Pregnancy and Chiropractic
March 16, 2010 by DrLauren
Filed under Chiropractic, Health Information
Pregnancy is the prime example of one of favorite sayings of “Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t real or important.” The millions of different hormonal changes and chemical reactions that occur in the mother and the developing baby are definitely real and certainly important during pregnancy. The fact that our bodies innately know how to make and bake a child inside a woman’s uterus is absolutely mind-blowing. So how does our body know and coordinate all these important life processes?
The nervous system.
Now more than ever, during pregnancy you need a nervous system that responds immediately and accurately to changing requirements in all parts of your body, and therefore you need a healthy spine!
A person’s spine is made of 24 moveable bones called vertebrae, plus the sacrum (tailbone), pelvis, and skull. This hard casing from our head to our rear serves 2 main functions: 1) protects the delicate tissue of the spinal cord and brain from damage, and 2) allows for motion of the back and neck that keeps us safe, mobile, and living.
From the brain, nerve impulses travel down the spinal cord, branch out into nerves, and exit between the vertebrae. When the vertebrae become misaligned or unable to move properly a condition called vertebral subluxation occurs. Subluxations irritate and interfere with the function of the nerves. Inteference to the nervous system during pregnancy can slow or stop important messages from the brain to the body of the woman and impact the developing fetus. Through safe, effective and gentle chiropractic adjustments, proper function is restored and interference is removed, allowing the body of both mother and baby to adapt to the rapidly changing environments during pregnancy.
Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions:
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Why should I have chiropractic care during pregnancy?
How does chiropractic benefit pregnant moms?
What about chiropractic care and breech deliveries?
Is it safe for my newborn to be adjusted?
Should I talk to my doctor about chiropractic?
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
In the 100+ years of chiropractic care, there have been no known contraindications to chiropractic care for mothers-to-be. In fact, the majority of pregnant women under chiropractic care report improved motion, less, pain, overall sense of well-being and decreased delivery times.
A fabulous technique offered by some chiropractors has been helpful with breech presentation. Webster Technique is not a treatment to turn breech babies, but allows for the body to function properly and often results in the baby turning naturally. Click to read more about Webster Technique.
Why should I have chiropractic care during pregnancy?
The millions of changes that occur in a mother’s and developing baby’s body during pregnancy place a great amount of pressure on the nerves, muscles, and bones of the spine. The most predominate change is the protruding abdomen, which increases the curve of the lower back. These changes place excess stress on the nervous system. Why is this important? Remember it is the nervous system that controls and coordinates all processes of life, including the reproductive system of the mother and the cells, organs, and tissues of the developing baby. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively.
A large focus of chiropractic care is focused on relieving intrauterine constraint by establishing proper alignment and balance of the pelvis and sacrum. When the pelvis is out of alignment it may reduce the amount of room available for the baby and put unnecessary pressure on the developing baby.
A misalignment of the pelvis may also make it more difficult for the baby to move into proper position during delivery. This is one reason why pregnant mothers under chiropractic care experience a shorter delivery time and may help with reducing breech or other improper positioning of the baby.
How does chiropractic benefit pregnant moms?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy provides many benefits for mothers-to-be and their unborn child. Potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:
- Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
- Controlling symptoms of nausea
- Reducing the time of labor and delivery
- Relieving back, neck or joint pain
- Preventing a potential cesarean section
- Maintaining uterine ligament flexibility & balance
- Enhancing function of nervous system
According to recent studies, chiropractic care may result in easier pregnancy including increased comfort during the third trimester and delivery and reduced need for analgesics (pain medication). In one study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had 24% reduction in labor times and subjects giving birth for the second or third time reported 39% reduction in shorter labor times. In another study, the need for analgesics was reduced by 50% in the patients who received adjustments. In addition, 84% of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy with chiropractic care. When women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis function better. As a result, there is significantly less likelihood of back labour (contractions and sharp pain felt in the lower back during labor). Chiropractic care has helped new mothers become more comfortable breastfeeding (posture-wise) as well as to produce more milk. Chiropractic care has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression.
If you are 1 in 200 women who suffer from pre-eclampsia with hypertension and albuminaria (protein in urine), chiropractic care may be of benefit. The cause is unknown but can lead to seizures, coma, and death. One study investigated the link between the lumbar spine (located in the low back) and pre-eclampsia. It revealed that women with decreased lumbar spine curves had more pre-eclampsia. They also found that patients with reduced lumbar curves had decreased blood flow to the iliac artery than normal pregnant women.
(Hypolumbarlordosis: a predisposing factor for preeclampsia. Kanayama N. Maradny EE, Kajiwara Y. et al. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 1997;75: 115-121.)
What about chiropractic care and breech deliveries?
The late Larry Webster, D.C., founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, developed a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that enables chiropractors to establish balance in the pregnant woman’s pelvis and reduce undue stress to her uterus and supporting ligaments. This balanced state in the pelvis makes it easier for a breech baby to turn naturally. The technique is known as the Webster Technique.
It is considered normal by some for a baby to present breech until the third trimester. Most birth practitioners are not concerned with breech presentations until a patient is 37 weeks along. Approximately 4% of all pregnancies result in a breech presentation.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique. Further, the results from the study suggest that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique as early as the eighth month of pregnancy when a woman has a breech presentation.
Currently, the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association recommends that women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to establish pelvic balance and optimize the room a baby has for development throughout pregnancy. With a balanced pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth, and the crisis and worry associated with breech and posterior presentations may be avoided altogether. Optimal baby positioning at the time of birth also eliminates the potential for dystocia (difficult labor) and therefore results in easier and safer deliveries for both the mother and baby.
Is it safe for my newborn to be adjusted?
Having a nervous system that is functioning at its 100% potential, especially when you’re pregnant, creates the optimal environment for your baby to reach their full potential. Many women who get adjusted throughout their pregnancy notice the benefits and learn many lifestyle habits that will continue to promote and enhance their wellness potential.
Even natural births can stress a baby’s spine and breastfeeding problems can arise if the baby has a subluxation and is unable to comfortably turn its head to one side. Colic, ear infections, low immunity, asthma, allergies, constipation, diarrhea, kidney issues and so many more conditions are commonly helped by gentle chiropractic care for infants, children, and adults.
Mothers can rest assured that their infant will receive safe, highly specific and gentle adjustments to correct subluxations. Actually, the pressure used to make an adjustment to an infant is the same pressure you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. There are a number of different chiropractic techniques. We will work with you to find the best one for you and your child. A chiropractic adjustment is no more dangerous to a child than a regular check-up with a pediatrician.
Should I talk to my doctor about chiropractic?
Chiropractic is becoming more and more well-known and more women are seeking the benefits of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. While many health care providers are referring pregnant patients to chiropractors, you do not need a referral from your physician to receive chiropractic care. If your doctor is not yet familiar with chiropractic care in pregnancy, ask them to find out more about its many benefits and mention the ICPA’s website at www.icpa4kids.org. Most importantly, seek options that support your body’s natural abilities to function and find a team of providers that is respectful of your choices.
Adjustments
November 9, 2008 by DrLauren
Filed under Chiropractic
Chiropractic adjustments are the most essential part of your care.
It is a specialized, controlled and safe pressure that is applied to joints to correct subluxations and restore proper motion and position. Spinal joints that aren’t moving right can choke or irritate nearby nerves. Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these stuck joints, reducing interference in the nervous system.
Chiropractic adjustments are a very precise procedure that highly skilled chiropractors learn and perfect over years of training at chiropractic college and in clinical practice. You should never try to be your own doctor and adjust yourself! Self-adjusting can be very harmful to your spine and and body. Leave it to the experts!
Are adjustments safe?
Yes! Records form insurance and court cases have constantly shown that chiropractic is the safest portal of entry health care available to the public today.
It is important to remember that every health procedure, from taking aspirin to giving blood, involves a level of risk. Chiropractic stands on its record of safety and effectiveness that is unmatched in healthcare. Adjustments are among the safest of all health care interventions because they are non-surgical, drug-free and present an extremely low risk. And they work!
To learn more about the safety record of chiropractic please visit the website www.chiropracticissafe.org
Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
Do adjustments hurt?
Most patients report relief and ease with adjustments. It is common to experience some mild soreness following your first couple of adjustments. This is a natural process your body goes through while adjusting to the proper positions. This is similar to the soreness you might feel when working out after a long break from the gym. Muscles, joints, and nerves must get used to this new, correct position.
Most patients enjoy getting adjusted once they become familiar with this healthy lifestyle choice. After all, if adjustments weren’t pleasant, our patients wouldn’t return for the multiple visits needed to retrain their spine!
When weighing the decision about adjustments, consider this: Would you rather experience minor discomfort for a day or two now to prevent the possibility of experience severe pain down the road from the degeneration that will result from uncorrected subluxations?
Who can get adjusted?
Everyone! Newborns, infants, children, pregnant women, athletic men, seniors, and even back surgery patients can get adjusted. Naturally, adjustments are tailored to your size, age and particular health issue. The OWC offers a wide variety of different techniques. Finding a technique that is right for you and your child will always be discussed by one of our doctors.
Find out for yourself by scheduling a no-obligation consultation to discuss your problem.
Why should expecting moms get adjusted?
Pregnancy may be one of the best times to receive chiropractic care! While it’s always good to have an optimally functioning nervous system, it’s especially helpful now. Both mother and baby can benefit. Adjusting methods are adapted to a mother’s size, weight and condition. During this period of weight gain and hormonal changes, many mothers seek chiropractic care. Some report shorter and easier births.
Why would a newborn get adjusted?
Many babies receive their first subluxations during pregnancy and the birthing process. Modern medical procedures such as the Cesarean section, the use of forceps, and induced deliveries put unnatural strains on the infant’s delicate body. Frequently, doctors still hold the baby upside down from the feet. Throughout the ordeal, the tiny spine is twisted, tugged and stretched. The frequent result: subluxations.
People who understand the importance of spinal checkups and care bring their children into the chiropractor’s office when they are tiny infants.
Will adjustments hurt my baby?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. Your child getting adjusted is no more harmful than a regular check-up at the pediatrician.
Infants and children do not receive the same adjustments as adults. Adjusting techniques are modified for each person’s size and unique spinal problem. Plus, an infant’s spine does not have the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults. This makes the energy needed to adjust a child’s spine considerably less than an adult’s does. The pressure used to adjust an infant is about the same pressure used to test the ripeness of a tomato. Very gentle.
Will my insurance and MD approve?
First, you do not need anyone’s approval to seek a chiropractic opinion about health issues affecting you or your child! The judgment of another health care expert is always helpful in the decision-making process. Medical practitioners keeping up with the latest pediatric chiropractic research are starting to understand the value of this natural, drug-free approach to better health. It is very common for up-to-date physicians and chiropractors to work together in helping you achieve your highest level of health!
Most insurance companies DO reimburse for chiropractic care. Like all medical procedures, it is best to contact your insurance carrier to verify your chiropractic coverage.
Keep in mind that many insurance do not cover wellness services. Just as your insurance does not pay for your gym membership or organic food, often times they will not pay for the amount of care that is needed to keep you healthy. Some investment out of pocket may be necessary, but very worthwhile.
Subluxations
November 9, 2008 by DrLauren
Filed under Chiropractic
What is a subluxation?
What causes subluxations?
How do subluxations affect me?
How do I know if I have subluxations?
How are subluxations treated?
What if subluxations are not corrected?
What is a subluxation?
In simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when there is interference or irritation in your nervous system that causes poor communication between your brain and body.
Your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is responsible for sending messages to every cell, tissue, organ and system in your body. This communication is made possible by your spinal neurologic network. This communication network is in charge of virtually every function in your body and determines whether you enjoy good health or disease. The central nervous system is so important that nature built armor around it, your skull and spinal column.
However, even with this inborn protection, our nervous system can experience interference, injury or disturbance. We call this damage to our nervous system a Subluxation. Subluxations could potentially be a very serious threat to your continued overall health and well-being.
Subluxations can have devastating effects on your overall health and well-being. Our primary goal is to detect and correct the subluxations that are interfering with your nervous system.
What causes subluxations?
Subluxations most often occur in response to the daily stresses placed on our bodies. Common things such as emotional stress, poor posture from sitting in front of a computer, minor slips and falls, and even a poor diet can result in subluxations. Research shows that the very first subluxation we often encounter occurs during the birthing process. The picture depicts the trauma these newborns endure. Ask yourself if this looks traumatic?
Subluxations are inevitable after more serious falls, accidents, and trauma. Car accidents, biking accidents, heavy lifting, etc. It is extremely important to get checked following these types of major injuries. The sooner you can get checked, the faster your overall recovery!
How do subluxations affect me?
Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling from the brain to the rest of your body, messages can get unclear or lost. Since your brain tells your muscles to contract, the heart to pump, the intestines to digest, etc … a clear signal is necessary to carry on these vital life processes.
Subluxations that interfere with these messages can lead to constant muscle contraction, poor digestion, and even heart problems like high blood pressure. The affects of vertebral subluxations are numerous and shoud be taken seriously.
How do I know if I have subluxations?
Many health problems, including subluxations, are subtle in the early stages of development. In the same way that a cavity or heart problem can be overlooked before causing pain or other warning signs, a spinal problem may develop and exist for years before causing difficulties.
This is why it is important to be checked by a chiropractor who is an expert at locating subluxations. To detect the possible onset of a subluxation, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination, including a detailed history, orthopedic, neurological and postural evaluations, and possibly an X-ray (radiographs) if necessary.
The OWC takes locating subluxations to another level through the Insight Millenium Subluxation Station. This is cutting-edge, non-invasive computer technology that helps located areas of dysfunction in the body. Chiropractors utilizing this technology are part of an elite group that offers total body health evaluations and complete wellness treatments.
How are subluxations treated?
A highly trained Doctor of Chiropractic can locate and correct subluxations. Subluxations are easily corrected through the precise delivery of a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments are quick, safe, and highly effective. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be experts at correcting subluxations.
What if subluxations are not corrected?
Degeneration, aging, and a loss in your total body health. Optimal health cannot be achieved if signals from the brain and body are unclear or absent. The brain and tissues of the body can become compromised, resulting in a wide arrange of problems.
The subluxation also causes changes to the structures around it. These changes get progressively worse over time if uncorrected. These changes take the form of ongoing degeneration known as “subluxation degeneration“. By understanding the type and amount of changes, it is possible to reasonably estimate the time subluxations have been present in a spine. Having this information is useful in understanding the time and effort needed for correction.
CLICK HERE to check out our specialized techniques to correct subluxations.
Chiropractic
November 9, 2008 by DrLauren
Filed under Chiropractic
Chiropractic is the largest alternative health profession in the nation and the second largest health care profession in the world. With the growing demand of a more natural and safe approach, it is also the fastest growing health profession. It has been successfully helping people find natural pain relief, and more importantly, in regaining their health. It is important to understand that chiropractic is NOT just for back and neck pain, although that is a common “side effect.” Chiropractors work primarily with the spinal column and spinal cord which has a positive effect on the nervous system.
The Philosophy of Chiropractic
The Science of Chiropractic
The Art of Chiropractic
Frequently Asked Questions
The Philosophy of Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a healing art with a strong philosophy and belief that the “power that made you, heals you”. This power the human body contains is what we term innate intelligence. The profession was founded on and builds upon 33 principles that explain the human body, the human experience, and life. Below is a brief summary of the Chiropractic Philosophy:
- There exists a Universal Intelligence which brings organization to all matter, and maintains its existence;
- All living things have inborn, or Innate Intelligence which adapts universal forces and matter for use in the body;
- Every living thing has ALL the Innate Intelligence it requires to maintain its life and optimal health;
- Health is the expression of the Innate Intelligence through Innate Matter, via Innate Energy;
- When there is interference with the transmission of Innate Energy, the result is a decrease in the expression of Innate Intelligence, which chiropractors call dis-ease (not to be confused with disease!).
The Science of Chiropractic
There are four main scientific principles in which chiropractic builds its solid foundation:
1. The human body is a self-healing and self-regulating organism.
This means that if you cut yourself, you don’t have to think about the wound healing; the body’s innate intelligence does this on its own. If a corpse or cadaver were cut, this healing would not take place. It only occurs when life is present.
2. The nervous system is the master system of the body.
Every experience and expression is processed through your nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. What calls your immune system to action? What controls and regulates the healing process? What signals your glands to secrete hormones and enzymes? What tells your muscles to contract and relax? What tells your body to digest food? What tells you to speak and taste? Your nervous system.
3. Any interference and stress within the nervous system will negatively impact the body’s ability to self-regulate and self-heal.
These interferences do indeed take place, and they are called subluxations. If lifestyle stress and interference is not addressed and your body continues to experience daily abuse and neglect … disease and illness is inevitable. How does one end up with subluxations? Lifestyle stress — physical, chemical and emotional stresses. In many cases, subluxations do not exhibit any symptoms, yet still cause inflammation and interference to the nervous system. When the lines of communication are unclear or shut off, organs and tissues in your body slowly begin to lose their necessary life flow. Consider your cell phone. Everyone has experienced static or a poor connection while talking to someone on the other end of the line. Sometimes you can make out what the other person is saying, sometimes the connection is so bad it drops the call and cuts off communication. This is a similar concept. When intereference in your nervous system gets bad, it can blur communication and shut off the vital life flow to the destination tissue (i.e. heart, colon, etc.). Without proper communication, disease occurs. This is why even in the absence of symptoms, it is critical for everyone, including children, to have their nervous system checked for subluxations.
4. Chiropractors are trained experts in locating and removing interference in the nervous system through adjustments.
How do chiropractors locate subluxations? In our office, we use our hands, knowledge, expertise, and the Insight Millenium Subluxation Station, cutting edge computerized technology which is used by NASA and certified by the Space Foundation to do just this. The scans are completely safe, non-invasive and painless. Once we can locate areas of involvement, chiropractic adjustments can be safely given to remove interference and re-connect the circuit between the brain and the body.
Basing our treatment and care off of these scientific facts, has led to extensive published research backing up the safety and efficacy of chiropractic. Research studies are constantly being conducted and published supporting the science, art, and philosophy of chiropractic.
A major advancement in chiropractic was made with the introduction of the Insight Subluxation Station, cutting edge computerized technology which is used by NASA and certified by the Space Foundation. Thousands of chiropractors across the world are utilizing this technology which is constantly verifying the science behind chiropractic work. Take a look at this video for a brief explanation about how this technology works and what you can expect during an evaluation with this award-winning nervous system scan.
The Art of Chiropractic
The true art of chiropractic lies in the chiropractic adjustment. There are hundreds of different chiropractic techniques that are used safely everyday to remove interference in the nervous system. Adjustments are usually pain-less, quick, non-invasive, highly effective and absolutely safe. In fact, many newborn babies are adjusted immediately after birth. Finding the technique and chiropractor that works best for you is very important and can take some time. Be patient and communicate with your doctor about your concerns and what you enjoy.
Dr Lauren is proficient in many techniques and can help find the best technique for you. Some people prefer the traditional manual adjustments where you might hear audible “pops.” This is simply gas being released from joints that have excess pressure built up. These adjustment are completely safe (especially for your neck!). Other people enjoy the low-force adjustments delivered by instruments like an Activator or Arthrostim. The Optimal Wellness Center offers a wide variety of treatment options that are sure to fit the desires of most patients.
Applied Kinesiology
Arthrostim
Cox Flexion Distraction
Diversified
Logan Basic
Sacro-Occipital Technique
Thompson
Webster Technique
