Pregnancy and Chiropractic: Dr. Glenn Uy

As a chiropractor in private practice, I often follow and provide care to patients throughout their pregnancy. The three most common musculoskeletal issues I see in my practice are:

1 - (LBP) Lower back pain 

2 - (PGP) Pelvic Girdle Pain

3 - (CTS) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Pregnancy related lower back pain usually begins between the 20th and 28th week of gestation, although some may have an earlier onset. LBP in pregnant women present very similar to non-pregnant women that have LBP. It is characterized by pain over and around the lumbar spine and above the sacrum. 

PGP can be much more painful and debilitating than LBP. Up to 20% of pregnant women will experience PGP. It is described as a deep, stabbing pain located around the area between the posterior iliac crest and gluteal fold.

I have found that the use of manual therapy, Active Release Techniques ®, and exercise prescription can provide immediate pain relief and help to reduce the need for medication in pregnant women suffering from LBP and PGP.

Wrist and hand pain are the second most common musculoskeletal symptoms during pregnancy. Most often caused by fluid retention in the wrists and hands. Studies have estimated that anywhere between 2%-25% of pregnant women will experience CTS. CTS is usually characterized by pain and parasthesia of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the 4th finger (closest to the middle finger).

I use manual therapy and K-tape application to decrease the fluid retention which helps to relieve pressure and pain.

RESOURCES:

Hippokratia. 2011 Jul-Sep; 15(3): 205–210.

Musculoskeletal Health in Pregnancy and Post-Partum, DOI,10.1007/978-3-319-14319-4_9