Chiropractic care can help reduce back pain that is common during pregnancy by addressing joint dysfunction through gentle manipulation and motion. Joint dysfunction occurs when normal joint function is disrupted, potentially causing issues like pain, muscle spasm, and nerve compression. Pregnancy puts added stress on joints due to weight gain, hormones, and changes in balance and posture. Chiropractic care aims to relax tight ligaments and restore joint function to reduce risks of fetal malpresentation and birth complications that may require interventions like C-sections.

1. Chiropractic and Pregnancy Back pain may be common during pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean that you have to live with it.

2. This presentation has been designed to discuss the nature and uniqueness of chiropractic for the pregnant woman.

3. We Will Discuss: The term joint dysfunction, The components of joint dysfunction, and the relationship to pregnancy Chiropractic correction of joint dysfunction. Mal-presentations of the fetus such as breech, transverse, and posterior, Theory on why a baby mal-presents, and how specific chiropractic care can allow for reversal of this.

4. Joint Dysfunction: Disruption or impedance of a joint to such an extent that normal function is altered negatively. Joint Dysfunction can alter body function to various extents.

5. Joint Dysfunction can cause: Local tissue changes and edema Muscle spasm Numbness and tingling Changes in gait and posture Somato-Visceral changes Degeneration Nerve compression Pain

6. Causes of Joint Dysfunction include: Emotional, chemical & physical stress Auto accidents Poor posture Poor sleeping habits Improper work station set-up Sports injuries Slips and falls Repetitive Stress

7. Pregnant women have an increased risk of joint dysfunction due to: Normal weight gain adding structural stress to joints Hormonal changes weakening joints All of these normal body changes causing unfamiliar balance and posture.

8. Common conditions due to Pregnancy changes Sciatica SI joint Pain and instability Pubic joint pain Low Back Pain Rib/Breathing problems Upper back and shoulder pain Narrowed birth canal Baby mal presentations

9. What are Mal-Presentations? Mal-presentation of a baby is when the baby is not in the optimal position for delivery. Mal-presentations of babies can become delivery complications that could require interventions such as a C-section.

10. Chiropractic can reduce mal-presentations thereby reducing your risk for complications Mal-presentations may be caused by a constrained uterus. Chiropractic helps to relax the tight ligaments and restore function to joints that may be constraining the uterus.

11. Life is all about function. Chiropractic manipulation addresses dysfunction through gentle pressure, positioning, and motion. Removing roadblocks to the bodies’ natural healing power, allowing the symptom, condition or disease to be eliminated by your body naturally.