Subscribe to our Olney chiropractic newsletter Free Newsletter

Receive free professional health tips on topics that interest you.
 
 
Select Topics:
Backaches & Sciatica
Headaches & Neck Pain
Wellness Topics
Diet & Nutrition
Exercise & Fitness
Women's Health Issues
Children's Health Issues
Stress Management

Dr. Patrick Asks some important questions of interest to Olney residents - Chiropractor Olney Dr. Patrick Asks...

What's the purpose of a surgeon's mask?
When I ask most people in Olney this, most think it protects the patient from the doctor's germs. But it's so porous it does little to prevent the passage of germs. We chiropractors don't bother with masks.
Which organs are extra?
You don't have any spare parts. Sure, we can survive without our tonsils, appendix, gall bladder and several other tissues, but each serves a purpose. We chiropractors recognize this. So the chiropractic approach I use in Olney is to reduce nerve interferences to the control and regulation of every tissue, organ and system of your body.

Pregnancy and Back Pain

Most pregnant women generally agree on one point – that back pain is definitely a health concern at some point during their pregnancy. In fact, it is estimated that 50 – 80% of all pregnant women experience anything from mild to acute pain that interferes with normal daily living. It usually begins around the 5th to 7th month of pregnancy, but may begin earlier, particularly if a woman was prone to back pain before pregnancy.

Pregnant woman suffering with back pain.

Back pain may cause a pregnant woman to experience lost or interrupted sleep, significant time off from work, an inability to engage in normal activities or even confinement to complete bed rest. Many times, regular health care providers counter back pain complaints with the comment. “Well that certainly is normal,” offering few solutions and very little compassion.

What can you do to alleviate back pain during pregnancy?
  • Watch your weight gain – 25-35 pounds (10-15 kg)  is considered fairly normal for a normal pregnancy

  • Exercise to strengthen the muscles in your neck, back and abdomen; try yoga or Pilates

  • Rest as often as possible; use a body pregnancy pillow to help with additional support

  • If you sit at a desk job, practice good posture and use a footstool

  • Most importantly, get adjusted regularly!

Many women, particularly those who suffer from sciatica, find they receive the greatest relief from regular chiropractic adjustments. A Swedish study found that spinal adjustments, particularly of the sacroiliac (hip) joint, offered significant long-term pain relief in 70% of those studied and short-term relief (several days) in the other 30%. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe addition to regular pre-natal care and many chiropractors have special tables to accommodate the needs of their pregnant patients.

Do you know a pregnant someone who should be seeing us?