Post-Partum Specific Conditions

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, commonly associated with repetitive wrist movements, is also increased during pregnancy and post partum. Symptoms can include numbness and tingling of the hand and fingers as well as achiness in the forearm and neck. Chiropractic adjustments applied to the cervical spine and wrist regions can help eliminate inflammation and quicken resolution. You may want to try Vitamin B6 supplements as they have been shown to assist in eliminating the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.  Our chiropractors and practitioner team can help with acupuncture and Active Release Techniques when your condition isn't simply due to increased blood volume, but more to tension and overuse after baby.

 

Coccydynia 

This condition is a painful coccyx (the bone located on the end of your sacrum or tailbone.) The coccyx can become irritated and painful in pregnancy or can be challenged during labour and delivery. The condition is especially evident in the third trimester due to the position of the baby and the lack of room for the baby to maneuver. Women who have had trauma in this region prior to pregnancy may have a higher chance of noticing pain in the later stages of pregnancy and in early post partum. An adjustment of the coccyx is often required and can be safely and successfully performed by the chiropractor.

 

Diastasis Recti

This is when the main abdominal muscle separates away from the center during pregnancy.  It can easily lead to a hernia in many women.  There are a few different theories on correction and rehab of this condition, with surgery being one of the treatments.  We want to prevent a surgical repair by providing a multidisciplinary approach to correcting/rehabilitating diastasis recti and have seen great results.

 

Disc bulge or disc herniation

An increased lumbar curve and added weight challenge the lumbar discs during pregnancy and can cause symptoms varying from central low back or sacral pain, to pain, numbness and or tingling down one or both legs.  After baby, this can be caused by long periods of sitting as the lumbar spine lacks the support of the core strength and the position of sitting puts more pounds per square inch of pressure on the discs than any other position.  Heaven knows we spend a lot of time sitting with a new baby.  Chiropractic care can help relieve the symptoms by alleviating the pressure on the discs and can be very successful with management of this condition.

 

Costo-vertebral Neuralgia

The new and poor postures associated with prolonged sitting and holding/feeding a new baby can lead to increased rib subluxations and increased in intercostal nerve irritation at times. Chiropractors adjust the rib heads to alleviate nerve irritation and restore normal positioning of the rib heads.

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Meralgia Paresthetica

This condition is a result of pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve which provides sensation to the skin of the upper lateral thigh. Increased abdominal weight and pressure as well as an increased lumbar curvature can place additional pressure in the area of the nerve which leads to pain, numbness and tingling in the area of the lateral upper thigh. Chiropractors commonly treat this condition successfully.

 

Sciatic Neuralgia (aka Sciatica)

This common condition is a result of increased pressure on the large collection of nerves in the lower back . Symptoms include back pain with symptoms of pain, numbness and/or tingling radiating down the buttock and leg(s). There are also other causes of this condition which include sacroiliac joint dysfunction, lumbar disc syndrome, lumbar facet joint irritation, and vertebral subluxations. Chiropractic care is especially effective in treating sciatic neuralgia as the treatment directly addresses the specific cause.

 

SPD – Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

This condition occurs when the pubic symphysis begins to separate or shifts slightly out of its normal alignment.  It can cause a great deal of pain at the pubic bone region and is often aggravated by lifting one leg to roll over or to get in or out of your vehicle.  It can also make it difficult to walk or to stand up from a sitting position.  The can occur during pregnancy, but is also very common after labour & delivery followed by prolonged sitting.  The symphysis pubis is always evaluated when a pregnancy chiropractor evaluates the pelvis as it plays a key role in the pelvis's ability to adapt to pregnancy and to return to its normal state after L&D.  SPD or pain in this area is usually very easily resolved with chiropractic care and in fact, should not be left without evaluation and/or treatment.