Case Sharing
34-year-old Miss Jin is seven months pregnant and has the habit of running on a treadmill every day, even being pregnant, she continues to exercise every day. However, after running the treadmill, she found low back pain and tightness of the legs. At first, she thought it was straining the muscles, but after a few days, the pain in the low back increased, the legs were tight and the feet were numb. However, because of pregnancy, she could not take analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs, nor undergo X-ray and MRI examinations. After the author’s examination, it was found that the patient’s lumbar and leg pain was caused by a herniated disc compressing the nerve. After receiving Cox® decompression manipulation, it was greatly improved. The author also recommends that Miss Jin stop running on the treadmill during pregnancy and switch to exercises like walking slowly.
Due to the influence of hormone secretion in the body during pregnancy, the ligaments and soft tissues become loose, and joints are more likely to sprain. And because the fetus makes the body lean forward, this forward-belly posture increases the curvature of the lumbar spine, resulting in increased pressure on the lumbar intervertebral disc. Pay attention to the posture of standing and walking, and try to keep your low back straight. An incorrect standing posture is to lean your belly forward; a correct standing posture is to have your back straight, your knees slightly bent, and your shoulders back and do not lean forward.
Do not exercise excessively during pregnancy
Exercise is indeed beneficial to pregnant women. It can not only control the weight during pregnancy, but also relieve the stress of the body and mind, but you must be careful not to exercise too much, which will make you self-defeating. Pregnant women are suitable for walking or doing some simple disc exercises. In addition, other aerobic exercises such as walking and swimming are ideal. But keep in mind that everyone’s physical condition is different, and no matter what exercise you do, you have to be aware the body condition. In fact, many pregnant women suffer from low back pain but are worried that receiving chiropractic may affect their fetus or their own safety. However, chiropractors can actually greatly reduce the lumbago of pregnant women through treatment, and the treatment method is very safe.
Three exercises to relieve pressure
1. Pelvic Muscle Movement
Pregnant women lie flat with their lower limbs bent, feet on the ground or on the bed, contract the lower back and buttocks and thigh muscles, push the legs, and exert pressure on the buttocks. This exercise can increase the strength of the lower back muscle
2. Pelvic Lifting Exercise
Tighten the buttocks muscles to raise the buttocks, stay for 5 seconds and relax, repeat 15 times which can strengthen the gluteal and lower back muscle.
3. Leg and Hip Exercise
Swing the legs outwards and inwards in slow motion, repeat 15 times. Swing the legs backward in slow motion repeatedly 15 times.