Many women who have recently discovered they're pregnant find themselves with back pain. They're often unsure why they're having discomfort, and don't realise the benefits of chiropractic treatment in restoring wellness and vitality as they continue their pregnancy journey. We look at the causes of this common complaint and how chiropractic care focuses on relieving back pain.

Why do I have back pain?

During pregnancy, a woman's centre of gravity shifts to the front of her pelvis, often causing lower back pain during the early stages. As her baby grows, the extra weight extends the curve of her back, placing additional stress on her pelvic and spinal joints. If a pregnant woman already has a troublesome back to begin with, her issues could be worsened as the pelvis and spine become overloaded.

If you find yourself with lower back pain early in your pregnancy, you're not alone. It's an incredibly common issue, with roughly half of all pregnant women experiencing some sort of back pain.

How will a chiro help?

Chiropractic care helps women experiencing back pain at every stage of pregnancy. If you're newly pregnant and dealing with back discomfort, a chiropractor will skilfully assess and maintain your pelvic and spinal alignment with reliable techniques, called adjustments. If your joints are out of alignment, you'll experience an imbalance in your muscles and ligaments. Alignment restores function and balance to your joints and to your body.

In addition, a chiropractor may:

- Massage the tight muscles of your neck, pelvis and lower back
- Strengthen and stretch your lower spinal and leg muscles
- Reduce any swelling around your joints
- Adjust or mobilise your lower spine or pelvis
- Use ice, heat, or exercise treatments

You can improve your back pain at home by doing regular gentle exercise, stopping exercise that makes you feel unwell, wearing proper shoes with arch supports, bending from the knees to pick up children, and lying on your side with a pillow between your knees to reduce the pressure on your joints.

Experiencing back pain during pregnancy? Call Melville Wellness Centre

Relieve that early pregnancy back pain with a visit to Melville Wellness Centre. Based in Perth, we're a friendly team of experienced chiropractors with techniques designed to restore balance and wellbeing and minimise pain. We'll work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan that reflects your goals. Contact us today on 9314 2777.