If you’ve been following this series, you might recall that one of my many postpartum health problems was pelvic pain. I tried so many different things, but it finally looked like a chiropractor was the last step to take.
Now, I was quite nervous to see a chiropractor. I assumed that I’d go in, get my spine cracked in a some-what scary manner, he’d charge me $300, and chuckle behind his clipboard, “Come back if you need more help….*under breath* and you will.” That sounds pretty funny, but that’s basically what I thought.
Luckily for me, by happenstance, at a babywearing and breastfeeding fashion show event, I met my chiropractor. After a free neck scan that pretty well confirmed that I was as messed up as I might have expected, I made an appointment.
And it turned out to be the best health decision I’ve made since having a baby.
Due to years of poor posture habits, and then pregnancy and postpartum—which obviously can drastically change the way you hold yourself—I got set up for an 8 month corrective plan. I found that I felt a little different after the very first adjustment, and that having my neck cracked was not actually super scary (though I did feel a bit nervous after the first time).
If you’re considering seeking chiropractic care, let me tell you a little bit about what you can expect: at your first appointment, you talk about what problems you’re having, and get tested so that the doctor knows what’s going on in your spine. This involves a simple scan that will then feed out the points that are out of line. I also took a stress test, and some range/flexibility tests.
Unsurprisingly, my results were pretty poor at first, however, they are now fairly good, despite being super pregnant! My pelvic and lower back pain have been resolved; but also some neck pain that I’ve had my entire life. My posture is worlds better, and sitting up straight actually feels better than slouching. I can keep my head in alignment with my spine (instead of jutted forward), and it’s actually comfortable—I thought that maybe I just personally wasn’t able to do that, as it took so much effort to try to get it there before. Turns out my spine just needed a lot of help.
Since I wasn’t totally sold on chiropractic care until I experienced it, and since it has completely changed how my body functions, and since I see so many people asking what they should do for certain pains (especially during pregnancy), I wanted to do more than simply share my experience. I want other pregnant and postpartum moms to know that there is a way to get relief, and get back to functioning optimally again.
So, I’ve interviewed my chiropractor, Dr. Steven Roushar of FLOW Chiropractic! He’s got a wealth of knowledge, especially when it comes to pregnancy, postpartum, and babies.
To anyone who is a little unclear, what exactly does a chiropractor do?
A Chiropractor facilitates normal function and healing of the body by analyzing the neuromusculoskeletal function of the body and providing natural, hands on care to improve the body’s overall function. The primary care that we give is removing vertebral subluxation (A misalignment of the spine that effects the nervous system and proper joint mechanics) through the chiropractic adjustment.
How can chiropractic care benefit pregnant moms?
Chiropractic care can benefit everyone because it helps the body function at a more optimal level, but this is particularly important for pregnant women because they are growing a baby inside of them! There are a ton of changes that occur in the body when a woman is pregnant and regular chiropractic care can improve comfort levels as the body goes through these changes.
Not only that, but research has shown women [who seek chiropractic care] tend to have easier pregnancies in general: less morning sickness, easier mobility, shortened labor and delivery times, less medical interventions, decreased risk of having a C-section, baby in the proper birthing position, and healthier babies.
What difference do you see in pregnant moms who have chiropractic care versus those who don’t?
Most moms tell me, “I wish I would have been under your care for all of my pregnancies!” In general pregnancies, labors, deliveries, and post-partum healing tend to be easier, smoother, and more comfortable while under regular chiropractic care. The moms I care for have all of those benefits listed in the previous question.
What are some good habits or exercises for pregnant moms to do aside from chiropractic care?
Stretch regularly, and keep doing whatever exercises you did before you were pregnant! Prenatal Yoga and Prenatal Pilates are absolutely phenomenal routines to do multiple times a week. Getting out on regular walks is really important as well. Eat good things! Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your body, but also your baby’s body. Give yourself good fuel and nutrients so that your baby has the best cellular make-up possible. Have a positive mindset about your pregnancy—you have a superpower! You can grow a human inside of your body; I can’t think of a more amazing feat! Last but not least, get enough rest. Take an extra nap and sleep at least 8 hours every night. Growing a baby takes a ton of energy and resources, so make sure you allow growth to happen in you and your baby while you sleep.
How do moms who have had chiropractic care during pregnancy differ in the postpartum period from those who didn’t?
They heal quicker and avoid any sort of misaligned healing as the spine and pelvis shifts back to its normal shape . Very frequently, I see women whose pelvises have come back to their normal shape misaligned, and that causes a myriad of mechanical issues and pain later or earlier in life. Not only that, but having a fully functioning nervous system helps the hormonal shifts that occur postpartum to be easier. Many of my patients report to me that they did not have postpartum depression or anxiety, or it was very reduced compared to their postpartum phases while not under chiropractic care.
What benefits, in general, do you see with mothers who have chiropractic care?
Simply put, they tend to have more comfortable, and smoother pregnancies, labors, deliveries, and postpartum healing. Not only that, but they have healthier babies!
How can babies benefit from chiropractic?
In so many ways! Chiropractic facilitates the optimal function of the nervous system (which controls and coordinates all things in the body including growth, immunity, organ function, and movement) joints, and muscles of the body. Chiropractic analysis and care in babies can help them grow and develop normally and well!
How do you know if you should have your baby checked?
I recommend that all babies get checked by a pediatric chiropractor! Birth can be very traumatic for babies and mothers. As a pediatric chiropractor, I am looking at babies through a different lens than your pediatrician. I do a very in depth assessment of nerve function, joint alignment and joint mobility in babies to ensure that they are starting life aligned and well. Many moms have me check their very healthy babies and I often find that they are perfect in every way, but sometimes I find things in the neck, shoulders, or other joints that need to be fixed so they don’t become a problem later on down the road.
Here is a list symptoms in babies that chiropractic care can help with: poor growth, slow development, torticollis (head tilted to one side), plagiocephaly (flat head), Poor feeding, inability to latch, acid reflux, silent reflux, constipation, colic, poor sleeping, immunity issues, and general discomfort.
How do you know—pregnant or postpartum—if you should seek care?
Everyone should at least get checked by a chiropractor. It is a proactive, rather than reactive way to be healthy. I see many pregnant and postnatal moms that don’t have any symptoms, but come to be as healthy as possible. That being said, if a mom is experiencing any sort of pains, they should absolutely come and get checked. Women with a history of hard pregnancies, labors, deliveries, or postpartum healing do very well under care. Moms wanting to do a VBAC do very well under care. If a baby is in a poor position for birthing, chiropractic care from a Webster’s certified chiropractor can facilitate proper alignment in the pelvis which tends to allow babies to be in the optimal position for birth if they are breech, transverse, or posterior.
And, finally, a little on Dr. Steven:
Dr. Steven is full of enthusiasm, energy, and zest for life, and believes that starts by living life at a fully functioning health level. He is passionate about chiropractic and the innate power it gives people to live in a healthier, and advantageous way. Dr. Steven is focused on facilitating life-long optimal wellness (FLOW) in his patients that they too may live life at a higher level and be empowered with health.
He received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at Brigham Young University and completed his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota, where he is from. Dr. Steven is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) through which he is specially trained in prenatal and pediatric care. Additionally, he is Webster’s Technique certified.
Aside from Chiropractor and Prenatal/Pediatric Specialist, Dr. Steven is proud to hold the titles of Husband, Father and King of Silly Human Tricks. He is married to Marie, (who helps manage the business), and has three amazing kids.
Hopefully this interview has made chiropractic seem a little less mysterious to anyone looking into it to improve their health. I highly recommend that you take that step, and find a chiropractor in your area. Your body can get back to normal, and maybe even better than it felt before—and you deserve that. Motherhood is stressful enough without additional unnecessary pain. Personally, my functioning has improved so much, I plan to see Dr. Steven until one of us dies.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Roushar—which I obviously recommend if your in the Utah/Salt Lake Valley areas—you can reach out to him by calling his office 385-389-6200 or contact him through his website: https://www.getflowchiro.com/contact-us/
