I am generally very suspicious of chiropractors because the ones I've known have all been very anti-vax and generally have some weird theories.
However, my spine and hips are a mess with this pregnancy. My tailbone pops with every step and I'm in pain every night. This did not happen last time and I still have a ways to go. It sounds kind of like a chiro might be able to help. I don't think a massage would help, because the pain is not muscular.
What does MMM think? Worth a try or stay away? How do you find a non-crazy one?
Post by KaraOrNot on Sept 27, 2014 20:47:35 GMT -5
I had been going to one for back issues pre-pregnancy and have been going for hip issues during my pregnancy. I think that it has helped.
Finding one was hit or miss. The first one I went to was one of the anti-vax, weird theory variety. The one I go to now is based on medical model and is part of a physical therapy clinic. The doctor I went to for my back referred me there after several sessions of physical therapy didn't help my issue.
Do you think it's an SI joint? Mine was awful during #2 and I went to the chiropractor. Big mistake. I got a support band after that and that made a world of difference.
ETA:I just saw you said tailbone. Sorry. Anyway if it's related to joints chiropracty won't help much due to relaxin. You could try PT and maybe find some relief.
I have the same general opinion re: chiropractors but I was barely able to move once I hit 18ish week - incredible pain around my tail bone with every step, just like you said. I called my MFM and they recommended someone to me so I figured it was worth a shot.
Turns out my SI joint was out of place and I've gotten about 6 adjustments in the past month and a half. I feel so, so much better and can actually get down onto the floor to play with DD. I also started wearing a support belt daily when I go to work and it has a slot for an ice pack that hits right at the tailbone area. I try to ice it about 4x/day and really find it helpful.
My MFM also recommended a search on this site for a Webster Certified Chiro in case the name they gave me wasn't on my insurance - icpa4kids.org/Find-a-Chiropractor/.
I went to one before , and through my whole pregnancy. It was wonderful. I had previous issues so it helped a lot. They also has a masseuse who did prenatal massage. My guy wasn't antivax. He was down to earth with kids of his own. Hope you get some relief.
My chiro was gold in pregnancy and I still go for neck/back pain and headaches. I do not talk about other issues, and I don't take my kids. I'd ask around for local reccs, as I've been to 4 different chiros (3 in one practise and one closer to my house) and only like one.
I saw a chiro at my doctor's clinic (same place as I went for OBGyn services) and they seemed to be much more legit than some of the other chiro offices that aren't affiliated with a health system.
Well, my DH is a Chiro so obviously I'm a fan. He's generally not a weirdo, and he's certainly not anti-medicine. (Maybe because he's married to a PA )
Now, I regularly get adjusted anyways, but pregnancy brought on some different problems than I usually have. I also had a lot of sacrum/hip pain starting around 16 weeks, and getting adjusted helped immensely. I honestly had little to no hip and back pain while pregnant. I followed a similar schedule to my prenatal appointments, so I was getting adjusted about once a week at the end to make sure my pelvis was in line for L&D. I had a relatively fast labor for a first time mom, and only pushed for 3 contractions, and I think a lot of it had to do with being regularly adjusted.
The link above is a great way to find a Chiro in your area that has experience with pregnant patients. DH practices the Gonstead technique, which is in his opinion, the safest, most specific form of chiropractic. The technique involves no twisting or jerking, just very specific adjustments meant to only move the specific none that is out of place, not just to "crack" your back.
If you have any questions let me know. Unfortunately the anti-vac quaks selling snake oil give the profession a bad name, when there are a lot of good chiros out there that can a lot of people. Hope you find some relief!
Post by mandapanda18 on Sept 27, 2014 21:08:07 GMT -5
I have a great chiro, I have known him for 8 years. I saw him regularly during my pregnancy. I have seen 3 terrible ones prior to him, so I suggest you ask for recommendations and do initial Evals to test your comfort level.
Post by chickens987 on Sept 27, 2014 21:10:23 GMT -5
Ditto the osteopath recommendation. I've been to three and they've all been amazing. I didn't really like my chiropractor experience when I went for Webster.
I'm not totally sure what the issue is. I know that my tailbone starts popping with every step around midday, and by evening I'm basically paralyzed in my lower back and hips area in that I can't bend or sit down on the floor without searing pain.
This kid is sitting much lower than my last, which I think is part of it.
Post by caramia17 on Sept 27, 2014 22:08:46 GMT -5
Can you ask your OB or a physiatrist (essentially an MD in physical therapy) for a recommendation?
I think that for musculoskeletal issues, a chiropractor can be a godsend. The ones who claim that adjustments have all these off the wall benefits scare me. I think that this is one of those things where fit is so important.
Post by suburbanzookeeper on Sept 27, 2014 22:25:18 GMT -5
The chiropractor who I saw while I was pregnant with DS was very anti-vax & had the very crunchy/left field vibe. I saw him for treatment but pretty much treated all of his comments like I do my ILs - smiled, nod, and go back to doing exactly what I was doing.
DH & I now see a chiropractor who's very pro-vax and is very relaxed. We like him a lot, unfortunately our insurance doesn't cover him and we pay cash to see him. (EDIT) We pay about $35 per visit.
@kcpokergal I wish I had more time to get in the pool, but the schedule the toddler keeps makes it pretty impossible. I am, however, partaking in a lot of late night baths, and those help a lot!
Post by carolinagirl831 on Sept 27, 2014 23:05:54 GMT -5
I saw one last pregnancy due yo back pain and a pinched nerve It helped immensely, they also had a pt in office who gave me regular exercises to do which helped immensely with stretching my back and shoulder Massage would it have touched the issue except to provide in the moment relief I went to a we'll resisted nonquacky chirp , he worked with many pregnant women
Post by fortmyersbride on Sept 27, 2014 23:07:32 GMT -5
You could also ask your OB for a PT referral if hoping to have it covered with a co-pay. I had PT for about 10wks with my first pregnancy for SI joint pain. With the second and third, I've had SPD and a support belt really helps.
I would be cautious if letting someone adjust your neck. We've had several cases of vascular complications in the area in the last few years, at my hospital, the university, and children's. I would want to really look into someone before letting them touch my cervical spine.
I love mine and am convinced he kept me in one piece when I was pregnant. DS, DH and I all go. That said, I have been going to mine for 10 years and I 200% trust him and have been to some shady ones too. I would probably only start going now if I could get a recommendation from someone. If not I would probably try a good massage therapist.
Worth a try. I've never been to one, but my OB refers patients to a chiro for pain and flipping breech babies, so it sounds like at least some are legit.