Chiropractic and headaches during pregnancy

My wife, Kate, recently reached the final trimester of our second pregnancy(I say very loosely, as I realize I am involved strictly in a supportive role.) With Kate’s first pregnancy there was very few if any symptoms, and the pregnancy was relatively stress free. This second pregnancy has been a bit of a different story, as the morning sickness was a bit more severe, and a recent battle with food poisoning has given her more stress on her body then she was expecting.

Chiropractic continues to be her main form of care, as well as visits to our midwife, but some are not as lucky. As Kate continues to recover from the food bourne illness I was reminded of some of the struggles many pregnant women have with headaches.

A recent case study from Dr. Joel Alcantara, D.C., reveals one success that many of us have seen in our chiropractic offices.

You may enjoy reading this Case Study, published recently by Joel Alcantara, D.C., the research director for the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association).

A 24 yr-old pregnant patient presented with chronic migraine headaches, which she had since age of 12. Previous care included osteopathy, physical therapy, medications and massage with unsuccessful outcome. Her medical care had consisted of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication with codeine, at the maximum amount permitted during a pregnancy (i.e., 1000mg per day) as well as caffeine intake through coffee to potentiate the medication. This resulted in only minor and temporary relief.

The intensity of her migraine headaches had significantly reduced following the first three visits. Her pain rating (on a 1-10 scale, with 1= no pain, and 10 being the worst pain) reduced from an 8-9/10 severity to a 2/10 severity. The frequency of her headaches reduced from once daily to once every 3 days. This resulted in self-withdrawal and decreased dependence on the pain medication.
Intractable migraine headaches during pregnancy under chiropractic care. Alcantara J

Courtesy of Chiro.org

Living with headaches is difficult enough, but suffering with headaches while is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.  Being a supporter of natural childbirth, and proponent of a drug free lifestyle, I would like to think that all health providers would want their patients to receive care keeps drugs out of the babies system, while helping the mother.

If medicine were to have a result similar to Dr. Alcantara’s it would be headline news, but the pessimist in me continues to be concerned about the influence and motives of pharmaceutical companies.(i.e. if it’s not expensive, and it’s not a drug, it can’t possibly be effective.)

A chiropractic adjustment has been a safe and effective answer for many, and if you, or someone you know could benefit from one, please mention this case study.