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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Chiropractor and Pregnancy?

10 replies

lilwelshyrs · 30/08/2015 08:45

Hi all,

I've been seeing my chiropractor for two years now due to a big horse riding accident I had two years ago. Over the years I've damaged my pelvis from a couple of nasty falls - one at 13yo and one at 15yo. My right side is always lifted and slightly twisted when I go and see my chiropractor and his aim has to always been to straighten me up.
After my previous horse accident (two years ago), I was unable to walk properly in the mornings and after a few sessions with him, I was mostly pain free. I have then been seeing him once every few months over my pregnancy.

I had a terrible week of PGP and along with acupuncture and physio, the chiropractor was able to help me get back on my feet and now touch wood the PGP is controlled.

My question is about whether or not I should carry on seeing the chiropractor? His attempts to realign my pelvis at the last treatment left me in a lot of pain and was unable to get up from the couch thing. I hadn't been that uncomfortable during a treatment in a long time. He was able to help reduce the pain and I am now not going to see him for about a month.

I am currently 29 weeks pregnant... The reason I'm asking is because obviously your muscles loosen during pregnancy and I was wondering if it's not actually helpful to be so focussed on straightening me up any more?

Any thoughts or experiences?

Thanks all :)

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TreeSparrow · 30/08/2015 12:19

My only thoughts are that chiropractors are quack doctors and shouldn't be relied upon for providing anything other than placebo-based treatments. Even then they often do more harm than good.

I'd go to your GP and get a referral to a physiotherapist who is medically qualified and properly trained.

IndomitabIe · 30/08/2015 12:34

I agree with Tree. Chiropractic is at best a placebo, at worst can cause strokes and other injuries.

See a medically qualified doctor or physio.

IndomitabIe · 30/08/2015 12:36

The clue here is that you've been seeing the chiropractor for 2 years. He's in this to keep you attending and paying. A physio will try to get you sorted in the fewest possible sessions. Even a private one.

Original poster

lilwelshyrs · 30/08/2015 14:31

As i've said in my OP, I am seeing a physio. They've been happy for me to see the chiropractor and openly agree that it can really really help.
I disagree that it's a placebo thing as my personal experience from my horse accident speaks volumes. The fact i was unable to walk in the mornings, after my horse accident, but then after chiropractic treatment, proves to me that it does work.
Neither my GP or physio have said not to bother with the chiropractor, i was looking for opinions on whether i should wait til baby arrives to carry on treatment.
I've been seeing him for two years but not on a weekly basis! More like once every two months and i do benefit from the treatment afterwards.

OP posts:

IndomitabIe · 30/08/2015 14:41

Personal anecdotes are not data. Lots of people believe lots of things that are not true, or downright dangerous.

Good luck with your pregnancy.

Original poster

lilwelshyrs · 30/08/2015 15:22

But if it works for me it works for me then, surely! You cant just dismiss the whole thing...

Clearly this was a pointless excercise asking for advice if I'm just shot down for finding the chiropractor helps

OP posts:

IndomitabIe · 30/08/2015 15:43

Sure, the placebo effect is a powerful thing. You probably do feel better after some human touch and attention.

However, there's very little evidence to support the claims chiropractors make and a lot to show that many techniques used directly contribute to strokes and other conditions.

A friend of mine had a small stroke during her pregnancy (in her 20s). Not to do with chiropractic but it was terrifying. Fortunately she's fine.

You asked if you should visit during pregnancy. The answer is that you shouldn't.

TreeSparrow · 30/08/2015 16:04

Chiropractic falls into the same category as homeopathy. That doesn't stop an awful lot of people swearing by it and finding it hugely helpful. If complementary medicine or alternative medicine was proven, it wouldn't be called complementary or alternative. It would just be called medicine.

It short, it's up to you, but I don't think calling it a powerful placebo is the same as you being "shot down in flames". Best of luck.

Picnic2223 · 30/08/2015 16:57

I'm 24 weeks and have seen my chiropractor throughout my pregnancy (except first 12 weeks, My paranoia nothing to do with safety)

Chiropractic care isn't a placebo and your have obviously seen the benefits of it however if your are worried talked to your midwife talk to your chiropractor. Musket is never going to be in support of this kind of care. (it's too out there)

I hope you feel better soon

IndomitabIe · 30/08/2015 17:03

It's not about it being "out there", it's about evidence-based practice.

I'd take a midwife's opinion with a pinch of salt after mine recommended homeopathy. "Well, water has been shown to have memory" - er, no it hasn't you loony. (I was a bit less confident in those days).

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