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Sciatica Relief in Pregnancy Through Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

3/2/2025

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Sciatica Relief in Pregnancy Through Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Pregnancy is a transformative and beautiful journey, but it often comes with its share of discomforts, including sciatica. Sciatica pain, which can radiate from the lower back through the hips and down the legs, is common among expectant mothers due to the physical changes their bodies undergo.

While traditional remedies for sciatica include stretches, physical therapy, and pain medications, many pregnant women seek safe and natural options for relief. Upper cervical chiropractic care, which focuses on aligning the upper spine, offers a holistic approach to alleviating sciatica during pregnancy.

Dr. Joey Miles at Healthy Living Spinal Care in Hickory, NC, explains how upper cervical chiropractic care can provide effective, drug-free relief for pregnant women suffering from sciatica.
​

Understanding Sciatica During Pregnancy


Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the body—is irritated or compressed. This nerve runs from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs, making it essential for movement and sensation in the lower body.

During pregnancy, several factors can contribute to sciatica, including:
​
  • Weight Gain and Postural Changes: As the baby grows, the added weight can shift the center of gravity, placing strain on the lower back and sciatic nerve.
  • Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, particularly relaxin, loosen the ligaments in preparation for childbirth. This loosening can destabilize the spine and pelvis, increasing the likelihood of nerve compression.
  • Pelvic Misalignment: Misalignments in the pelvis can cause imbalances in weight distribution, leading to additional pressure on the sciatic nerve.

​Sciatica pain can range from mild discomfort to sharp, shooting pain that interferes with daily activities. Addressing the root causes of sciatic nerve compression is key to finding lasting relief.
​

The Connection Between Upper Cervical Alignment and Sciatica Relief


​While sciatica is commonly associated with the lower back, the alignment of the upper cervical spine plays a foundational role in spinal health and nervous system function. The upper cervical spine, which includes the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, protects the brainstem and ensures proper communication between the brain and body.

When these vertebrae are misaligned, they can cause compensatory shifts in posture, increasing strain on the lower back and pelvis.


Here’s how upper cervical chiropractic care can support sciatica relief during pregnancy:

  • Improving Nervous System Function: Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can disrupt the nervous system, amplifying pain signals and affecting muscle function. By addressing these misalignments, chiropractic care restores proper communication between the brain and body, reducing pain perception.
  • Promoting Pelvic Alignment: Correcting upper cervical misalignments can help realign the pelvis and lower spine, relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and reducing discomfort.
  • Reducing Muscle Tension and Inflammation: Upper cervical adjustments can alleviate tension in the muscles supporting the spine, reducing inflammation and nerve irritation.
​

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Women with Sciatica

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Women with Sciatica
Pregnant women who receive upper cervical chiropractic care for sciatica often experience a range of benefits, including:

  • Drug-Free Pain Relief: Chiropractic care provides a natural and non-invasive option for managing sciatica pain, making it a safe choice for expectant mothers.
  • Improved Mobility and Comfort: By addressing the underlying causes of nerve compression, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain and improve mobility, allowing women to enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy.
  • ​Enhanced Pelvic Balance for Delivery: Proper pelvic alignment not only alleviates sciatica but also supports optimal fetal positioning, which can contribute to a smoother labor and delivery.
​

Scientific Support for Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy-Related Sciatica


Although more research is needed, studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that chiropractic care can significantly benefit pregnant women experiencing sciatica. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that pregnant women receiving chiropractic adjustments reported reduced back pain and improved quality of life.

Another study highlighted in the
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics demonstrated that chiropractic care is a safe and effective method for managing pregnancy-related discomforts, including sciatica.


These findings highlight the importance of addressing spinal alignment during pregnancy to support both maternal and fetal health.
​

Practical Tips for Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy


While upper cervical chiropractic care can provide significant relief, pregnant women can also incorporate the following practices to manage sciatica symptoms:

  1. Practice Prenatal Stretches: Gentle stretches, such as the cat-cow pose or pelvic tilts, can help relieve tension in the lower back and hips.
  2. Sleep on Your Side: Sleeping on the left side with a pregnancy pillow can reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and promote better spinal alignment.
  3. Use Heat Therapy: A warm compress applied to the lower back can help relax tight muscles and reduce inflammation.
  4. Maintain Good Posture: Be mindful of your posture while sitting or standing. Use a supportive chair and avoid crossing your legs to keep the pelvis balanced.
​

Community Impact


Healthy Living Spinal Care serves not only the residents of Hickory but also nearby communities such as Lenoir, Conover, Lincolnton, and Statesville. Dr. Joey Miles’s expertise in upper cervical chiropractic care makes him a trusted resource for pregnant women seeking safe and effective relief from sciatica and other pregnancy-related discomforts.
​

A Path Forward for a More Comfortable Pregnancy


​For expectant mothers struggling with sciatica, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a natural and effective way to find relief. By addressing misalignments in the upper spine, chiropractic adjustments can promote better nervous system function, reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, and improve overall comfort during pregnancy.

If you’re searching for a holistic approach to managing pregnancy-related sciatica, upper cervical chiropractic care may provide the support you need for a healthier and more enjoyable pregnancy journey.
​

Medical Disclaimer:


This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment or therapy, especially during pregnancy. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care or treatment for serious conditions.

​Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
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How To Manage A Pinched Nerve With A Chiropractor for Migraines In Hickory

Neck pain in Hickory, or soreness in other parts of your body, can come from a variety of different sources. These range from arthritis to tendonitis to torn cartilages in your joints. This also doesn’t include the variety of other conditions that have back pain in Hickory as a common symptom. One common such example is getting a pinched nerve in the upper part of the spine, also known as cervical radiculopathy. This generally occurs when bone spurs start to appear around the discs in the spine. When everything is working well, the discs should absorb the shocks between each individual vertebra. A bone spur is a small bit of bone that is formed as we age and discs get weaker. When things go properly, bone spurs support the vertebrae as they get weaker, However, in some cases, those spurs press on nerve roots, leading to other symptoms.
 
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
How do you tell that the soreness you are dealing with stems from a pinched nerve? No matter what area it’s in, you’re going to need to have an in-depth exam of the affected area to be absolutely certain. As an example, a pinched nerve is generally localized in one area. Another thing to note is that these are normally very sharp soreness. By comparison, if you simply overexerted a muscle, the sensation would likely be a duller strain. In some cases, a pinch may never have any other symptoms. Some people feel a sensation of pins and needles in a certain area. Others may feel numbness or weakness when trying to lift something.
 
Depending on where you feel your symptoms and the exact nature of them, your medical professional may be able to determine if it is a pinched nerve or not quite quickly. Generally, though, an exam will still be administered. These start by testing sensitivity, strength, and reflexes. You may be told to do different stretches and movements to determine what leads to symptoms and what relieves them. You’ll also likely need to provide details about your pain. For example, be sure to have a record of when the pain started, and any activities that you do that cause soreness to flare up. If it is soothed by certain activities, be sure to mention those as well. Your doctor might also ask if you have had other health changes or recently increased your physical activities. If the spinal nerves are impacted, they can manifest in surprising ways, like bladder and bowel issues.
 
Say that your standard exam isn’t enough to get to the root of these issues. Your doctor may instead decide to do imaging tests to figure out what’s causing the pinched nerve and where it is. This is mostly administered through X-rays or MRI scans. An X-ray can showcase details going on with your bones, but won’t show your discs and nerves. With this said, they can be useful for determining if you have narrow vertebrae or bone spurs. An MRI is able to do more, showing how healthy your nerves and discs are in detail. In some cases, an X-ray may be done to a certain area to check for bone injury. Lastly, if the issue is due to injured ligaments or tendons, an ultrasound may be needed.
 
Working With Your Fibromyalgia Chiropractor In Hickory
So, if you suspect that a pinched nerve is behind your soreness, or know it for a fact, what can you do? One asset that you have is doing a posture adjustment. To start, try and find a position that helps you feel comfortable with your soreness. After this, you can adapt your lifestyle and living spaces to help you stay in that posture as much as possible. For a lot of people, doing this in the workplace is a major source of problems. One way to get around this is by using a standing workplace. These help prevent pinched nerves, treat existing ones, and just lower overall soreness. You can either ask the HR department to modify your existing space or buy your own.
 
Another thing to note is that whenever you are dealing with a pinched nerve, you want to make sure that you are as rested as possible, along with lowering any activity that leads to soreness. Try and keep the cycle of rest going until your symptoms subside. After this, you can begin to start testing things together. For certain types of issues, like carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be able to use a splint to protect your wrist.
 
You have a lot of options that you can do at home to help lower soreness from pinched nerves. For example, a gentle stretch can help provide relief, but you don’t want to overextend yourself. Focus on smaller movements, and if you find yourself getting sore again, try and do something less intensive. Think about applying heat to your muscles in the affected area to help them loosen. Heat also supports healing by promoting blood flow. Generally, you want to apply it for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can also do ice instead if you prefer. Simply get some ice, wrap it in a washcloth, and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes as well.
 
If you want additional help, consider looking into NSAIDs. These can help quite a bit with mild soreness and can be brought over the counter. With that said, just make sure that you read and stick to the recommended dosage. These aren’t going to be able to provide total coverage as well. If you find that you’re dealing with consistent, extreme, or repeated soreness, reach out to a medical professional. On top of performing the exams before, they may be able to provide a prescription for more powerful medication. They may also recommend a specialist like a chiropractor in Hickory. This will help you get the treatment you need.

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