Pregnancy
As pregnancy progresses, the mother’s center of gravity shifts forward and the body changes shape. The natural curves of the spine, particularly in the lower back, can become exaggerated and lead to back pain. Hormones that are meant to help relax the pelvis and hips in preparation for the baby’s movement through the birth canal, can “overdo it” and become too soft, thus allowing the pelvis and pubic bones to “slip,” or “subluxate” (move out of place). As the breasts enlarge, one may experience more muscle spasms in the upper back; and when hormones change during pregnancy, one may develop more headaches or muscle tension throughout the body.
A chiropractor with additional training in treating pregnant and pediatric patients, such as Dr. Seyhoon, can provide mothers with immense relief throughout one’s pregnancy and after pregnancy. Gentle techniques exist to help with these biomechanical changes, and several studies have shown that regular chiropractic care during pregnancy can shorten labor time from 24% – 39%.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti is a condition of increased separation between the right and left halves of the rectus abdominus muscle. A measurement of more than 2 to 2.5 finger-widths, or 2 centimeters at the umbilicus and just above, or below the umbilicus is considered problematic. Diastasis recti can occur anytime in the last half of pregnancy, but is most commonly seen after pregnancy when the abdominal wall is vulnerable and lax and the thinner mid line tissue no longer provides adequate support for the torso and internal organs.
A small amount of widening of the abdominal wall happens in all pregnancies and is normal. Diastasis recti occurs in approximately 30% of all pregnancies and some will close to less than 2 finger-widths spontaneously, but for many, the tissue remains too wide, causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe later on. Patients will typically complain of “not being able to lose the belly fat, or having a pouch that won’t go away despite excessive abdominal exercises.”
Diastatsis recti reduces the integrity and functional strength of the abdominal wall and can aggravate lower back pain and pelvic instability. Oftentimes, there is subsequent SI joint pain and psoas dysfunction. Separation in a previous pregnancy significantly increases the probability, and severity, of the condition in subsequent pregnancies. Women expecting more than one baby, petite women, those with a pronounced sway back, or with poor abdominal muscle tone are at greatest risk. Treatment includes postpartum bracing, avoiding abdominal crunches, chiropractic manipulation, muscular stabilization and pelvic floor exercises. If you would like Dr. Cori Seyhoon to evaluate you for this condition, please check the online schedule for the next available appointment.
Webster Technique and Protocol
Dr. Cori Seyhoon is certified in the Webster Technique and associated protocol. According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, the Webster Protocol is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation and SI joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.
“Dr Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association developed this adjustment as a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function. It was developed to restore normal physiological function of the mother and improve her comfort throughout pregnancy in preparation for a safer, easier birth. He reported that in women who presented with a breech baby, the results of the adjustment appeared to normalize pelvic neuro-biomechanics and facilitate optimal fetal positioning. As he taught other doctors of chiropractic this adjustment, they too reported positive changes in baby positioning.”
Sciatica
The term sciatica is not a specific diagnosis but rather a set of symptoms stemming from irritation to the sciatic nerve; the longest and thickest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve combines over half a dozen nerves originating from your low back and pelvis. It runs from the pelvis, through the buttock, and down the backside of the leg, where it splits into various branches down to the foot.
Generally, it sends pain from the buttock down into the back of the leg (hamstrings). Sciatica involves compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve as it exits your spine (possible stenosis), runs through your muscle (piriformis 10% of the time), or as it relates to a disk issue. The pain can be mild to excruciating in the lower back and leg region, or may come and go, and may involve numbness and tingling or a deep throbbing or vice-like sensation around the leg. Symptoms usually start on one side and intensify during or after activity, as well as with direct compression from prolonged sitting.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SJD)
The sacroiliac joints are the largest joints in the spine. If you look at your lower back in a mirror, see them as two small dimples on each side of your lower back at the belt line. During pregnancy, these ligaments relax to allow the passage of the baby through the birth canal. They have a rich nerve supply and are supported by broad ligaments, the SI joint helps provide stability to the pelvis and absorb shock, allowing just enough motion to help relieve stress on the spine and hips.
Symptoms of SJD include low-back pain, typically at the belt line, which may radiate into the buttock or thigh. Most often, SJD is caused by trauma, especially rotation of the joint while the lower back is loaded, as might happen when lifting or participating in some vigorous activity. The risk of SJD dysfunction is also thought to increase with true and apparent leg-length inequality, abnormalities in gait, and prolonged exercise. While more serious conditions such as fracture or dislocation, infection, and inflammatory arthritis can cause pain in the sacroiliac joint, minor trauma is a much more common cause.