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Mothering › Groups › June 2013 Due Date Club › Discussions › Talk to me about prenatal Chiropractic

Talk to me about prenatal Chiropractic

post #1 of 17
Thread Starter 

OK, so I've been having some mild back pain, and moderate glute pain that I had before I became pregnant. I've always felt like I could use an adjustment, but my insurance won't cover it so I put it off. Well, now that I'm in the 3rd trimester I feel like I should probably deal with it, in hopes of having everything nicely aligned for labor.


I haven't been to a chiro since I was a kid, so I'm kinda not sure what to expect. Also, as of right now babe is head-down, so I'm not necessarily interested in the Webster method. I looked on Yelp and found two local chiros who had really high reviews, and when I checked out their websites (http://www.chiropracticwest.com/ and http://www.venicefamilyfriendlychiropractic.com/)

I was drawn to the former because it looked more like a spa-like environment and I'm looking to pamper myself. The first place charges $125 for the first visit and $74 thereafter. The second charges $100 for the first visit and $75 thereafter, so not a big difference.


So I called to make an appointment and they couldn't see me for 2 and a half weeks, and then I would have to see the main doctor's assistant for my first visit, with the promise that thereafter it would be Dr Pear. That was disappointing. So I called the second lady and she could get me in the very next day, and she also had a yelp deal running where the first visit was half off! So I jumped on that. She also said that since I'm paying out of pocket she will reduce her subsequent visits to $50 as well, which is great because we are on a budget.


Well, I've seen her twice and I'm not sure that it's helping much, or that it is what I'm looking for. The visits are short, about 30 minutes. She kind of manually stretches me out, adjusts my neck and lower back by putting me on my side and twisting me like a pretzel. She also has this gun-like tool with a rubber-stopper end that she uses to thump different areas, not really sure what that's all about.


I do have to say that the occasional headaches I was having prior to my visits have disappeared, but my lower back and glute pain have not. It sometimes feels better for a day or so before going back to normal. She has said that my pelvis is out of alignment (and I've been told by a sports massage therapist pre-pregnancy that my right leg is slightly shorter than my left, which she confirmed.) She told me that it's not necessarily an alignment problem that is throwing the pelvis out of balance, but an issue with tight muscles through my glute/piriformis which is tightening my IT band. So maybe I need to see a prenatal massage therapist more than a chiro?


I have been considering checking out the first chiro to see if there is a difference. According to the yelp reviews, they use heat therapy and ultrasound (though probably won't do that for pregnant patients?) and also that the appointments last an hour and they often utilize massage as part of the therapy. My current chiro doesn't do any of that (but she's cheap!)


So this whole long-0winded post is leading up to this question: Should I pay $125 to see the first chiropractor? Or Spend a little less (probably $70-80) for a prenatal massage? Should I continue to see the current chiro, though I'm not really convinced it is doing much? I've only seen her twice, maybe that's not long enough to see real results?


Thanks for reading this far, and for any advice or insight!


(the above is my 3 year old DD's contribution to this post!)

post #2 of 17
Well I've never been to a chiropractor being pregnant, but I hear its awesome. I've had "functional scoliosis" since my early teens. When I was about 13, the muscle on my right side would pull my spine to one side due to it being more developed than the muscle on my left side. Causing one of my feet to be higher than the other just like you. I just did regular Chiro and worked my best to exercise the under-developed muscle. I still have the under-developed muscle that doesn't do it's job, but its not bad anymore. Being pregnant actually helps align my spine a little better, due to the weight pulling out front so I have less pain being pregnant than when I'm not.

Anyways, I said all that to say that I've learned a lot about muscles and how they can affect your alignment. When your muscles are tight, they will pull your spine out of alignment, so if you go and get aligned by a chiropractor, but nothing is done with the muscle, your muscle will quickly pull your spine back to where it was within days. But if you get a massage and go to the Chiro, the relief will last much much longer.

So basically I think you should go with the first option, if you think they do a massage and Chiro at the same time. That's my opinion! Too bad you have to wait 2 weeks to get in. Not to mention they are pretty expensive. Hope you get some good advice and come to a decision easily smile.gif

ETA: if you want to continue to see the chiropractor that you are seeing, you could just get a massage on the same day and the price would be pretty close to the 125.00 you would have to pay to go to the first chiropractor. You might get a better massage that way anyways! You'll have one person concentrating on muscles and one person concentrating on your spine all in one day.
post #3 of 17

Hi Kitteh,

  I responded in your other thread, but I agree with Mama4life too. If the chiro adjusts you and your muscles stay tight, it will pull everything back to where it was so it's good to have a combo of treatments.


post #4 of 17

 I have been going to the chiropractor and getting trigger point massages beforehand every couple of weeks for the past couple of months. I definitely find it beneficial for preventing pain and improving my posture and getting me more in touch with my body. I feel the massage is more helpful than the adjustments, but the adjustments do help.


That being said, once when I had a car accident, I went to a chiropractor who was no help even though obviously I was totally out of alignment. The only thing that helped was therapeutic (not just superficial) massage. Half an hour of massage once a week (or whatever) may not be enough to help, and it's possible that if you are practicing alignment exercises a few times a day combined with regular hour long deep tissue massage that might be enough. Or you could try massage one week, adjustment next week, alternating. It's really important to do your muscular homework in any case, I think.

post #5 of 17

I see the chiropractor weekly.  He has helped with my pain in my hips. He also helps when I am sick, sinus or cough. My typical appt is a massage, stretches the then an adjustment (neck, mid back and  hips). If my muscles have spasm or are super tight I have to go more frequently and he suggests stretches for me to do. 

He is an acupuncturist too, so come 37 weeks I am having him work on my points that will help stimulate labor. 


I highly recommend getting adjusted while pregnant and before you deliver.

post #6 of 17

It's only been a couple of visits so far and already your headaches are better.  That's a good sign.  The other issues seem like a bigger problem and longer standing, so it should be expected that it will take longer to influence them.  If you're comfortable with your chiro, stick with them.  It takes time. 

Like others have said, do the massage too.  Massage alone is great, but the combination is much better.  Chiropractic adjustments realign vertebrae to remove nerve interference which cause pain/symptoms and/or decreased function. It can take a while to get the nerves functioning properly again. So hang in there!

BTW, I almost laughed when you said the visits are quick (30 minutes.)  In our office (I'm a chiropractor), the visits only take about 5 minutes.  We only do adjustments and the patients who need therapy, are referred to therapists for separate treatment.

post #7 of 17
Thread Starter 

Thanks for your perspectives, mamas. I've been thinking about it more, and I guess I was just being a bit of a brat by expecting my chiropractor to be a masseuse and physical therapist and chiro all rolled into one, and still only pay $50 for the services. For example, she was advising me to try stretching the hip/glute out once a day, and when I mentioned that I do yoga once a week she suggested that I ask the instructor for some specific stretches for that area, and initially I was kind of annoyed that SHE didn't have specific instructions/suggestions for me. But I suppose that is expecting too much?


So I think I'm going to keep going to her and also try to find a good masseuse to do some theraputic massage as well. Any tips on how to go about finding one who can do the type of massage that I want/need on a pregnant body without it being a prenatal massage? Maybe I just need to make some calls and be very specific about what I want?


The headaches have all but disappeared, so at least that is definite improvement that I do believe is directly related to the adjustment.


Circle vortex, you mentioned that your chiro appointments start with a bit of a massage and stretching--how long does that usually last, and does the Dr focus on one specific area to massage/stretch, or does it vary?

post #8 of 17

I tried chiropractic treatment a couple of weeks ago (I'm 32 weeks along now) and I don't think it's for me.  I found the cracking and contorting a bit too much and actually a little traumatic.  I've been seeing an acupuncturist for over a year and I'm going to continue with that route along with some pre-natal massage.  Plus, they can help with turning baby girl if she doesn't flip on her own.  Also, I have a really tight left hip and I'm worried about problems during labor as a result.


Everyone reacts differently so it's best to try out a few things and see what works!

post #9 of 17

I like chiropractic because I already crack and contort my own back when I feel pain and I'm sure I'm not doing it just right. I know I'm out of alignment right now and need to find one soon. I agree though, try it out and see if it is for you. If you like cracking your back, you are very likely to like it though. But, then you have to remember to not crack your back when you get chiro care because you would possibly crack it back out of alignment. 

post #10 of 17
Thread Starter 
Dayiscoming2006, I'm the exact same way. I lo e cracking my own back and definitely feel a distinct *ahhhh* when I het it right. Also, I can feel my lower back crack or pop sometimes when i shift my weight. I suppose it could be a ligaments or tendon or something, but regardless I do feel a bit out of alignment.

Helenh, thanks for your viewpoint. I've never tried accupuncture before.

I'm not questioning chiropractic care, but rather my particular dr. And I'm not sayin.g I think she is no good, I'm just looking for othrr peoples experiences, because its been so long since I've seen a chiro, so I'm not sure what to expect.
post #11 of 17

Did you ladies know that there are over 200 chiropractic techniques and some don't involve any cracking, twisting, or popping at all?  One of the things my patients really like about the type of chiropractic I do is that there is no cracking or anything forceful at all.  My technique is called NUCCA (www.nucca.org for more info.)  It's a very precise, gentle, effective technique that gets your nervous system functioning optimally thus improving the way you feel and function. Another thing my patients like is that this type of chiropractic can get your spine in alignment that lasts for months and sometimes even years!  We adjust about 90% less than typical chiropractors in most cases. 

So if one chiropractor doesn't seem to work for you, definately try another.  The experience could be very different!

post #12 of 17

jr'smom, that's really interesting. I didn't know that. I would love to be able to get adjusted less. I can't afford to go to the chiropractor for the cracking style treatment as much as I end up feeling I need it and it would be great to need it less often anyway. That was always my one disappointment, that in order to remain feeling better, I had to keep going so often.

post #13 of 17

Closest one I found near me that is NUCCA certified is 15.3 miles and through downtown. Hmmm.... LOL. Still thinking about giving them a call and seeing if they could be a good fit. :)

Can't help but be intrigued by the idea of needing to see them far less often.

post #14 of 17
Originally Posted by dayiscoming2006 View Post




LOL!  That sounds far to you and I was thinking, "Wow!  You've got one so close!"  There are so few of us (because it's a difficult technique to master) that I think the average drive a patient makes to our office is one hour.  (In Chicago are we measure our distance in time!  I found out recently that the whole country is NOT that way!)   We have people who routinely see us from 5 hours away and a even several from other states. 

Edited by jr'smom - 4/12/13 at 6:17am
post #15 of 17
Yeah, the 15. some miles through downtown could be an hour or more depending on traffic. Live in Austin. I'm still getting used to it. I'm from small town USA. LOL
post #16 of 17

Kitteh- I get a brief massage by hand or massaging tool on my upper back, that is usually where I am tightest, so I can actually move during the adjustment. He also helps stretch my legs.

post #17 of 17

Everything jr'smom said I agree with. Light touch chiropractic (which is what is is also called in my parts) is another option indeed. I don't see a chiropractor but rather and osteopath regually (it is covered by my insurance) and I couple it with regular massage.

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