HCG, are you kidding me?!
For those who already know what HCG is, you may have concerns about injecting yourself with pregnancy hormone and hoping for weight loss. HCG is a hormone produced in large amounts during pregnancy by the developing embryo. It is also used as a medication for fertility treatment, and even in males for delayed sexual development. Administration of HCG has been shown to be safe, but will it help you shed pounds?

How does it work?
For many women, pregnancy is not a time associated with weight loss, but when HCG is administered in the absence of pregnancy, it can help you lose on average 1 pound per day. HCG increases burning of fat at the level of the hypothalamus, a portion of the brain that controls your metabolism. Instead of storing fat, or losing it at a very slow rate, HCG initiates fat mobilization, so that your fat is used for energy. HCG during pregnancy protects the growing embryo by mobilizing the mother’s fat stores so that the fetus is never without nutrients, despite whether the mother is consuming sufficient food or not. In men, or in non-pregnant women, HCG helps you metabolize your stored fat quickly, and re-sets your metabolic rate via your hypothalamus so you keep the pounds off.

Won’t I be hungry?
The HCG diet also includes an extremely low calorie diet of only 500 Calories per day. While this seems absurd, those doing the diet report that they are not hungry. The reason for this is that your body is using its stored fat as an energy and caloric source. HCG stimulates several thousand Calories of body fat to be burned per day, leading your body to use fat for fuel instead of food.

Do I need to exercise to lose weight?
While taking the HCG, you should stick to light exercise like walking, yoga, or rebounding. You do not need to exercise to lose weight on the HCG diet, but before and after the HCG Phase (described later), you should maintain an exercise regime consisting of aerobic exercise and weight training to stay fit.

How do I get HCG and how is it administered?
Bioidentical HCG can be obtained via prescription through your ND or MD. It is administered via intramuscular injection 6 days per week for 43 days, or 7 days per week for 23 days, depending on how much weight needs to be lost. For ease, the prescription is prepared for the patient in syringes, and they can be taught how to safely administer their own injections at home.

How long do I do it for?
The HCG diet has 4 steps which can be repeated until your goal weight has been acheived.
1. Phase 1: This step consists of necessary preparations before starting HCG. This may involve detoxification, Candida treatment, and dietary counseling. Nutritional supplementation before and after the HCG phase such as vitamins and minerals, greens, and a healthy whole foods diet is important for preparing the body for weight loss.
2. Phase 2, The HCG Phase: This step involves the HCG injections as previously described. The HCG phase will either be 43 days or 23 days, depending on how far you are from your goal weight. For the first two days while taking HCG, you will need to “fat load” your diet. This involves eating high fat foods such as nut/seed/olive oil, avocado, nuts and nut butters, fatty meats and cheese. Giving your body extra fats at the onset of the program helps you feel less hunger at the start of the low calorie diet. After the fat loading phase, you will follow a strict 500 Calorie per day diet for the remainder of the HCG phase. The food choices are limited, so it is best to follow an HCG diet recipe book to guide you. You must also avoid any oils, lotions or creams applied to the skin as these externally applied fats may stall your weight loss.
3. Phase 3: During this 3 week period after the HCG phase, you may eat a normal amount of calories but you must avoid starches and sugars. This phase involves the metabolism stabilizing at a new, higher level so that you do not gain back the weight you lost.
4. Phase 4: The last phase is the maintenance phase, where you gradually reintroduce starches and sugars into the diet. This phase is intended to transition you back to eating a well-rounded diet without calorie restriction, and without gaining weight. Ideally your diet should consist of whole grains, fiber, fruits, vegetables and protein, without processed foods or excessive amounts of sugar. Vitamin, mineral, and greens supplementation is also advised. A minimum of 3 weeks in the maintenance phase must be completed before you repeat the cycle.

The HCG protocol was originally developed in the 1950′s by Dr Simeons who discovered a relationship between using HCG as a treatment for obesity. Since then, the program has been published and has become increasingly popular due to its safety and rapid, lasting results.

Book an Appointment with Bloom’s Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Wilson to learn more about the HCG Diet.

Angel Seto, Registered Acupuncturist, will be joining us on Tuesdays and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. She welcomes new clients and invites all her existing clients to come and visit her in her new relaxing space. Learn more about Angel on our website under Services and Bios.

ANGEL SETO, REGISTERED ACUPUNCTURIST

Leslie Black, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Sleep Sense Consultant, joins the Bloom team every Wednesdays. Leslie has been helping new parents and young families on the north shore for several years and she specializes in helping infants and toddlers (and their parents) sleep soundly through the night! Learn more about Leslie’s services on our website or by visiting her own website at www.akissgoodnight.ca

LESLIE BLACK, REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR AND CERTIFIED SLEEP SENSE CONSULTANT

 How about you give the gift of health by purchasing a gift certificate for a massage, chiropractic or naturopathic session at Bloom Family Wellness Centre? (www.bloomwellness.com)

 Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local Canadian hair salon or barber?

 Perhaps a Gym or Yoga membership or a few personal training sessions would be appreciated?  It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about health improvement. (www.jodiboatesathletics.com) (www.goodlifefitness.com) (www.yyoga.ca) (www.sweetyogabliss.ca)

 Who wouldn’t love to get their car detailed?  Small, Canadian owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

 Are you one of those extravagant givers who thinks nothing of plunking down the $$$$ on a flat-screen TV?  Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like their driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or rounds at the local golf course. (www.greatcanadianlandscaping.com)

 There are a million owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates.  And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen coffees or breakfasts at their favourite local breakfast joint. (www.joeysrestaurants.com) or (Delany’s Coffee in Edgemont Village)

 Remember, this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your local home town Canadians to keep their doors open.

 How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck, or motorcycle done at a shop run by a local Canadian?

 Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? She would LOVE the services of a local cleaning service for a day.

 My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young person who is trying to get their repair business up and running. (Computer Gnomes Consulting Inc. on Lonsdale)

 OK, you were looking for something more personal.

 Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.  They make jewellery, pottery, glassworks, carved wooden boxes, and many more beautiful items.  (www.weeannounce.com) (www.shopgirlygirls.com) (www.indigostar.ca)

 Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and businesses and leave your server a nice tip.

 So there you have it….a million DIFFERENT ways to give a thoughtful gift this Christmas!  Make Christmas about caring for others and in turn encouraging small Canadian businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams.

And, when we care about other Canadians, we care about our communities.  The benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

Make THIS your new Canadian Christmas tradition.

There are several options for preventing the flu during the winter season and it is important to me that my patients are educated about their options before they make a decision.  With any vaccination, the decision is ultimately up to you, but your ND can help you make an informed choice.

Why are we so worried about the flu?

• The flu is caused by the influenza virus, of which there are over 500 different strains
• The flu can cause symptoms of fever, cough, chills, sore throat, body aches, fatigue or headaches, which usually abate after 1 week
• It is spread by coughing, sneezing and direct contact with contaminated surfaces or unwashed hands
• Complications from influenza infection are very rare and may occur in individuals with an underlying medical condition, those greater than 65 years of age, and young children that have a predisposition to respiratory infections
• Pneumonia is the primary complication of influenza and can result in hospitalization or death in those that are at extremely high risk for complications

Influenza Vaccine

• The flu vaccine is made from 3 different strains of the virus, based on the most prevalent strains from the previous year
• Because there are over 500 different influenza strains, and each strain is constantly mutating (changing), it is not possible for the flu vaccine to provide you absolute protection from contracting the flu
• The flu vaccine can only protect you against the 3 strains of the virus that is is made from
• After receiving the flu vaccine, it takes 2 weeks for your body to produce sufficient antibodies to protect you against the influenza virus.  During this 2 week period, you may contract the flu
• The antibodies produced as a result of the flu vaccine lose their efficacy after 2-3 months, therefore the vaccine does not protect you for the entire flu season
• The influenza vaccine is recommended by Health Canada for those who are at high risk of complications from the influenza virus: people aged 65 years
  or older, those with serious long-term health problems, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, immunosuppressive disorders, children on longterm treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
• The influenza vaccine is also recommended for health-care workers, residents/workers/volunteers of nursing homes, chronic-care facilities and retirement homes and women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during the influenza season
• Health Canada research suggests that the flu vaccine that closely matches the current seasonal influenza strains temporarily prevents the flu in healthy persons less than 65 years old about 70% of the time.  In individuals over 65 years of age the efficacy rate of the flu vaccine is reported to be less than 30%
• The flu vaccine does not improve the body’s immune response against bacterial infections
• The flu vaccine should not be administered to a person who is already ill with a cold or flu
• Children are at the greatest risk of side effects including: fever, body aches, allergic reactions and potentially a severe paralytic illness (Guillan-Barre paralysis)
• Most experience pain at the injection site
• For those with an egg allergy, there is a risk of allergic reaction as the flu vaccine contains egg components
• The vaccine is produced using formaldehyde, preservatives and heavy metals (mercury)
• *NDs in BC are not allowed to administer flu vaccines, but an MD or walk-in clinic will administer it for you

Immune IV

• The immune IV is an intravenous injection of high concentrations of vitamins and minerals to support the immune system
• The IV contains vitamin C, vitamin B5, B6, B12, B complex, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium at doses higher than you could take orally
• Because the injection is administered intravenously, the absorption rate is 99-100%, much higher than the absorption through the digestive tract
• The immune IV is given 1-2 times per month as a prophylactic against colds and flus, or more often if the patient is feeling sick, run down, stressed or fatigued
• Often the IV is given before traveling or before a stressful event (Christmas?) to give the immune system a boost
• The immune IV is not active against any particular strain of virus or bacteria
• The immune IV can be administered if the patient is already ill
• Side effects are rare and may include pain or minor bruising at the injection site, vasovagal response (fainting) from the needle, or allergy to vitamin B1.

Homeopathic Flu Prevention Shot

• The flu prevention shot contains injectible homeopathic medications that activate the body’s immune defenses against viruses and bacteria
• This injection helps to relieve fever, cold and flu related symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headaches, muscle aches and shivers in those who are already ill with a flu or a cold
• When used in combination, these homeopathic medications have been shown to increase the infection fighting capabilities of white blood cells by 41%
  (Echinacea only increases white blood cell function by 28%)
• The homeopathic flu prevention shot is safe and effective to administer if the patient is already ill
• The injection shortens the duration and severity in symptoms for those who do contract the flu and decreases the incidence of influenza infections
• Side effects include pain at the injection site

Homeopathic Flu Prevention Tablets

• These tablets are prepared using strains from the worst flu epidemics of the past century
• They improve the body’s immune response, thereby shortening the duration and severity of symptoms should you come in contact with the influenza virus
• 1 tablet is taken every 2 weeks, and no injections are required
• Studies show that this protocol is 88% effective in the prevention of influenza and 82% effective in the treatment of primary flu-related symptoms of chills, muscle aches and minor fever
• This treatment is effective for both flu viruses and bacteria
• The flu prevention tablets are safe and effective for patients who are already experiencing cold and flu symptoms
• No known side effects

This deal is for all the Yogis and the Wine Lovers of the Lower Mainland!
The Bloom Family Wellness Centre is excited to partner with LivingSocial Adventures and Sanduz Estate Wines to offer you Vinyasa in the Vineyard!

This adventure includes one hour of Yoga instructed by Bloom’s own Dr. Mandy Lee followed by a one hour wine tasting and tour of Saduz Estate Wines in Richmond, B.C.   All events are scheduled on Sundays!

The deal is available for purchase on Thursday Sept. 8th!   Be sure to buy yours early to get the intro price and so you don’t miss out!   Deals can be purchased from http://livingsocial.com/adventures/118397-yoga-class-with-wine-tour-+-tasting

There are 3 dates to choose from and 6 different times.
Sept 18 – 10:00am and 12:00pm
Sept. 25 – 10:00am and 12:00pm
Oct. 2 – 10:00am and 12:00pm

Get a group of friends together and make a Sunday adventure of it !  Yoga and Wine – Is there really any better way to spend a Sunday?  See you there!

You may think SUMMER is over but the truth is SOMMER is just starting up again…. at Bloom!

We are excited to welcome back Sommer Setterstrom, RMT after the birth of her daughter and a 6-month maternity leave! Sommer will be working on Wednesday from 2pm-7pm and Fridays from 10am-4pm. Sommer looks forward to reconnecting with her existing clients and welcomes new clients too!

Sommer will officially be back and taking appointments on Friday Sept. 23rd so book your appointment online today!

We are happy to have her back!

With the kiddies heading back to school today, I thought that this blog post was perfect timing to give you tips to help keep the spines of our mini “bloomies” happy and healthy. A child’s spine is just a mini version of an adult spine and therefore children can experience some of the same “adult” aches and pains if they put their bodies through abnormal postural stresses. One of the most common stresses that we see in our office is the improper use of backpacks which are loaded WAY beyond acceptable weights!   The ‘Pack it light Wear it Right’ program is a program adopted by the British Columbia Chiropractic Association and is full of tips for you and your child.

Pack it light – Wear it Right

 Kids think it’s “cool” to strap on their backpacks and head out to school.  But if they don’t know exactly how to choose, load, lift and wear them – these all-important accessories can be a pain in the back. Literally.  Not to mention the neck, head, and shoulders.  Backpacks can affect your children’s health.  Carrying a heavy load that is unevenly or improperly
distributed can result in poor posture; and even distort the spinal column, throwing it out of alignment.  This can cause muscle strain, headaches, back, neck and arm pain, and even nerve damage.

For example, a heavy backpack, carried on one shoulder, forces the muscles and spine to compensate for the uneven weight.  This places stress on the mid and lower back, and may increase the likelihood of back problems later in life.
More than 50 per cent of young people experience at least one episode of lower back pain by their teenage years.
Research indicates that this could be caused, to a great extent, by improper use of backpacks.

Prevention is key!  Here are a few pointers to help you help your school age childrencarry their load comfortably
and safely.
Choose the right backpack:
Forget leather! It looks great, but it’s far too heavy.  Go for vinyl or canvas. Pick a pack that has two wide, adjustable, padded shoulder straps, along with a hip or waist strap, padded back and plenty of pockets.Make sure the pack fits properly, is not too snug around the arms and under the armpits, and that its size is proportionate to the wearer’s body.

Packing it properly:
They’re not moving out! Make sure your children’s packs contain only what is needed for that day, and that the weight is distributed evenly. It’s a good idea to know roughly what each item weighs.The total weight of the filled pack should
be no more than 10 to 15 per cent of the wearer’s own body weight.  Pack heaviest objects close to the body, and place bumpy or oddshaped ones on the outside, away from the back.

Putting the backpack on:
It’s a good idea to help young children with this, at least the first few times. Put the pack on a flat surface, at waist
height. Slip on the pack, one shoulder at a time, then adjust the straps to fit comfortably.  Remember when lifting a backpack, or anything, to lift using the arms and legs and to bend at the knees.

The right way to wear a backpack:
Both shoulder straps should be used, and adjusted so that the pack fits snugly to the body, without dangling to the
side. Backpacks should never be worn over just one shoulder.You should be able to slide your hand between the backpack and your child’s back.The waist strap should also be worn for added stability. If your child does complain of backpain, numbness or weakness in his or her arms and legs, see help from a chiropractor to prevent future problems.

Thanks to everyone who voted for Bloom Family Wellness in the ‘Best of Awards’ this summer! We are truly honoured! We were finalists in three categories:

Best Health and Wellness Facility – Bloom Family Wellness Centre

Best Massage Therapists – Karen Otsig, Sommer Setterstrom, Sophie Roberts, and Samantha Eibensteiner

Best Chiropractor – Dr. Mandy Lee

We love our jobs and the truth is our patients/clients are the BEST! YOU make work FUN!

When it comes to weight loss, we all know that fad diets are out and good old-fashioned exercise and a healthy diet are in. Sticking to an exercise routine and a health-conscious lifestyle can help anyone drop weight, but what about those last 10 pounds that everyone is always talking about?
Holding onto those extra pounds that keep you from achieving your ideal weight may not be your fault. Here are three reasons why diet and exercise may not be enough, and what you can do about it:
1. Hormones

When it comes to hormones, there are several common culprits: Estrogen, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), and cortisol.

Estrogen: Excess estrogen leads to weight gain on the hips, thighs and abdomen in women and on the chest and abdomen in men. To make matters worse, these fat cells produce even more estrogen, leading to further weight gain.

TSH: Thyroid stimulating hormone is released by the anterior pituitary. This hormone acts on the thyroid gland, and is a key factor in determining your metabolic rate. Often times, high levels of TSH indicate suppressed thyroid function which leads to weight gain, low mood, dry skin, and cold hands and feet.
Cortisol: Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stressful situations. Chronic stress leads to long-term elevation of cortisol which causes fat deposition and abdominal weight gain.

Solution: Hormone testing through the blood or saliva can give useful information about hormone levels, endocrine function, and metabolic rate.

Estrogen levels can be reduced by increasing dietary fiber and cruciferous vegetables, and taking supplements that remove excess estrogens from the body such as DIM, I-3-C and sulphoraphane. Avoid exposure to exogenous and synthetic estrogens in soft plastic bottles, pesticides, birth control pills, and synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Elevated TSH can be lowered through reducing intake of raw cruciferous vegetables and increasing your intake of seaweeds. A thyroid supplement containing L-tyrosine, selenium, iodine, zinc, B vitamins and magnesium can improve thyroid function. Herbal medicines and glandulars are also available.
Cortisol levels can be decreased by getting more sleep, reducing stress levels and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. B Vitamins and herbal adaptogens such as licorice and ashwagandha can restore adrenal gland function.

Hormone levels may also require balancing through bioidentical hormone replacement. Bioidentical progesterone may be used to balance estrogen dominance, and bioidentical thyroid hormones can restore thyroid function and a healthy metabolic rate.

2. Yeast (Candida)
Candida albicans is a yeast that can colonize on our skin and mucous membranes. It often shows up in the mouth (thrush), the vagina (yeast infection), and the gastrointestinal tract. Presence of a small amount of Candida in the gastrointestinal tract is normal, but overgrowth is problematic.
Candida overgrowth, known as candidiasis, can cause symptoms of brain fog, bloating, abdominal pain, irregular digestion, fatigue, sensitivity to smells, sugar and alcohol cravings, weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
Solution: Candida can be tested for, or a diagnosis can be made based on symptoms. A typical Candida cleanse consists of an anti-yeast diet which excludes foods that promote yeast growth, a yeast killing supplement, and a probiotic supplement. The yeast killer clears yeast that have colonized in the digestive tract and the probiotic bacteria replace the normal intestinal flora. Water and a high fiber diet help remove the dead yeast from your system.
Getting rid of a Candida infection helps the body shed retained weight and reduces sugar cravings so you are less likely to reach for the simple carbohydrate snack.
3. Toxins

Toxins are ubiquitous in our environment and many are stored within our fat cells. Heavy metals, pesticides, plasticizers, solvents and synthetic hormones are just a few of the many sources of man-made chemicals that our bodies are susceptible to.

Chemicals, such as organochlorine (pesticide), have been shown to increase weight gain by disrupting the body’s own hormones that control body weight. These toxins, also known as “endocrine disruptors” can throw hormones out of balance, leading to a slower metabolism and ultimately weight gain.

It is a known fact that non-organic meat and dairy contain synthetic hormones that promote weight gain in humans and precocious puberty in children, but what else is in our food? Other chemicals found in livestock include drugs that inhibit the thyroid gland and slow down metabolism, corticosteroids and anabolic steroids, all which promote weight gain and abdominal obesity in humans.

Solution: Choose organic foods whenever possible and cut down your consumption of red meats and dairy as these foods have a higher fat content, which equals more calories and more exposure to fat-soluble toxins. Even with an organic diet, chemicals and toxins are everywhere in our environment, air, and drinking water. Because of our unique genetic polymorphisms, some of us are more susceptible to the effects of toxins than others. Detoxification of heavy metals and chemicals stored in our tissues is the best way to keep toxins from building up and resulting in persistent weight gain. Talk to your naturopathic doctor about the best detoxification program for you.

Dr. Ayla Wilson is the Naturopathic Doctor at the Bloom Family Wellness Centre and can be reached by phone at 604-988-1411 or by email at ayla@DrAylaWilson.com

The following article has been taken from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) website:

As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies.1-3 This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s back, legs, and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. And for those who already suffer from low-back pain, the problem can become even worse.

During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. Although a woman’s sacrum-or posterior section of the pelvis-has enough depth to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the stress on her joints. As the baby grows in size, the woman’s weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the spinal disks. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases, as well.

While these changes sound dramatic, pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones. But even these natural changes designed to accommodate the growing baby can result in postural imbalances, making pregnant women prone to having awkward trips and falls.

What Can You Do?
The ACA recommend the following tips for pregnant women:

Exercise

•Safe exercise during pregnancy can help strengthen your muscles and prevent discomfort. Try exercising at least three times a week, gently stretching before and after exercise. If you weren’t active before your pregnancy, check with your doctor before starting or continuing any exercise.
•Walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are relatively safe cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women because they do not require jerking or bouncing movements. Jogging can be safe for women who were avid runners before becoming pregnant-if done carefully and under a doctor’s supervision.
•Be sure to exercise in an area with secure footing to minimize the likelihood of falls. Your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats per minute during exercise. Strenuous activity should last no more than 15 minutes at a time.
•Stop your exercise routine immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased swelling, or heart palpitations.

Health and Safety
•Wear flat, sensible shoes. High or chunky heels can exacerbate postural imbalances and make you less steady on your feet, especially as your pregnancy progresses.
•When picking up children, bend from the knees, not the waist. And never turn your head when you lift. Avoid picking up heavy objects, if possible.
•Get plenty of rest. Pamper yourself and ask for help if you need it. Take a nap if you’re tired, or lie down and elevate your feet for a few moments when you need a break.

Pregnancy Ergonomics: Your Bed and Desk

•Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Full-length “body pillows” or “pregnancy wedges” may be helpful. Lying on your left side allows unobstructed blood flow and helps your kidneys flush waste from your body.
•If you have to sit at a computer for long hours, make your workstation ergonomically correct. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below your eye level, and place your feet on a small footrest to take pressure off your legs and feet. Take periodic breaks every 30 minutes with a quick walk around the office.

Nutrition
•Eat small meals or snacks every four to five hours-rather than the usual three large meals-to help keep nausea or extreme hunger at bay. Snack on crackers or yogurt-bland foods high in carbohydrates and protein. Keep saltines in your desk drawer or purse to help stave off waves of “morning sickness.”
•Supplementing with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day before and during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida. Check with your doctor before taking any vitamin or herbal supplement to make sure it’s safety for you and the baby.

How Can Your Doctor of Chiropractic Help?
Before you become pregnant, your doctor of chiropractic can detect any imbalances in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could contribute to pregnancy discomfort or possible neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth.

Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain. Doctors of chiropractic can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy.

Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state-to prevent muscle tension, headaches, rib discomfort, and shoulder problems.

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References

1.Östgaard HC, et al. Prevalence of Back Pain in Pregnancy. Spine 1991;16:549-52.
2.Berg G, et al. Low back pain during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1988;71:71-5.
3.Mantle MJ, et al. Backache in pregnancy. Rheumatology Rehabilitation 1977;16:95-101.