An end to back pain?
Far from being unable to treat pregnant women, chiropractors can offer relief from the pain so often associated with the condition
With news of a pregnancy, usually comes joy, excitement and a hectic preparation mission; yet at times, pregnancy can also be accompanied by varying degrees of discomfort, due mainly to hormonal and physical changes to the body. The spine, pelvis, muscles, joints and nerves may be affected as the body’s centre of gravity changes. For this reason, it is wise for expecting mothers to pay a visit to a chiropractor; if you’ve experienced back pains prior to pregnancy, work sitting at a desk or haven’t exercised since school PE classes, chances are, you’ll need one!
“Chiropractic focuses on the examination, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions in the nerves, muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments of the body,” explains Dr Natalie Panayides, chiropractor. “The fact that all these areas undergo changes when a woman falls pregnant suggests that she’ll need care to relieve the strains and stress that are occurring in her body.”
Panayides has recently opened the Nicosia Chiropractic Centre, providing high quality care tailored to each individual and more importantly to pregnant women and babies. Through additional training, diplomas in Pregnancy and Paediatrics and four years of clinical experience working in the UK, Panayides knows how significant the period of pregnancy is to a woman’s body. “It has to adapt to the increased weight and prepare for the forthcoming labour. This can often result in the development of low back, groin and leg pain but also upper back, neck and ribcage discomfort especially if muscles are weak.”
There is a common misconception that it is not safe for chiropractors to practise on pregnant women, this could not be further from the truth. “It is fairly new in Cyprus,” says Panayides, “but the fact is all chiropractors are able to treat pregnant women. However, treatment during pregnancy differs as it is gentler, and is individually adapted to the specific needs of changing your body.” And patients do not have to lie on their front.
Chiropractic can help maximise the stability and alignment of your pelvis, a spot that is often subject to dysfunction. “Most people are not even aware of pelvic imbalances/dysfunctions until they develop pain and in the case of women, such pain may become apparent when they fall pregnant,” says Panayides. A pelvic imbalance can result in leg pain and even an unhealthy environment for the baby. “As the baby grows, it needs space. Through these techniques, while the chiropractor is able to relieve the pregnant woman from any pain or discomfort, ‘freeing’ the baby at the same time is just as important.
“The baby also benefits from each session as we are able to provide it with a balanced environment in the abdominal area, giving it space to develop but most importantly, we are helping it position itself for a natural birth.”
So when is it safe for a woman to book an appointment with a chiropractor? Panayides recommends visiting one as early in pregnancy as possible. “The earlier the better, especially if you have had back pains in the past. By receiving treatment in the first trimester, you are limiting the chances of a difficult adaptation to pregnancy. The sooner the function of your spine and pelvis is improved the better, both for your comfort and the baby’s.
Chiropractors even care for women during labour and delivery, so there is no restriction for how late you can receive care.”
Panayides also cares for babies when they are born. “The optimal time to have a spine, hip and cranial assessment is as a new born baby,” she says. “Many parents bring their babies in for a chiropractic ‘MOT’ as it is helpful to know their baby is starting out with good mechanical balance and neurological function.” Improvements parents will notice after receiving treatment include baby sleeping better, being more at ease and less strained. They can burp and have bowel movements with less pain and tension. Panayides also treats infantile colic, feeding and sucking difficulties, ‘wry’ neck, glue ear, sinus congestion, asthma, headaches in children, low back pain and misalignment of the feet, hips and shoulders.
Dr Natalie Panayides, MChiro, DC (Chiropractor)
Nicosia Chiropractic Centre: Tel: 22 666086. 30 Byzantium St, Flat 21, Strovolos. www.nicosiachiropractic.com, [email protected]
FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
l Avoid sitting for prolonged periods. If you work at a desk, make sure you get up every 30 minutes and walk around to avoid the pelvic muscles from ceasing up. We are not designed to be sitting down all day long!
l Avoid low soft couches. Any position that results in the pelvis dropping lower than the knees, creates a disadvantageous environment for the baby and the pelvis.
l Walk. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise during pregnancy.
Certain pregnancy yoga and Pilates exercises are often beneficial.
l Sleeping may be difficult towards the last few months. Lying on your side with a pillow placed between your knees often minimises the stress to your lower back and pelvis and also relieves discomfort.
l Eating small amounts and regularly is also helpful, especially during the last trimester when there is less space for your stomach to expand.
