Complications of Pregnancy

Brachial Neuralgia

A large collection of nerves, the brachial plexus, from the cervical spine descend into each arm to provide sensory and motor innervation. Due to increases in hormonal factors, parts of the nerve plexus may become impinged or irritated. This results in radiating arm pain and may also be associated with neck pain or stiffness. Restoring cervical biomechanics and eliminating cervical subluxations is performed by the chiropractor to eliminate cervical stress and radicular symptoms.

Headaches

Most headaches experienced during pregnancy are muscle tension headaches. These headaches are soft tissue and biomechanical in nature and respond well to chiropractic care.

Intercostal Neuralgia

Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to the relaxation of ligaments and joint capsule which include the joints of the ribs. Additionally, increased weight gain increases the pressure on the rib cage. These two factors lead to increased rib subluxations and increased in intercostal nerve irritation. Chiropractors can adjust the rib heads to alleviate nerve irritation and restore normal positioning of the rib heads.

Sciatic Neuralgia

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 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 cause.

Teratology of Drugs and other Substances

It's vital that all women who believe they may be pregnant or who are pregnant be 100% sure not to consume any drugs which may lead to birth defects or complications. Chiropractic care is perfect - it is DRUG FREE!

Some common substances and drugs that can produce adverse effects on the growing embryo/fetus include:

• Artificial Sweetener - Aspartame
• Caffeine
• Aspirin
• Smoking
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Recreational Drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.)
• Alcohol

Complications During Birthing Process

Passage Obstruction

Passage way obstructions (pelvic, uterine, cervix, etc.) that can complicate the birthing process include subluxations of the pelvis and tight ligaments. Breech births have been linked to lack of motion in the mother's pelvic region. Chiropractic care many times can work with the pelvic area and increase room for baby!