According to the American Pregnancy Association, 50 to 70 percent of pregnant women experience back pain.
Mother-to-be Colleen Hartley of Frisco knew back pain was a possibility, but she said she didn't expect the pain she felt during week 29 of her pregnancy.
"It was pretty bad. I could not even walk my dog around the block without walking extra slow and it was pretty painful," said Hartley.
When she talked to her obstetrician about the pain, the doctor recommended prenatal chiropractic care, an alternative form of medical care gaining popularity among pregnant women.
"I hadn't really heard a whole lot about prenatal chiropractor help, so when she mentioned that, I figured, you know, it's my doctor and I'll do anything right now because it was that painful," said Hartley.
She began attending appointments with Brandon Wilson, D.C., of North Texas Spinal Health and Wellness.
Wilson is one of only 33 doctors in the Frisco and Dallas areas currently certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to do specialized prenatal care.
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The care centers on adjustment techniques, which help align the spine and are modified to accommodate a woman's pregnancy.
"Baby safety is number one, so the technique that we employ to keep the baby safe is really having the baby positioned completely out of the way from any area that might impose an additional pressure within the abdomen," said Wilson.
Even though the number of local doctors who specialize in this kind care doesn't seem high, it's actually doubled in the last three years, according to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
Nowadays, women are busy. They have a lot of roles the play, They work outside the home. They are ferrying kids to soccer practices. So often, they don't have time to be in pain and not be able to function in the way they otherwise would," Wilson said.
Hartley claims the adjustments have nearly eliminated her pain.
"I'm not uncomfortable anymore. I can walk around a lot easier, just do things I need to do to prepare for the baby and I feel so much better," she says.
It's best if you speak to your obstetrician about whether prenatal chiropractic care is right for you.
