The process of development that occurs in the womb is one of life’s most magical and miraculous events. The structural changes and pain experienced during pregnancy, on the other hand, is not that magical. On average, a pregnant women’s uterus expands to 20 times it s original size, her abdomen will increase in girth by 25 inches, and she will carry an extra 30 pounds in less than one year! These changes, although beautiful, create an overloading burden on the muscular and skeletal system of that who is with child. The following describes the three most common conditions developed during pregnancy and a few tips on how to relieve them.
1) Lower Back Pain: Because the pregnant belly is very front heavy, women naturally arch backwards while they are standing to keep their balance. More appropriately diagnosed, the condition developed is called “Lumbar Facet Syndrome”. This is a condition in which the joints of your lower back jam together from being over extended and essentially cause a bone bruise. The most simple exercise to perform to help relieve the symptoms of Lumbar Facet Syndrome is one where you lie on you back, cross your ankles, and pull your knees up towards the sides of your abdomen. Make sure you’re comfortable and not straining when performing this stretch. Hold for 2 minutes at a time.
2) Sciatica: This is a general term used to describe irritation to the nerve that runs from your lower back all the way down your leg (the sciatic nerve). Symptoms of sciatica include aching, burning, stinging, or electrical pain that starts in you back or your buttock and shoots down the back of your leg. A common source of sciatica in the pregnant women is from the sciatic nerve being pinched by a muscle called the Piriformis. The piriformis is a muscle in your buttock that is responsible for turning your hips out. To check if you have a spasmed piriformis stand up and look at which direction your toes are pointing. If they are pointing out to the sides rather than straight in front of you, you have an overactive piriformis muscle that could be pinching your sciatic nerve. Try deep tissue massage to the gluteal region along with sitting on a warm pack to help reduce the spasm.
3) Foot Pain: Your feet bear a large burden while pregnant because of the excess weight being carried. Plantar fasciitis is commonly developed in those who continue to live active lives and stand or walk a lot during their pregnancy. If the bottom of your feet hurt, try rolling a golf ball under the tender areas as well as soaking your feet in a warm bath.
These are a few tips that will help you lose the distraction of pain that is so commonly associated with pregnancy. Of course, if your condition is advanced, the assistance of a good chiropractic physician who performs soft tissue therapy is one of the best investments you can make for your physical health during this incredible process.
Dr. Shamim Matin is San Diego’s specialist in non-surgical pain relief. Using the most advanced therapies, Dr. Matin treats and corrects painful physical conditions including Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headache, Jaw Pain, Shoulder Pain, Wrist Pain, Knee Pain, and Ankle Pain. Discover more at www.http://sandiegochiropractornow.com/