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Pregnancy

anyone seen an osteopath or chiropractor?

18 replies

Lovelilies2 · 27/12/2015 19:54

I'm only 15 weeks with dc#3 but already having sciatica down both legs and back and hip pain

I was fine with dc1 but had SPD with DC2 can't remember when from but I had to stop work around 30 weeks (ward nurse).

I'd like to be more pro active in this pregnancy and try and prevent things getting too bad!

Don't mind paying private, but don't want to chick money down the drain iykwim!

Thanks in advance

OP posts:

Report

goodbyeyellowbrickroad · 27/12/2015 20:09

You have my sympathies, especially doing such a physical job. I highly recommend seeing an osteopath.

I've been suffering from hip and lower back pain. I waited and waited for a physio referral to go through but it never materialised so went to see an osteopath. He's been brilliant and worth every penny. I've had 2 sessions with him and the difference it's made has been massive. I now find it easier to sleep - before I couldn't get comfortable and every time I rolled over at night I'd wake up. There are still certain things that I avoid doing as I know it'll aggregate things - for example I can't put the Hoover round or carry my 3 year old for very long.

Lovelilies2 · 27/12/2015 20:19

Thanks for the reply Good,
I'll have a look and see what's available in my area. Anyone I've spoken to about it in RL including obs/ gynae consultant just looked at me when I suggested it!
Physio last time was useless.

OP posts:

Icklepickle101 · 27/12/2015 20:20

I've seen an osteopath every week since 28 weeks and it did make my spd more bearable. My health insurance covered mine, might have gone less frequently if I had had to pay for all of the visits

Lovelilies2 · 27/12/2015 20:22

What does an osteopath actually do to/ for you? And how much were the sessions?

OP posts:

Pidapie · 27/12/2015 20:31

Chiropractors can be amazing, though I would be wary to go to one that requires you to have 12 sessions (or similar, 3-4 should be enough for a good one). I have had very good results :)

prettyflowers111 · 27/12/2015 21:22

I visted a chiro during my first pregnancy when I developed severe spd at 24 weeks. I couldn't walk without crutches or manage any stairs, I had to shuffle up the stairs on my bum while holding back tears. It was pricey but worth every penny. Before hand I saw my gp, who gave cocodomol, after reading up I decided I wasn't happy to take it so went back the next day and was referred for physio.... which I hate to say was a waste of time and did nothing for me, despite following strict excersices. It's worth calling about and finding a chiropractor who is qualified and has experience with treating pregnant ladies. It really was fantastic and worked wonders for me. I then learnt what set off my pain, things like pushing a shopping trolly or carrying anything that made we walk with my arms out from my sides like shopping bags. Good luck and I hope you find some relief.

ammature · 27/12/2015 21:53

I saw an osteopath for back problems and rib flair. Didn't see any real improvement

Grizzer · 27/12/2015 22:06

I had 2 half hour appointments with an osteopath and it worked brilliantly. I couldn't turn in bed, was walking like a 90 year old but he clicked a few bones about & all was good. He specialises in pregnant women though which I would recommend if possible. I'm now 38 weeks & have started suffering with groin pain. I'm desperately waiting for them to open again on Tuesday & hope I can get another appointment.

Shadow1986 · 27/12/2015 22:12

Do it!

After two sessions I'm feeling so much better and pain has improved so much. Definitely not money down the drain.

Parietal · 27/12/2015 22:22

go to a physiotherapist. they have genuine qualifications and actually know what they are doing. chiroprac is not evidence based and so is just a waste of money (or can even be harmful).

Shadow1986 · 27/12/2015 22:24

By the way, to give more information, I saw a chiropractor who specialises in pregnant ladies and she diagnosed a twisted pelvis at my first session, and worked out straightening me out. Really helped. It was £45 for first session including consultation, and £35 there after.

Icklepickle101 · 27/12/2015 22:27

My osteopath does a lot of deep tissue massage on the areas that I have been struggling with most. She also manipulates nearly paralyses me my pelvis and back in to place every week and the crunch is very satisfying and I do feel much more mobile afterwards. I also get some excercises to do in between visits. A 45 minute session is £45.

Icklepickle101 · 27/12/2015 22:29

I had awful nerve pain in my legs and now only gets flare ups maybe once a week, it has helped the spd less than I dreamed for but it has made a noticeable difference!

Lovelilies2 · 27/12/2015 22:29

Parietal, I have seen physios in the past, including obstetric ones. Even when following their exercises to the word it made not a jot of difference.

That's why I'm asking about osteopaths and chiropractors. I know there are some 'quacks' about, which is why I'm asking for people's experiences.

I also have a very painful swollen varicose vein in my thigh, so I will go and see GP and see what they say.

Thanks for all the input so far

OP posts:

MaisieDotes · 28/12/2015 00:06

I had sciatica at 20 weeks, I also have a toddler who was 14 months at the time. I was in absolute bits, lifting and carrying DS was agony, as was walking in general.

I got really, really down due to the awful pain and not being able to do anything around the house, let alone go for walks etc.

I went to physio, they gave me exercises to do which were hideously painful and I'm pretty sure made things worse. At 24 weeks, after a month of this, DH convinced me to try an osteopath. I went once - he manipulated my spine to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. He spent 10 or 15 minutes listening to me explaining what the pain was like and then about 30 seconds doing the actual spine-popping.

I was about 70% better immediately and completely better after 3-4 days. I have been careful of my back since then but I'm 35 weeks now and I haven't had another flare-up.

Daysleeper1985 · 28/12/2015 01:12

Chiros are awesome... but be warned you can become a 'crack addict'

ThatsNotMyRabbit · 28/12/2015 01:57

Chiropractic is quackery. Lots of impressive clicking and cracking but any benefit is more accident and placebo effect than design.

The clue is that it isn't a protected term. I could set myself up as a chiropractor tomorrow and all I'd need is a white coat and a shiny sign on the door.

mumchkin · 28/12/2015 11:55

Definitely would recommend an Osteo - I wouldn't be walking without mine. They are all about making sure your pelvis is in alignment (they do this very gently - much more gently than a Chiro) but it really works as misalignment is the cause of much referred pain.

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