Dr. Joel Thomas Fugleberg, D.C.

Yes. Chiropractic can be very effective in handling the aches and pains that come with the changing postures of pregnancy. Depending on the stage of your pregnancy, the doctor may need to adapt his/her technique of adjusting but chiropractic care can be effective in all stages for most women.

Chiropractic adjustments to the mid-thoracic spine may assist in relieving tension to the nerves that contribute to breathing and lung function. Bronchi dilate when certain nerves are stimulated. Anecdotally, patients have noticed improved asthma symptoms after getting adjusted by a chiropractor.

Back pain can be caused by a number of factors. If you have been suffering it for 2+ months, it is recommended you have it evaluated by a professional. In chiropractic, we see physical, chemical, & mental stress accumulate overtime to lead to symptoms. A very common cause is an accumulation of postural stress. There is a point or threshold where we exceed our body's ability to adapt and we begin to notice symptoms. It could be that the problem was developing prior, you just did not have symptoms yet.

A lot depends on if the muscles are just tight or actually strained. For tight muscles, you may use heat to draw in circulation and loosen the tightness. Soaking in Epsom salts bath will provide magnesium salts that will assist loosening as well. If there is swelling/acute inflammation you will want to avoid heat therapy. In this case, the rest is most important. Allowing adequate time for the muscles to heal/repair is crucial. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet including lots of vegetables antioxidants is key. Avoiding aggravating movements is necessary as well to prevent aggravation of the injury. Try to avoid long sustained postures which will cause increased tightness. And of course if you suspect injury, consultation with a licensed chiropractor/physician is recommended.