Chiropractic Care of the Pregnant Woman
It was back in 1980 when I realized that there was a niche in chiropractic that was untouched. For those who are not aware of the definition of chiropractic, chiro- means hands, and –practic means practice. So chiropractic is practice by use of the hands only. The chiropractic approach is that the brain controls and coordinates all functions in the body through the spinal cord and nerves. The chiropractic approach uses specific adjustments to the spinal column, one level at a time, to re-establish normal nerve flow, or homeostasis in that area. Too much or too little nerve flow will cause disease to the area where the nerve innervates. An example would be an abnormal nerve flow from the fourth level down from the base of the neck, or the 4th thoracic vertebra, would cause gallbladder problems. Eating fatty foods would also cause pain in this area of the back and spine, as it would irritate the organ which would send a message of disease back to the spine (known as a viscero-somato reflex). In any case, chiropractic adjustments help to keep everything in homeostasis or in “ease”. Chiropractic is safe and has been shown to be very effective in managing pregnant women, babies and children. The results are instantaneous with the benefits experienced by mother and baby.
In the early 1990’s, a 3-year program was developed for chiropractic physicians to grant them a post graduate degree in Pregnancy and Pediatrics. It is a Diplomate status which a doctor earns after a rigorous program and testing. These diplomates are specialists in this field of pregnancy and pediatrics. To find a chiropractor with this degree, go to the website, www.icapediatrics.com and click on the “Referral Directory”.
After 22 years in practice of dealing with pregnant women, the most important approach has been utilizing nutrition to make effective improvements and favorable changes in the course of the pregnancy. However, in the last 10 years, the most important benefit we have seen in the field of nutrition is the utilization of nutraceuticals/micronutrients. These include glyconutrients, phytochemicals and phytosterols. The impact on the health of these mothers has been astoundingly consistent, and in 99.9% of the cases, the nutraceuticals have shown to be an improvement across the board.
When dealing with pregnancy, the practitioner is limited. One of the only sciences that can directly have an effect would be chiropractic care. The other would be nutrition.
Below is a list of some of the many published articles and studies that have been written on the subject of pregnancy, pediatrics along with the glyconutritional studies with genetic conditions and cerebral palsy.
Pregnancy studies are forthcoming utilizing the glyconutrients and micronutrients.
Resources
Find a Doctor of Chiropractic in Your Area
ICPA Pediatric Chiropractor Membership Directory
Our directory of Doctors are dedicated to providing quality care for children and pregnant women in their community. Their education and ongoing commitment keeps them in touch with the latest in research pertinent to family health. These Doctors support ongoing chiropractic research with their annual membership dues to the ICPA.
Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics
Referral Directory
Articles on Pediatric Chiropractic
Birth Induced TMJ Dysfunction: The Most Common Cause of Breastfeeding Difficulties –
By Victoria Arcadi, D.C.
In a clinical setting, 1,000 newborns were observed and treated (ages one hour to 21 days), for failure and/or difficulty with breast feedings. In 800 or 80%, birth induced Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction was found to be the cause. In all cases the babies were treated with chiropractic cranial and spinal adjustments, with excellent results in 99% of the cases. This paper discusses the basic clinical findings and related newborn discomforts and associated symptomatology involving other symptoms. (1993 Proceedings)
"How Do You Treat Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Morning Sickness)?" — By Victoria C. Arcadi, D.C.
Dynamic Chiropractic, March 29,1991
"Infantile Colic-Does Every Baby Have It?" — By Victoria C. Arcadi, D.C.
Dynamic Chiropractic, February 1, 1991
"Baby's First Adjustment" — By Victoria C. Arcadi, D.C.
Dynamic Chiropractic, Two Printings, 1992
"Birth Induced TMJ Syndrome is the Most Common Cause of Breast-feeding Difficulties"
— By Victoria C. Arcadi, D.C. — Dynamic Chiropractic, 1993
"Can a 3-Year-Old Toddler Suffer From Grade 4 Sciatica?" — By Victoria C. Arcadi, D.C.
Dynamic Chiropractic, 1993
"Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy" — By Victoria C. Arcadi, D.C.
Dynamic Chiropractic, July 15, 1994
"A Lifesaving Adjustment" — By Victoria C. Arcadi, D.C.
Dynamic Chiropractic, October 7, 1994
"The Fear of Adjusting the Pregnant Woman" — By Victoria C. Arcadi, D.C.
Dynamic Chiropractic, January 1, 1995
"What is PPPP during Pregnancy?" Worldwide Meeting Describes Condition”
Dynamic Chiropractic, February 26, 1996
"Thoracolumbar Fixations During Pregnancy"
ICAK Publication, August 1996
“Case Report: Prader-Willi Syndrome Improvement with Nutritional Therapy and Chiropractic Care”
Proceedings of the Fisher Institute for Medical Research, Vol 2 No 3, April 2002
“Case Report: Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Multidisciplinary Treatment Effects Including Dietary Supplementation”
Proceedings of the Fisher Institute for Medical Research, Vol 2, No 3, April 2002
Research Presentations
"TMJ Dysfunction-The Common Cause of Breast-feeding Difficulties"
Published in Proceedings of the National Conference on Chiropractic & Pediatrics,
October, November, 1993
Presented October, 1993 in Palm Springs, California
"Lower Back Pain In Pregnancy, Chiropractic Treatment and Results of 50 Cases" Published in ICAK 1995-96 Proceedings, Presented August 3-6 1995, Boston, Massachusetts
Books
Author of upcoming book When A Baby Cries with renowned pediatrician, Lendon Smith, M.D.
Co-author, 2 chapters, “Improving Outcomes in Pregnancy” and “Glyconutrients for Babies and Children” Healing Power of 8 Sugars: The Missing Link in Nutrition: What Doctors Want You to Know AboutGlyconutritionals. March 2005