When I started my search for ways to deal with back pain during pregnancy a few weeks back, I joined a couple of Facebook groups and I started Googling information to determine what might be my best bet for strengthening my back and having a pain free pregnancy. I was surprised with the responses on the Facebook groups, as some were very "close minded," in my opinion, and seemed to try and steer me away from anything that might not be a Western approach. I literally had people tell me to "never get adjusted," to never let a chiropractor touch my neck, to never get massages, and so on. I was shocked, honestly, because all of these things, if done correctly, can be extremely beneficial.
I've told the story twice now of texting my chiropractor one Friday night and asking if I could use my at home TENS unit. Her response was that American docs might not approve, but studies elsewhere show the benefits. I used it that night, and have used it probably three more times since. Guess what? It helps me feel better and the baby is doing great!
Finally, at 17 weeks of pregnancy, I went to have my first prenatal adjustment at the chiropractor. I will be perfectly honest with you. I didn't wait to go because I was scared, or because I wasn't sure if it was safe in the first trimester. I waited because I changed insurance recently and quite frankly, I didn't want to pay out of pocket for my visit, but after having several terrible headaches for a week or so, after feeling a lot of tightness in my neck (which I'm sure contributed to the headaches), and after getting in my car several afternoons in a row and having such unbearable pain in my left leg due to sciatica, I bit the bullet so to speak, and I made an appointment.
On Friday afternoon of last week, I saw my doc for the first time in months, like, probably six months or more. She and I chatted for a few minutes and then she started her work. First, she adjusted my neck. Holy cow, I needed that. Then, she adjusted a part of me I'd never had done before, but as I'll be birthing a child, she wanted to make sure my pelvic bones were all in order. They were not, so she set me straight. Next, I lay face down on the table and she adjusted my back a little (never manually along my spine and very little gets done between my waist and my neck). She strapped my legs to the table for one of my favorite moves. Her table rotates, so it gives the lower back and incredible stretch and I have to tell you, it feels amazing. She lay me on my side and rubbed down each leg which also felt incredible as the pressure moved right over the area where the sciatica gives me trouble. It's funny how one tiny amount of pressure in the right place makes you almost melt. We joked about my pitiful prenatal massage and she said, "my therapists don't mess around," and since I know she's right, I may have to book to see one of hers soon. A true deep tissue, with a mindful therapist who knows what is safe for baby, will be best for me...none of that froufrou stuff.
After leaving the doctor, I went home and enjoyed a rather quiet evening with my husband. I slept so soundly that night, for the first time in a while. I had asked her, before leaving, how often I should see her, ideally, while pregnant. What I love about her is that she said, "however often you feel you need to see me." Many chiropractors will schedule you weekly or biweekly just to get their numbers up. They aren't attentive to you holisitcally and tend to treat you on a "wham bam thank you ma'am" kind of basis, but not my doc. She's in it for treatment, which is what really matters. I don't know how soon I'll reschedule, but I know I'll make it a point to see her throughout my pregnancy because I believe it's another way to ensure my body is in the best physical condition it can be, considering my "hardware," and I know that will make me stronger which in turn will make the delivery that much "easier." Some people say "nay" to chiropractors, but clearly, I say "yay."
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