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NCT Article Summer 2010
Osteopaths can help Mums at all stages of pregnancy. They can help with:
- Pain caused by the postural changes of pregnancy.
- The preparation for labour.
- Recovering from the birth.
- Treating babies that may have suffered trauma during labour.
In this article I will discuss how osteopathy can help treat symptoms that may occur during the first of these stages.
Three symptoms that may occur during pregnancy are low back pain, reflux and symphisis pubis dysfunction. Osteopathy can
help mothers suffering from these symptoms by explaining how they have come about and using gentle hands on techniques and
giving advice and exercises to help put things right.
Lower Back Pain:
Postural changes caused by pregnancy can put a large strain on the lower back. As the baby grows and starts to fill the pelvis and abdomen it naturally pulls the low back forward putting pressure on the joints at the bottom of the spine. If these joints become inflamed the surrounding muscles will tighten causing further pain and stiffness. There are many ways that an osteopath can help a Mum suffering with low back pain. Most importantly they will diagnose the cause of pain as it could be coming from muscles, joints, ligaments or even referred from organs such as the kidneys. The osteopath can give good advice on sitting and standing posture to reduce pressure on the low back and also prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises which will help stop the pain. It will be important to the osteopath that you understand the cause of your symptoms so that you can prevent them from reoccurring. Treatment usually involves soft tissue massage, articulation (moving the joints) and occasionally some gentle manipulation. A cranial osteopath may also work on other tissues such as the fascia in order to relieve tension. Self help tips to avoid lower back pain during pregnancy:
- Keep active.
- Wear comfortable shoes such as trainers and avoid high heels.
- Keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car, turning in bed and getting in or out of bed.
- When getting out of bed bend knees and roll onto your side, allow your feet to move off the edge of the bed and push yourself up into the sitting position with your arms.
- Sit down when dressing to avoid standing on one leg.
- If stairs are difficult try taking one step at a time.
- Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees and feet can make you more comfortable.
- Adopt a good sitting posture that supports your back, thighs and feet.
- Avoid crossing your legs when you are sitting.
- Avoid heavy lifting, if you have to lift make sure the load is close to your body keep your back straight and bend your knees.
Reflux:
Pregnancy causes the body to change in extraordinary ways. Over 9 months the uterus will grow to completely fill both the pelvis
and abdomen all the while pushing other organs such as the bladder and the stomach out of the way. These changes can cause
constant pressure on the valve at the top of the stomach. A combination of this and the softening effects of pregnancy hormones
can cause it to leak. An osteopath will try to reduce this pressure by gently stretching the diaphragm and the ribcage. Also, by
gently rocking the back, stretching the back muscles and articulating the pelvic bones the osteopath can create more room in
the abdomen and pelvis. After treatment the first thing Mum's usually report is being able to breathe more easily as there is more
space for their lungs. When the diaphragm is more relaxed it acts more efficiently at reducing any reflux. Some helpful dietary tips
may also help to prevent reflux.
Self Help Tips for Reflux:
- Avoid caffeine drinks.
- Avoid fried and fatty foods as well as spicy foods, citrus fruits and tomato based products.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Any tightness around the waist will aggravate reflux symptoms.
- When picking things off the floor, bend at the knees and not the waist as this puts less pressure on the stomach.
- Don't eat big meals. Try and have several smaller meals throughout the day.
- Try and sit upright in comfortable chairs and avoid sitting slouched.
Symphisis Pubis Dysfunction:
Symphisis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is excessive and often painful movement of the pubic joint. Pregnancy hormones cause softening of ligaments that usually keep joints stable. Mums often complain that they can feel the pubic joint moving and and hear it clicking. It can be very debilitating with some sufferers having to use a wheelchair during the latter stages of pregnancy. Osteopaths will have to correctly diagnose SPD from other causes of pelvic pain such as a urinary tract infection or a prolapsed disc. They can then use a variety of techniques make sure there is an even distribution of movement throughout the joints of the pelvis, low back and hips in order to prevent too much strain passing through the pubic joint. Simple exercises and advice to prevent further irritation of the pubic joint are an essential part of any osteopathic treatment plan. Self Help Tips for Symphisis Pubis Dysfunction:
- Brace the pelvic floor muscles before performing any activity which might cause pain.
- Rest the pelvis.
- Sit down for tasks where possible (eg preparing food, ironing, dressing).
- Avoid lifting and carrying.
- Avoid stepping over things.
- Avoid straddle movements especially when weight bearing.
- Bend the knees and keep the legs 'glued together' when turning in bed and getting in and out of bed or a car.
- Place a pillow between the legs when in bed or resting.
- Avoid twisting movements of the body.
If you want to know if osteopathy can help you or your baby contact a local osteopath for a chat on the phone or call the General Osteopathic Council.