Pregnancy and Osteopathy

We see a lot of patients who have had a change to their lifestyle. It’s not too surprising that pain comes when we demand something new of our bodies. Although a new job or exercise routine can have this effect, there are few things more demanding than pregnancy. The changes from conception to postpartum are not just mechanical, but also hormonal and otherwise physiological. Changes to sleep and dietary needs change the way the body can respond to the changes it faces.

Pregnancy and Lower Back Pain

The muscles and joints that undergo the biggest changes are those around the bump. As the centre of gravity moves forwards, the muscles on the back of the body have to work harder to keep you upright. A deeper arch in the back can also irritate the joints of the spine. As a result, lower back pain is very common in pregnancy. Even before the mechanical changes are evident, hormonal changes as early as the first trimester can cause pelvic joint pain.

Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is overlooked and misunderstood. It is common in pregnancy, but can also be caused by obesity. The name refers to separation of the abdominal muscles: a necessity as the bump grows through pregnancy. There are no widely accepted guidelines for diagnosis, but DRA could be diagnosed post-partum if:

• you are beyond 6 weeks post-partum
• there is a gap of more than 2 fingers width

Research on the topic is often inconclusive. The idea of a “weak core” as a factor in lower back pain is being disproven. Indeed, diastasis recti is not always a problem of weakness. If you suspect you have DRA, your osteopath may be able to help with exercises or referral to a specialist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Fluid retention can also be blamed on those hormones that ramp up from the first trimester. Just like rings become too tight, the carpal tunnel becomes more tightly packed. Your osteopath can use techniques to encourage fluid to move away from the area, although it will continue to return as long as the hormones are in circulation. There are cool compresses and splints that you can use to prevent additional compression overnight, but these don’t help everyone. If you are suffering from pins and needles, weakness, or pain in the palm of the hand, book an appointment with your osteopath below.You can read more about carpal tunnel syndrome here.

Leg Cramps in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period in which cramping is much more common. The causes are not fully understood, but the calves are most often affected, particularly at night. This can vary throughout pregnancy, and may be helped by stretching and drinking enough water. One cause could be one mentioned above: the calves are under much more demand as the bump grows. Keep your calves happy by resting when you need to, avoiding higher heels, and keeping the muscles as relaxed as possible. Foam rolling before bed can be useful, but your osteopath can give you personalised advice at your appointment.

Make an appointment for your aches and pains in Farnborough here.