Being a woman, you want to do whatever is best for your unborn child while considering pregnancy or knowing that you are pregnant. Preparing your bodies for pregnancy and ensuring that the delivery is as quick and painless as possible are top objectives. If there is anything that can be done to reduce the likelihood of complications or dangers during labor and delivery, a soon-to-be mother will do it. However, only a few women know what the ‘pelvic floor’ is? In this blog, we will explore more about the condition and find the role of chiropractors in treating it.
It is a set of muscles attaching to the pelvic bones and sacrum. They support the organs in the pelvis by acting as a sling or hammock. The pelvic floor is unique as it is the only horizontal load-bearing muscle group.
A pelvic floor exists in both males and women. The bladder, prostate, rectum, and seminal vesicles are all supported by the pelvic floor muscles, tissues, and nerves in men. The bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum are supported by the muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves that make up the pelvic floor in women.
The bladder and bowels are controlled by contracting or relaxing these muscles. Unfortunately, the pelvic floor does not always function well as it should. According to a National Institute of Health study, roughly 25% of all women suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor diseases impact approximately more than 50% of women over the age of 80, over 10% of women between the ages of 20 and 39, over 35% of women between the ages of 60 and 79, and over 25% of women between the ages of 40 and 59.
When the pelvic muscles become weakened or injured, dysfunction or disorders occur. Urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are the three main types of pelvic floor issues.
While many women will experience symptoms, the majority will choose not to seek help, tolerating their difficulties (sometimes for years) out of embarrassment or a complete lack of understanding that there is anything that can be done to treat these problems.
Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms generally include urinary problems such as a strong urge to urinate, painful urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder when urinating; constipation, straining, or pain during bowel movements; inexplicable pain in the rectum, lower back, genitals, or pelvis; pain or pressure in the vagina; a heavy feeling in the pelvis or a bulge in the vagina or rectum; painful intercourse for women.
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Childbirth is said to be the most common cause of pelvic floor weakness. Being overweight, undergoing pelvic surgery, or lifting heavy can negatively affect.
According to a recent study published in Women’s Health, pelvic floor dysfunction and problems are caused by more than just childbirth. That medical procedures or inaction may raise the risk of future complications.
Several studies show a clear connection between vaginal birth interventions and stress urinary incontinence and prolapse. Certain obstetrical exposures, such as forceps delivery or a longer second stage of labor and sphincter lacerations, have been proven to be more stressful to the pelvic floor in studies.
While some risk factors are unavoidable, such as the mother’s age or a baby who is head down but facing the wrong way, pelvic floor dysfunction can be avoided after pregnancy by preventing the use of forceps and reducing the duration spent in the second stage of labor.
Chiropractors at Realign Spine can help women improve the condition of their pelvic floor muscles using a variety of treatments. Chiropractors must first diagnose the disease before developing a treatment strategy to help women regain proper function. Adjustments, releases, muscular strengthening, and postural therapies are part of their treatment plans.
Hands-on adjustment is a common treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Chiropractors focus on the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joints rather than the spine. The chiropractor and the patient must perform a few complicated movements to adjust this area.
The pelvic adjustment chiropractor may use gravity traction blocks as part of their treatment. For this treatment, the patient lies prone (on their stomach) with the blocks under their body. The chiropractor then uses gravity rather than force to shift the sacroiliac joint.
We also use a quick-drop chiropractic table to make adjustments. The chiropractor positions the body so that gravity moves the sacroiliac joint and the public symphysis. This adjustment is aided by the quick drop from the table and the body’s weight.
Leg traction is another treatment used by chiropractors. The patient takes deep breaths while the pelvic chiropractor tugs on the injured leg during this adjustment form. The adjustment gets affected by the leg’s angle.
Due to the significance of the pelvic floor during pregnancy and delivery, it’s better to prepare for pregnancy. As with any muscle or group of muscles, stretching and exercises are considered beneficial.
All birthing professionals suggest Kegel exercises. To do Kegels, imagine that you’re trying to block the flow of pee while also preventing gas passage. It is done by contracting the pelvic floor muscles. Moreover, it is crucial not to move your leg, buttocks, or abdominal muscles while doing Kegels.
You should feel a slight tightness of the lower abdominal muscles but nothing above the belly button if you’re doing Kegels correctly. Hold for a slow count of five each time you contract the pelvic floor muscles, then relax for a slow count of five. Most doctors will tell you to do a set of ten of these exercises three times a day.
During pregnancy and delivery, the pelvic tilt, performed on all fours, strengthens abdominal muscles and relieves back pain. Keep your arms straight and, as you breathe in, tighten the abdominal muscles, tuck your buttocks under, and circle your back on your hands and knees with your arms shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. After that, breathe out and return to a neutral position.
Squatting may not look elegant but will strengthen your thighs and help open your pelvis in preparation for birth. Use a chair for support, and lower your tailbone toward the floor as you contract your abdominal muscles and lift your chest as if you were sitting in a chair. Make sure you’re standing with most of your weight on your heels to maintain a healthy balance.
Apart from treating pelvic floor dysfunction, chiropractic experts at Realign Spine treat a wide range of conditions, such as herniated disc, sciatica, slipped disc, text neck, flat feet, migraines, headaches, TMJ disorders, and many more. Contact us to get the most affordable and reliable chiropractic and spine-related services.
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