New Research on Pregnancy & Chiropractic

Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on a pregnant woman reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing this population. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in pregnant women suffering from related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

CLICK HERE to review the research 

“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the various health challenges that women experience with pregnancy” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. 

McCoy added “In the case report presented, the woman was suffering from lower back and pelvic pain which interfered with her daily activities during pregnancy. Her problems  resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine.”  

According to McCoy, research is revealing that chiropractic care can play a crucial role during pregnancy, labor and delivery. 

That’s because research shows the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur during pregnancy that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function. 

The 28-year-old woman reported on in the study was 31 weeks pregnant with low back pain after lifting her other child.  The pain had been constant and radiated into her pelvis.  The pain also made it difficult for her to bend forward and stand upright.  It was difficult for her to do any housework and she was not able to pick up her other child.  

The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her lower back and pelvis.  She had very tight muscles and posture changes.  There was a notable decrease in lower back range of motion and positive orthopedic tests.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following chiropractic adjustments, she experienced immediate relief and complete resolution of the low back pain.  The pain in her pelvis decreased dramatically. 

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic
http://www.chiropracticpediatricresearch.com
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com