are The Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustment in Pregnancy?
Chiropractic adjustment has the following benefits:
1. Realigning misarranged pelvis joint to give ample space for baby movement and growth.
2. The procedure promotes a safer delivery with shorter periods of labor by reducing nerve and joint stress.
3. Chiropractic adjustment prevents birth complications by repositioning your baby to the correct position.
4. Relieves body pains, including lower back pain, headaches, hip pain, and pelvic discomfort
5. Aside from the spine, nerves, and joints, chiropractic care improves the symptoms of nausea.
Possible Risks of Having a Chiropractic Adjustment When Pregnant
Like any other process, chiropractic care may present minimal complications if not done professionally. Such post-complications include:
1. Abdominal Cramps – though rare, some women may feel cramping after chiropractic adjustment on pregnancy. After treating hurting areas, every part of your body may feel some realignment. This explains the cramp-like pain.
2. Bulged, ruptured, or herniated disc is characterized by severe pain caused by a strain or injury on the lower back/neck.
3. A rare neck stroke if your neck is over-manipulated during the chiropractic adjustment.
Tips to Minimize the Cramping
1. Hydrate constantly
Water and fluids after the procedure facilitate healing and boost blood flow. Hydration also helps with bowel movement. If you’re pregnant and cramping after chiropractic adjustment, hydrate to relax stiff abdominal muscles causing cramps.
2. Rest/ relax
Aside from undergoing chiropractic adjustment, you’re pregnant and prone to fatigue. Take lots of rest. Relax at home and get comfortable. The cramps will gradually subside.
3. Get active
The cramps could be due to overworking muscles around the abdomen. Taking time before exercising may make your muscles feel sore and crampy after a chiropractic adjustment. Be active within reasonable limits. Take short walks or do simple home chores to alleviate cramping while keeping muscles/joints flexible.
Wrapping Up
Pain in different body parts could be stubborn during pregnancy. This is because of your growing belly, hormonal changes, loose limbs, and body posture. A chiropractic adjustment is a proven remedy for such pains.
While the seemingly straightforward procedure involves no surgeries or medication, go for the services of an experienced chiropractor only. Women sometimes experience various risks, such as cramping after chiropractic adjustment on pregnancy.
This condition comes as an after-effect of spinal/pelvis realignment. The cramps are temporary. You should feel better sooner with proper hydration, exercise, and rest. If you underwent chiropractic adjustment – with your gynecologists’ permission – and are worried about cramping, consult your doctor immediately.
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