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What Does a Prenatal Chiropractor do for Pregnancy?

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Are you pregnant and experiencing discomfort, pain, or even just curious about how chiropractic care can help during pregnancy?

Prenatal chiropractic care is a game-changer for many expecting mothers, providing a comfortable and healthy pregnancy.

Key Takeaways

  • Prenatal chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to reduce pregnancy-related discomforts, balance the pelvis, and enable the baby to move into an optimal birth position.
  • Pregnancy chiropractors use specialized techniques such as the Webster Technique for pain relief and pelvic alignment throughout pregnancy.
  • The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) provides resources and instruction for prenatal/pediatric care while collaborating with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive holistic care for expectant mothers.

The Essence of Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on easing discomfort, enhancing pelvic alignment, and safeguarding the well-being of both mother and baby to facilitate a healthier pregnancy and symptom management. It offers advantages, such as:

  • Balancing the pelvis
  • Decreasing the possibility of uterine torsion
  • Enabling the baby to move into the most suitable birth position
  • Inducing relaxation
  • Providing guidance for complementary therapies

Rest assured, chiropractic care is considered safe throughout pregnancy, with no known contraindications, and can help alleviate common pregnancy-related discomforts such as back pain, sciatica, and joint pain.

Chiropractors accommodate the distinct requirements of pregnant women by leveraging specially-designed tables and techniques that avert unnecessary abdominal pressure.

A pregnant woman dealing with back pain from her pregnancy.

In contrast to regular chiropractic, prenatal chiropractic focuses on the pregnant woman’s pelvis to facilitate pelvic alignment and guarantee ample space for the baby’s growth and inversion in the third trimester.

The Role of Pregnancy Chiropractors

Pregnancy chiropractors which have specialized training, offer care specifically designed for pregnant women.

They use a gentle touch that is safe for both mother and baby while modifying their techniques for comfort and efficacy throughout the duration of the pregnancy.

Prenatal chiropractic care early in pregnancy is recommended, as it facilitates a smoother pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, adjustments during the third trimester may be beneficial for alleviating pain, including neck pain, and promoting pelvic alignment.

A pregnancy chiropractor specializes in mitigating common pregnancy-induced discomforts like back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain. By addressing these issues, they help expectant mothers maintain their daily activities with ease and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy experience.

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) is an organization that furnishes resources and instruction for chiropractors specializing in prenatal and pediatric care.

The ICPA carries out yearly practice-based research and case study reports that are subject to peer review.

Through this research, the practice of family wellness chiropractic gets represented globally. Their most recent published articles on pregnancy and chiropractic can be accessed through their website.

If you’re in search of a chiropractor with experience in treating pregnant individuals safely, the ICPA database can be used to locate a Webster Certified or ICPA trained chiropractor in your local area. With the right chiropractor, you can trust that you and your baby are in safe and capable hands.

Prenatal Chiropractic Treatment

Prenatal chiropractic treatment includes:

  • Customized adjustments to accommodate the pregnant belly, aiming to offer pain relief and maintain proper pelvic alignment
  • Focusing on the pelvis to ensure it is in proper alignment, as well as any other areas of pain or tension
  • Care is taken to avoid certain pressure points that may trigger discomfort or contractions.

Pregnant women can anticipate that their prenatal chiropractic treatment may vary slightly from conventional adjustments. The treatment may include:

  • The use of a special bolster or pillow to comfortably support the belly away from the table
  • Securing the head, shoulders, hips, and legs with the table
  • Addressing pain and alignment issues without causing any discomfort to the mother or baby

Accommodating the Pregnant Belly

Throughout prenatal chiropractic treatment, chiropractors use special bolsters or pillows to support pregnant patients.

These supports securely hold the pregnant belly off the table while providing a comfortable support for the head, shoulders, hips, and legs on the table. This helps the mother feel at ease and can fully benefit from the chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic tables have different sections that can be individually adjusted in order to make it comfortable for the practitioner to move particular body areas away from the table.

This allows the patient to be positioned exactly where necessary. This design ensures that the expecting mother’s protruding abdomen is well-supported and comfortable, allowing the chiropractor to perform the necessary adjustments without causing any strain or discomfort.

Techniques for Pain Relief and Pelvic Alignment

Chiropractors employ delicate techniques to lessen pain and enhance pelvic alignment during pregnancy.

These techniques focus on addressing common pregnancy-related ailments such as back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain. By relieving these discomforts, prenatal chiropractic care can help promote a more comfortable and healthier pregnancy.

The Webster Technique is one method employed by chiropractors. The technique centers around repositioning of the pelvis and giving relaxation to abdominal muscles.

This makes more room for the baby to move into the preferred orientation for labor which allows for an easier and healthier childbirth. 

When to Begin Prenatal Chiropractic Care

You can start prenatal chiropractic care at any pregnancy stage. Establishing a balanced pelvic floor and back prior to pregnancy is the best way to reduce the likelihood of any issues or discomfort during the gestation period.

Although not a prerequisite for labor preparation, chiropractic treatment can be beneficial in relieving common pregnancy-related complications.

Whether you’re in your first trimester or nearing your due date, it’s never too late to start prenatal chiropractic care. The sooner you begin, the more benefits you will have throughout your pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy

Chiropractic care in early pregnancy can assist in preparing the body for a smooth pregnancy and delivery. It’s ideal to start prenatal chiropractic care as soon as possible, preferably in the first trimester.

By starting chiropractic care early in pregnancy, you can help ensure a balanced and well-aligned pelvis, which can lead to fewer complications and discomforts as your pregnancy progresses.

Third Trimester Adjustments

Adjustments in the third trimester can aid in achieving proper pelvic alignment and fetal positioning, contributing to a more comfortable birthing experience.

Recommendations for the third trimester may include using a pillow between the legs or propping up the belly to ease strain while sleeping. Additionally, prenatal chiropractic care can help reduce swelling, pain, and other pregnancy-related issues.

With the baby growing rapidly during the third trimester, it’s essential to maintain proper pelvic alignment and create an optimal environment for delivery. Chiropractic care can help ensure that both mother and baby are in the best possible position for delivery. 

First-Time Chiropractic Patients and Prenatal Care

Even if you’re a first-time chiropractic patient, you can safely undergo prenatal chiropractic care, as a gentle approach is taken for comfort. Evaluating and treating common musculoskeletal symptoms that affect pregnant women is the approach for first-time chiropractic patients and prenatal care.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is considered safe and effective in alleviating:

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Other pregnancy-related issues

If you’ve never visited a chiropractor before, don’t worry! Our chiropractors are qualified to work with pregnant women, and there are no known contraindications to chiropractic care during pregnancy.

So, whether you’re a first-time patient or a regular, prenatal chiropractic care can provide benefits throughout your pregnancy.

The Webster Technique: A Key Component of Prenatal Care

The Webster Technique, which concentrates on pelvic balance and optimal fetal positioning, is a key component of prenatal chiropractic care. This technique involves specific adjustments to the pelvis and sacrum to promote balance and optimal fetal positioning. Developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), this technique has been shown to have an 82% success rate in turning babies in the vertex position when employed by chiropractors.

The Webster Technique is an essential tool for chiropractors working with pregnant patients, as it addresses pelvic balance and ensures that the baby has sufficient space to move into the correct position for labor. This can lead to a smoother and safer delivery for both mother and baby.

How the Webster Technique Works

The Webster Technique entails specific adjustments to the pelvis and sacrum to foster balance and encourage optimal fetal positioning. It is designed to:

  • Realign the pelvis
  • Alleviate muscle tension
  • Provide more space for the baby to move into the correct position for labor
  • Lead to a faster and healthier labor.

By addressing subluxation and improving the pelvis’ ability to adapt, the Webster Technique can significantly reduce the strain of labor and childbirth.

This technique is particularly beneficial for women experiencing a breech presentation, as it can help create the optimal environment for the baby to turn into the correct position for delivery.

 With the Webster Technique, chiropractors can provide targeted care that addresses the unique needs of pregnant women and their developing babies.

Addressing Common Pregnancy Complaints

Prenatal chiropractic care targets common pregnancy issues like pain, swelling, and reflux to enhance overall comfort. Chiropractic adjustments can enhance pelvic floor function and reduce common pregnancy-related ailments such as sciatica, hip pain, low back pain, restless leg, headaches, and mid-back pain.

A pregnant woman dealing with restless legs.

Through targeted adjustments, prenatal chiropractic care can help alleviate these discomforts, promoting overall well-being and improving the quality of life for expectant mothers. By addressing these common issues, chiropractic care can help pregnant women maintain their daily activities with ease and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy experience.

Easing the Discomforts of Pregnancy

During pregnancy, chiropractic care can provide the following benefits:

  • Relief from back pain
  • Improved stability and posture
  • Management of nausea
  • Reduction of pregnancy-related pain throughout the body

By receiving chiropractic care, expectant mothers can enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling pregnancy experience, with healthier pregnancy controlling symptoms.

Chiropractic care is both safe and effective for pregnant women, as chiropractors are trained to work with them. By addressing common pregnancy discomforts, prenatal chiropractic care can make a significant difference in the overall well-being of expectant mothers.

Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals

Prenatal chiropractors work in concert with healthcare professionals like OBs, midwives, and doulas to offer comprehensive care during pregnancy. This collaboration enables a more holistic approach to prenatal care, as healthcare professionals can offer additional services and guidance that the chiropractor may not be able to provide.

By working together, prenatal chiropractors and other healthcare professionals can ensure that expectant mothers receive comprehensive care throughout their pregnancy. This collaboration can minimize the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery, ultimately leading to a smoother and more enjoyable pregnancy experience.

Summary

In conclusion, prenatal chiropractic care offers benefits for pregnant women, addressing common pregnancy complaints, promoting pelvic balance, and ensuring optimal fetal positioning. 

By collaborating with healthcare professionals, prenatal chiropractors provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to prenatal care, ultimately leading to a more comfortable pregnancy experience and a smoother delivery.

If you’re pregnant and considering chiropractic care, don’t hesitate to reach out to Impact Chiropractic. You can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and pave the way for a smooth and safe delivery for both you and your baby.

Chiropractic Care for Baby Positioning

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Chiropractic adjustment on prenatal patient using the webster technique for optimal baby positioning.

Welcoming a new life into the world is a remarkable journey, and at Impact Chiropractic in Loveland, Colorado, we understand the importance of ensuring both mother and baby experience this journey in the healthiest and most comfortable way possible. Our chiropractic care, centered around the renowned Webster technique, aims to create the optimal conditions for a smooth pregnancy, birth process as well to support baby positioning. Join us as we delve into how chiropractic care, specifically the Webster technique, can make a world of difference for expectant mothers and their precious bundles of joy.

The Webster Technique: Enhancing Neurobiomechanical Function

The Webster technique stands as a pillar of our chiropractic care for expectant mothers. This specialized technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment that focuses on the sacral and pelvic regions. By reducing subluxation and addressing any sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, this technique aims to improve neurobiomechanical function within the sacral and pelvic region.

Benefits for Mothers

For mothers-to-be, the Webster technique offers a range of benefits that can transform the pregnancy experience. One of the most notable advantages is the significant reduction in aches and pains commonly associated with pregnancy. The adjustments provided by our certified doctors can alleviate discomfort, contributing to a happier and healthier pregnancy journey. Even allowing for a faster birth process with research showing a reduction in labor times averaging around a third.

Benefits for Babies

Optimal positioning is crucial for the well-being of the developing baby and the ease of the birthing process. The Webster technique plays a pivotal role in achieving this by addressing torsion within the uterus. Imagine the uterus as a space-limited environment, much like a hot air balloon tethered at awkward angles. Our chiropractic care eliminates this torsion, providing the baby with ample room to move and position themselves correctly.

Chiropractic Care for Baby Positioning

The technique’s multifaceted approach involves addressing various aspects of chiropractic care for the ideal baby positioning. By rectifying sacral rotation, we reduce strain on the uterosacral ligament, effectively decreasing torsion within the uterus. Additionally, addressing the hip flexor muscle creates a more symmetrical lower abdominal space, reducing the sensation of crunching on one side and offering the baby a comfortable environment to grow. During pregnancy, the round ligaments that attach to the uterus can become tight and tender, leading to discomfort and stress on the uterus itself. The Webster technique excels at releasing this tension, relieving pain for the mother and promoting optimal space for the baby. This liberation from stress ensures that the uterus is free to accommodate the baby in the best possible way.

The Importance of Timely Care

Early adoption of chiropractic care can be a game-changer for mothers-to-be. Most babies naturally assume a head-down position in the early stages of pregnancy. However, if a baby hasn’t settled into this position by around 32 weeks, it’s an opportune moment to incorporate chiropractic care into the prenatal routine. At Impact Chiropractic in Loveland, Co, our expertise in the Webster technique provides the guidance needed to support a smooth transition for both mother and baby.

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, and at Impact Chiropractic in Loveland, CO, we’re dedicated to enhancing that journey for both mothers and babies. Through our specialized Webster technique, we offer a comprehensive approach to chiropractic care that focuses on achieving optimal positioning and comfort. By reducing aches and pains, addressing torsion, and promoting symmetrical growth, our certified doctors empower expectant mothers to experience a more joyful and healthier pregnancy. Prepare for birth the right way – with chiropractic care that makes an impact. Contact Impact Chiropractic today to embark on a pregnancy journey filled with comfort, happiness, and optimal well-being.

Say Goodbye to Low Back Pain: Understanding the Causes

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For many of us, gone are the days where we can clean the house, go for a walk, play with the kids, play with our pets, or, if we’re being honest, simply go to sleep without putting ourselves at risk for neck or low back pain.

Sound familiar?

Surprise sleep injuries aside, if you’re all too familiar with back pain, you’ve come to the right place at Impact Chiropractic Loveland!

As the leading low back pain specialist in Loveland, we know a thing or two about the common causes of low back pain.

Keep reading to learn more about what might be behind yours and, more importantly, what you can do to say goodbye to low back pain.

Bottom Line:

Low back pain is the number one reason people worldwide visit their doctor and miss work.

If you’ve dealt with it in the past (or maybe even right now), you know back pain can change your life in an instant.

Not being able to enjoy hobbies, difficulty in your ability to work, and a sneaking suspicion that you may never get “back to normal” are all normal when you’re experiencing a bout of back pain.

So why do so many people here in Loveland, Colorado and around the world struggle with back pain?

In many cases, your daily habits are a big contributor to your back pain.

Why it Matters:

If you’ve been living with aches and pain, it’s often connected to distorted movement patterns that affect your neuromusculoskeletal system – your brain, nerves, muscles, bones, joints, cartilage, tendons, etc.

And those abnormal movement patterns can happen for a variety of reasons that range from long hours at a computer and repetitive stress to sudden injuries.

That repetitive stress combined with nagging injuries, a diet filled with inflammatory foods, or a lack of daily exercise and movement can all contribute to an increased likelihood of back pain.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

Here are the three most common causes of low back pain…

1. Sprain/Strain Injuries: Repetitive stress can create inflammation and lead to sprains or strains.

2. Spinal Disc Issues: Disc bulges and herniations can press on your spinal nerves, leading to back pain that travels to other parts of the body.

3. Arthritis: As you get older, your body will naturally go through some degenerative changes, and if your spinal joints become inflamed, you may notice some pain.

A whopping 80% of us will experience low back pain at some point in our lives, and none of us want to rely on pills to feel better.

The good news is that, in most cases, sprains and strains and joint issues can heal pretty quickly with the right care.

That’s where we come in!

An overwhelming majority of people recover from back pain naturally or with a little additional help from a chiropractor.

So, if you’ve been searching for a low back pain specialist in Loveland, you’ve come to the right place!

Research supports the use of chiropractic care for the treatment of all causes of and all types of low back pain.

Get this.

In a recent study, researchers found that low back pain patients with disc issues who received chiropractic care experienced the same if not more relief than patients who underwent invasive back surgeries.

Next Steps:

While it may feel like you’ll never get back to your old self, the odds are in your favor that you will!

And even if you typically seem to recover by taking it easy for a few days, it’s still a smart decision to visit a chiropractor.

Chiropractic care has been part of the wellness conversation worldwide for well over 125 years, and our chiropractic practice is proud to serve the Loveland community now and for years to come.

Our low back pain specialists will work with you to determine both what’s at the root of your low back pain and the non-invasive treatment options that make sense for you.

Research also strongly suggests that periodic chiropractic care – just like dynamic stretching and regular exercise – can help prevent future episodes of low back pain.

So, if you haven’t, be sure to have your next – or first – visit scheduled at Impact Chiropractic Loveland!

To learn more, check out what current research has to say!

Text neck: what it is and how to fix it

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Do you ever look around and see kids hunched over looking at their phones? Is your child complaining about neck pain? Are you concerned that your teenager spends way too much time on their screen and it’s bad for their posture? Well, this is a real problem in today’s society. We are starting to see a new pandemic amongst our youth, and it is known as “text neck”. If you look at young kids these days when they are on their phones, it is pretty obvious what the issue is. They are hunched over with their head hanging down in a poor position for hours at a time. This is causing a lot of issues with their spinal health. More than ever, kids today are complaining about neck and back. Cell phone use is the reason. 

Growing up, it was very common for parents to get on their kids’ case about sitting up straight and having good posture. It is no mystery that having bad posture is very not good for your health. But why is that exactly? I’ll tell you. For every inch that your head is hanging forward past the normal position, you add about 10 pounds of pressure onto your spinal cord. It basically acts as a tether where the head hanging down is causing tension and pulling on the rest of the spine. This is very stressful for the spine and lower back muscles. This is what leads to back pain. Overtime, if this tether situation continues, this back pain will become more and more chronic and harder and harder to correct. If you don’t want your child to end up with chronic back pain in their 20s or 30s, follow these very easy steps on how to avoid or correct text neck in your children.

  1. Hold your screen at eye level. If we are looking down and leaning forward to look at our screens, we can easily correct this problem by bringing our cell phone up to match our eyes at I level. This may feel silly or uncomfortable at first, but I guarantee that overtime your neck and shoulders will feel a whole lot better when they are not strained by looking down all the time.
  2. Limit screen time. The easiest way to correct text neck is to reduce texting and social media. This problem is directly connected to the amount of time spent looking at the screen. Not only will this give your neck muscles a break, but it will give your brain and eyes break from all the simulation and lights. iPhone allows you to set App Limits for certain apps in the Screen Time section. 
  3. Take frequent breaks. If you or your children have to spend a lot of time on the computer at work, or at a desk in the classroom, you can at least take breaks to give your muscles a reset. I recommend that you set a timer for every 30 minutes to get up from your seat and walk around the house or the office. You can also stand up and stretch. Getting up and resetting your posture will help you feel better and alleviate pain, even if you only do it for only a few minutes.
  4. Exercise/stretch consistently. Incorporating a regular exercise routine is one of the best things that you can do for you and your children’s spinal health. It is recommended that you exercise at least 3 days a week for 60 minutes a day. You can look into hiring a personal trainer, going to fitness classes, or getting a membership at your local rec center where you have access to a weight room, a pool, and lots of fun activities to keep you moving and healthy.
  5. See a chiropractor. One of the best things that you can do for yourself or your child to correct your posture and avoid this chronic to text neck issue is to see a chiropractor regularly. Just as you would go to a dentist for regular check ups, it’s important to go to a chiropractor to get your spine checked too. Especially when we are constantly liking our screens. Keeping your spine in proper alignment is the best thing that you can do for your posture and overall health.

Written by Dr. Alison Bremner

Chiropractic Care for Car Accidents

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Car Accidents Effect on Your Body

Car accidents are not only scary, but they can leave the body with a lot of damage. Most individuals will recognize the acute symptoms of a car accident. This includes neck or low back pain, bruising, soreness, headaches, mood shifts including lingering anxiety. However, as an expert Loveland Chiropractor, we see there is a bigger culprit that may cause long-term issues or may be causing your symptoms not to get any better over time.

In our experience, as Loveland Chiropractors, we see that forces from the accident can lead to structural shifts within the spine. This is an issue because these shifts can lead to long-term dysfunction in the nervous system. Ideally, the brain should communicate down the spine and out at every spinal segment. These nerves control all your cells that include muscles and organs. When the spine shifts into an improper position it will put pressure on the nerves exiting the spine causing chaos. Including discomfort, muscle spasms, and organ dysfunction categorized as poor digestion, cycle issues, poor sleep, anxiety and so much more.

Your Local Loveland Chiropractors Can Help After your Accident

Car accidents are notorious for leaving long-term shifts within the spine that can cause these acute pain symptoms and long-term dysfunctions. It is imperative that you get checked out at a correctional chiropractic office after being involved in an accident no matter how minor it was. At Impact Chiropractic Loveland we do an extensive history and examination for individuals who have been in a car accident recently and in the past. This includes X-rays that help us determine what long-lasting damage your spine holds from your accident. The data gathered from this new patient experience helps us come up with a game plan in order to help improve spinal structure. In turn alleviates acute and chronic aches and pains, helping to decrease muscle tension and improve overall organ function.

Have you had your spinal structure checked recently? Contact your local Loveland Chiropractor at Impact to schedule your appointment today.

Fall Activities in Northern Colorado

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Visit Fort Collinshttps://www.visitftcollins.com/blog/post/8-reasons-to-visit-fort-collins-this-fall/?locale=en-US

Fall in Colorado is arguable the best time of year! The weather and beauty alone make it an incredible place to be in the fall season. Whether you are visiting or are a Northern Colorado native, there are many fall activities to enjoy in the area.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins are as fall as it gets and Bartels Pumpkins Patch has a pumpkin for everyone. They are open every day from 10 am – 6 pm until November 1st and have so many fun things to do! They grow a large variety of vegetables, pumpkins, and gourds along with the freshly baked bread and muffins that they sell daily. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the hay rides and corn mazes after you’ve picked your favorite pumpkins to bring home!

Go See the Fall Colors

Colorado is home to one of the most beautiful National Parks in the country. Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to see the autumn colors whether you go on one of the many hikes in the park, or enjoy the colors by car. Starting October 11th, the park is open to the public without reservation! Plan accordingly and remember to bring your patience as this time of year can bring in crowds.

Bierstadt Lake Loop is a great intermediate hike to see the amazing yellow and orange aspens in the park.

Sprague Lake Loop is very beginner friendly and also provides a great view of the fall colors.

Fall Drinks at Local Coffee Shops

There are tons of cute local coffee shops in the area and what better way to get into the fall spirit than enjoying a seasonal drink? Some of our favorite local shops have amazing seasonal options:

Go to a Haunted House

If the Halloween aspect of the season is your favorite, Northern Colorado is home to many haunted houses that you may enjoy. Creepy Walk in the Woods in Loveland, Colorado is one. For anyone over the age of 11, this haunted house is available throughout October!

No matter how you choose to spend the season, Northern Colorado is a great place to be!