Chiropractic is a health care system that does not use drugs – an important consideration particularly during pregnancy or when treating young children.
Pregnancy
Chiropractic is a health care system that does not use drugs – an important consideration particularly during pregnancy. The many physical and chemical changes in a woman’s body at this time can aggravate existing spinal problems, and can also make the spine and pelvis unstable through the relaxation of the ligaments. Together with the postural changes likely to occur as a result of increased body weight, pain in the lower back, buttocks, groin and legs is particularly common during pregnancy.
Chiropractic care can help to correct any restricted joint movement and maintain spinal balance, as well as ensuring that the pelvis is correctly aligned – both before and after your baby is born. Your chiropractor may also advise you on how to lift and carry, how to improve your posture and how to exercise to improve your spinal health.
Young children
As a child grows up, and starts to walk, climb and run, the inevitable falls and bumps can affect the still-developing skeletal system. Once at school, the child carries heavy bags, sits on badly-designed chairs and participates in a variety of sporting activities. These stresses and injuries can result in the tightening of muscles in the neck or back, so causing the bones of the spine to lose their normal motion or position.
When you or your child attend a clinic for chiropractic treatment, your practitioner will take a thorough medical history and will conduct standard neurological and orthopaedic tests to determine whether spinal motion is normal. Treatment normally consists of gentle adjustments to the parts of the spine which are not moving properly; your chiropractor will use modified techniques to ensure comfort and safety for pregnant women and children. They can be used safely in all stages of pregnancy. The chiropractor may also give you advice about diet, posture, and other aspects of lifestyle.
