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Can Chiropractic Help with Sciatica During Pregnancy?

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pressure and or irritation on the sciatic nerve that results in pain along the distribution of the nerve (buttock, down the back of the thigh and leg). The quality of pain can vary from sharp, dull, achy, to burning.

What Causes Sciatica?

Pressure on the sciatic nerve from a herniated disk, misaligned vertebra, or spinal degeneration. Based on individual anatomy, the piriformis muscle can irritate the sciatic nerve resulting in similar symptoms as sciatica, and is termed “Piriformis Syndrome”. In pregnant women, different factors can attribute to sciatica symptoms. Weight gain, uterus expansion, increased lordotic curve (due to the growing belly), and the position of the baby can all put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve during pregnancy.

How Can Chiropractic Help?

Chiropractic adjustments provide a non-surgical, non-invasive, and safe treatment for sciatica for both mom and baby. Spinal adjustments help correct misaligned vertebrae and reduce nerve irritation that can promote sciatica symptoms and muscle tension. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and effective, and it provides benefits to both mom and the developing baby. To find a chiropractor trained and specialized in prenatal and pregnancy care, call our office at 404-355-5499.

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Top 3 Myths About Chiropractic Care for Children

Myth #1: Children Don’t Need Chiropractic Care/ Chiropractic Care is only for Children involved in Car Accidents or Major Health Issues

Children can experience spinal misalignments from major trauma, minor trauma such as common falls, and even the birthing process (especially cesarean section, vacuum and forcep extractions). Spinal misalignments interfere with proper nerve function, which is vital, given that the first year of life involves 65% of a child’s brain and nervous system development. Chiropractic care also has great results with common issues such as ear infections, colic, acid reflux, difficulty latching/feeding, sleeping problems, constipation, and bed wetting.

On the other hand, more parents are choosing to be proactive and seek chiropractic care for their children even when no symptoms are present, in order to ensure proper neurological development and optimal health levels of their little ones.

 

Myth #2: Chiropractic Care Is Dangerous/Unsafe for Children, & They Adjust Children the Same Way as Adults

Pediatric chiropractors who obtain specialized training and certification via the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) are equipped with gentle techniques for children of all ages. Low-force techniques (such as the Activator tool) use the same amount of force one would apply to check the ripeness of a tomato. Newborns and infants are adjusted with a sustained contact. Trained pediatric chiropractors will analyze and determine the proper technique needed for each child.

 

Myth #3: Children Must Be a Certain Age to Receive Chiropractic Care

It is never too early for a child to be seen by a chiropractor. Some children are seen days, even moments after birth, due to the stress on the spine during the birthing process. On the other hand, it is also never too late to seek chiropractic care for children. Children at any age can benefit from chiropractic care during their various stages of development.

Ideally, to maximize the benefits of chiropractic care for children, it is advised that mom seeks chiropractic care during her pregnancy. Care during pregnancy ensures proper alignment of the pelvis, which allows adequate room for the baby to properly grow and develop. Correctly aligning mom’s pelvis also promotes a more efficient birthing process for both mom and baby. For more information on publish research regarding children and chiropractic, visit icpa4kids.com.

Ready to bring your children to pediatric chiropractor? Schedule your appointment now by clicking the button below.

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Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

One of the most common questions I am asked is “Why would a pregnant woman go see a chiropractor?”. The real question is: “Why would a pregnant woman NOT see a chiropractor?!?”. Chiropractic care is a proactive step to improve the health of you and your baby throughout pregnancy.

Chiropractic care ensures that the master control system of your body, the nervous system, is working properly so that you can be as healthy as possible during your pregnancy. By maintaining a well functioning nervous system, your body is better able to adapt to the physical and hormonal stressors that pregnancy demands.

As gravitational changes develop through pregnancy, additional stress is placed on the back, neck, and joints. Chiropractic adjustments take stress off of these areas allowing for a more comfortable pregnancy.

Chiropractic care also ensures that the pelvis maintains proper alignment so that the baby has adequate room to grow and develop. Research shows that proper alignment of the pelvis reduces intra-uterine constraint, labor times, and the chance for a potential cesarean section. In addition, chiropractic adjustments allow for a more straightforward delivery with less pain and trauma.

If you would like to have a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy or have any questions, feel free to contact Corrective Chiropractic at 404-355-5499.

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3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
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What To Do During Your 3rd Trimester Of Pregnancy

3rd Trimester of Pregnancy

You’ve made it past the first 28 weeks and only have a few weeks left before the baby is born. Take a few deep breaths, connect with your baby, and prepare for your new life as a parent. Ditch the mile long to do lists and prioritize the most important things during your last trimester.

[title size=”2″]1) Create a Birth Plan[/title]

Your support team is there to honor the type of birth you wish to have. However, if they are unaware of your birth plan, how can they help you achieve your ideal birth? Or worse, if you are not certain about the type of birth you wish to have, you may fall victim to the agendas of others. Become clear in your vision, write it down, and maintain communication with all parties of your birth team. Important considerations for the birth plan include:

Labor and Delivery:

  • People in the room
  • Birth Environment
  • Pain Management
  • Birthing Positions
  • Vaginal Exams
  • Time Limits on Pushing (if any)
  • Monitoring (intermittent, continuous, etc)
  • Preferences if complications occur

After Birth:

  • Skin to Skin contact
  • Vaccinations (Hepatitis B, Vitamin K)
  • Breast Feeding vs. Formula supplementation
  • Instructions about baby leaving room
  • Instructions regarding cord clamping
  • Placenta encapsulation
  • Circumcision

[title size=”2″]2) Pack your Birth Bag[/title]

Pack the bag with your birth partner so he/she knows what is in the bag and where the items are located. Here are some essentials for the birth bag:

  • Birth Plan
  • Clothes for Baby (including take home outfit)
  • Disposable nappies
  • A change of clothes for yourself (take home outfit and extra undies!)
  • Socks
  • IPOD or CD player to play music
  • Camera (with extra batteries or charger)
  • Food snacks and drinks
  • A Water Sprayer
  • Lip Balm
  • Massage Oil
  • Items to help with Pain Relief (i.e. Essential Oils, (Warm) cloth Nappies and bucket for water, Homeopathic remedies, Lacrosse Ball, Calcium Foods)
  • Bendable Straws
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Nursing Bras

[title size=”2″]3) Put the car seat in the car properly[/title]

Make sure that the baby’s car seat has been properly installed and has passed a safety inspection. Health care professionals will not allow you to bring home your little one unless all the safety recommendations have been met. Here is a website where you can find locations of Child Car Seat Inspection stations throughout Georgia. http://www.safercar.gov/cpsApp/cps/index.htm

[title size=”2″]4) Ensure that your hips are in proper alignment[/title]

With all the hormonal and gravitational changes that take place during the last trimester, it is so important to make sure that your hips are in proper alignment (so the baby has the optimal amount of room for proper growth and development). Research shows that chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy reduce intra-uterine constraint, labor times, and the chance for a potential cesarean section. In addition, these adjustments allow you to have a more straightforward delivery with less pain and trauma.

If you have any questions about your third trimester of pregnancy, or would like to make a chiropractic appointment, call Corrective Chiropractic at 404-355-5499.

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SIDS, Preventable Epidemic?

SIDS

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion about SIDS (also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). SIDS takes the life of more than five thousand infants each year and is defined as the sudden and unexplained death of an infant less than one year of age.

While the cause of SIDS hasn’t been proven, recent research explains that a possible cause may be due to Atlanto-Occipital hypermobility. This hypermobility refers to a misalignment (or subluxation) between the top vertebrae in the neck (the atlas) and the base of the skull. Research is showing that this misalignment can put pressure against the level of the brain stem that controls breathing and heart function. No wonder these kids are not thriving!

Pediatric chiropractors, like myself, understand the impact that the birth process can have on the spine, and recommend that children be checked by a chiropractor at birth to remove nerve interference, allowing the infant to thrive, and to prevent potential future issues. While subluxation is not the definitive cause of SIDS, it is strongly implicated. I guess these chiropractors may have been on to something, huh? Adjustments also help keep the body strong to fight against asthma, headaches, flu viruses, and poor posture, so they are a win-win for the body.

Make sure to have your child checked for any spinal misalignments. Call our office today to schedule your child for her or his exam!

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What to do in your 2nd Trimester of Pregnancy
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What To Do During Your 2nd Trimester Of Pregnancy

What to do in your 2nd Trimester of Pregnancy

You’ve made it past the first twelve weeks and the reality of pregnancy starts to set in. You’re having a baby! Congratulations! It’s now time to start preparing for the birth of your child and your life as a parent. This time may seem overwhelming but I want to remind you to relax and use this time to connect with your baby. In order to have the most enjoyable pregnancy possible, I’ve created a list of things to focus on so you know what to do during your 2nd trimester of pregnancy.

1) Reduce your Stress Level

Throughout pregnancy, your baby is extremely sensitive to stress hormones. These hormones cross over the placenta and can have a significant impact on your baby. Taking care of your baby means taking care of yourself too! Whether this involves a foot massage, meditation, candle-lit bath, or going on an evening walk, indulge in activities that allow you to slow down and nurture yourself. Use this time to relax and to really connect with your baby.

2) Create your ideal “Birth Team”

Once you know what type of birth you would like to have (e.g. birthing center, home, hospital birth), decide who you want as a part of your “birth team”.

When patients ask me for advice about creating a birth team, I strongly suggest hiring a midwife and doula. A midwife is highly trained to provide exceptional medical care for mom and baby during the pregnancy, birth, and post-natal weeks. A doula is there to support the mother physically, emotionally, and spiritually. A doula gives the mom the utmost confidence and support during the birth process.

Regardless of who you choose to be a part of your special day, make sure that your birth team honors the type of birth you wish to have.

3) Attend a Birthing Workshop

Pick a birthing workshop that reinforces the type of birth you would like to have. Educate yourself on the different types and choose one that inspires and empowers you! Corrective Chiropractic will host 2 different childbirth classes this fall, Hypnobabies and Baby Steps. These amazing classes educate and honor the body’s natural ability to give birth.

4) Maintain Good Posture

As pregnancy advances, you will start to experience gravitational changes. As a result, women compensate for the additional weight by widening their stance during pregnancy. This widened stance hyperextends the lumbar spine, compressing the disc spaces between the vertebrae. In order to maintain proper spinal biomechanics during pregnancy, I recommend that every pregnant woman goes to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments ensure proper alignment for better posture and a more comfortable pregnancy.

 

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions about your second trimester of pregnancy, would like more information on a birthing class, or would like to get your posture checked, call Corrective Chiropractic at 404-355-5499 or leave a comment below.

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What to do During Your 1st Trimester of Pregnancy
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What to do During Your 1st Trimester of Pregnancy

What to do During Your 1st Trimester of Pregnancy

You are pregnant…..now what?!? With all the research the internet offers, figuring out what to do and what not to do during your first trimester can be a daunting task. Based on my experience as a birth professional and chiropractor, I’ve attempted to simplify this task for expecting mommies so you can have the healthiest pregnancy possible during your 1st trimester. In this article I discuss what to do during your 1st trimester of pregnancy by providing 4 actions steps.

1) Focus your attention on your baby from day one

My friends and patients have told me that they don’t allow themselves to really “feel pregnant” until the first kick, 36 weeks, or until the baby is born. As a result, many women do not start caring for themselves until this reality sets in. Unlike an exam, we can’t cram good health for our baby into the last few weeks. The first trimester is crucial for growth and development, and the baby needs your attention and focus from day one.

2) Define HEALTH

The World Health Organization defines health as “optimal physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. This means your health is based on how your body is functioning (rather than how you feel). To achieve optimal health during pregnancy, you need to focus on:

  1. quality nutrition, sleep, and exercise
  2. having a well functioning nervous system
  3. reducing toxins
  4. minimizing stress
  5. maintaining positive thoughts

In our office, we acknowledge that all of these factors influence health so we educate our patients on the best ways to live a healthy lifestyle throughout pregnancy.

3) Decide what type of birth you want to have

I tell my patients from to start thinking about what type of birth they would like to have from day one. Do you want to have a home birth, give birth at a birthing center, or have a hospital birth? Do you want the birth be more of a medical process? Or do you desire to take a more natural approach? Educate yourself on the pro’s and con’s of each birth and pick one that honors the needs of you and your partner.

4) Get checked by a chiropractor

Chiropractic care ensures that the master control system of your body, the nervous system, is working properly so that you can be as healthy as possible during your pregnancy. By maintaining a well functioning nervous system, an expecting mom can better tackle some of the hurdles that the first trimester offers such as nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, heartburn and constipation. Also, chiropractic adjustments ensure that your pelvis maintains proper alignment to allow your baby the adequate room to grow and move.

Your Turn

If you have any questions about your first trimester of pregnancy, or would like to see how your body is functioning, feel free to call Corrective Chiropractic at 404-355-5499 or leave a comment below.

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Best Pediatric Chiropractor in Atlanta
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Who is the Best Pediatric Chiropractor in Atlanta?

Best Pediatric Chiropractor in Atlanta

Who is the best pediatric chiropractor in Atlanta? Well, this depends on how you define someone as being the “best”. In my opinion, the “best” person to take care of you and your family is a chiropractor who you trust, will educate you through the process, and who has received advanced training in pediatrics.

What Should You Look For

1) Find someone who you trust and feel comfortable with. Whenever choosing any health care provider, find someone you can connect with. Follow your intuition and choose a provider who makes you feel comfortable when you walk into the office.

2) Find someone who explains what they are doing and why they are doing it. The Chiropractor should explain what is going on with your child, what impact it might have on him/her, and what to expect during care. This allows you to be educated throughout the process and make informed decisions regarding your child’s health.

3) Look for a Chiropractor who has received advanced training in pediatrics. Parents can look on the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) website, icpa4kids.com, to find Doctors who specialize in pediatrics and pregnancy. This website shows any chiropractors who have obtained post-graduate training in pediatric care.

At Corrective Chiropractic, we care about the health of you and your family! Our mission is to serve and educate the Atlanta community about true health. Dr. Savy has received advanced training in the management of infants, children, and pre-and postpartum women and is also certified in the Webster Intrauterine Contraint Technique. If you have have any questions or would like to make an appointment to get your child checked, please call our office at 404-355-5499.

Your Turn

Do you have a chiropractor you trust to care for your child? What criteria did you use to select your family’s chiropractor?

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Should My Baby Be Checked By A Chiropractor?

Should my baby be checked by a Chiropractor

One of the most common questions I’m asked is “Should my baby be checked by a Chiropractor?” The real question: “Why is your baby NOT under chiropractic care?!?”

Before we can answer why infants should be checked by a chiropractor, we have to understand what chiropractic is. Chiropractors work with the nervous system- the information highway that coordinates all of our bodily functions including breathing, digestion, and immune responses. When the spine is misaligned, the nerve messages are interrupted and result in impaired nerve function. If left uncorrected, this can dramatically affect the health of a child. Chiropractic adjustments correct the misaligned vertebrae and restore proper nerve function, allowing the child to live each day at their maximum potential.

Why would my baby have nerve interference?

A recent study showed that 80% of infants have some sort of nerve interference from the birth process. Unfortunately, this problem is under-publicized and under-treated. During the average birth, a doctor will use 60-90 lbs of pressure to pull the baby out of the birth canal. The likelihood of nerve interference only increases with additional birth trauma: prolonged labor, drugs used to increase contractions, vacuum/forcep extraction, or cesarean section delivery. Imagine the effects this can have on the infant’s spine and nervous system!

What happens when there is nerve interference?

In most cases, infants may not present with any symptoms initially. Other times, newborns may experience colic, irritability, difficulty feeding or latching, eczema/skin irritations, digestive issues, sleeping problems, or neurological defects due to impaired nerve function. If this is left undetected and uncorrected, these problems may develop into learning difficulties, sensory impairments, asthma, allergies, ear infections, hyperactivity, or other health problems as the child matures.

So why is chiropractic important this early in life?

Given that 65% of a child’s brain and nervous system development occurs during the first year of life, it is imperative to ensure that your baby has every opportunity to maximize nerve function during this crucial period! Each child deserves to live life at his or her optimal level.

Is chiropractic safe for kids?

Chiropractic is extremely safe for children and adults! Infants are adjusted much differently than an adult counterpart because of their small size and age. The infant adjustment consists of a gentle fingertip contact applied to specific areas of the spine.

Get Involved

Do you take your children to a chiropractor? We’d love to hear your reason for starting, or not starting, care for your entire family. Please leave comments below!

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