Hoboken Chiropractic and Wellness, Inc., 50 Harrison St. Suite 316, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 792-3544, www.hobokenchiro.com
Dr. Laura Brayton is the owner of Hoboken Chiropractic and Wellness; www.hobokenchiro.com. When referring individuals to the appropriate care providers, I am extremely careful. I am confident in Dr. Brayton's ability to provide the appropriate care to our growing community. Her specialty in maternal care has provided many women with relief from painful conditions, and given them a new confidence with their body.
I am proud to write Dr. Laura Brayton, is one of the health care providers presenting at Bella Bellies Prenatal and Postnatal Teacher Training. To sign-up go to: http://www.bellabellies.com/schedule
What are the spinal shifts during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the body secretes hormones which allow the pelvic basin to widen and open to facilitate the birth of baby. This shift in hormones increases hypermobility in the joints giving the vertebrae more opportunity to shift out of alignment. A majority of prenatal patients have a misalignment of the spinal joints, which is called subluxation, in the lower back and pelvis, however all joints in the body are susceptible. This misalignment in the joint can create "nerve interference" which will lead to muscular and neural pain (for example, sciatica). In addition, nerve interference will impact the function of the nervous system, like the communication of the brain with the rest of the body through the spinal cord and nerve roots.
How do we prevent a subluxation (refer to definition above)?
Core Strengthening- The more toned your abdominal muscles are, particularly your transverse abdominus, the more support your spine has. A strong core will contribute to overall better posture.
A healthy diet- Nutrient depletion at any stage in life makes a person more vulnerable to ailments. Try to choose a non-synthetic vitamin, meaning a vitamin from a whole food source, which will be better absorbed by the body. When the body is deprived of minerals and vitamins in diet than it will pull from ligaments, bones and muscle. For instance, there is a correlation (or relationship) between calcium deficiency and ligament laxity. Avoid processed foods as they tend to cause inflammation in the body.
Maintain appropriate water intake; a well hydrated body is key. Dr. Brayton recommends her patients take their body weight and divide by half. The result in pounds is the amount of ounces they should be drinking daily. So say Suzy weights 140 pounds. 140 divided by 2 equals 70, Suzy should be drinking 70 ounces of water a day for a healthy spine and joints. Displaced vertebrae (subluxation) can have a profound effect on organ function, joint stability and posture resulting in pain and discomfort. By working with a chiropractor whose is trained in prenatal and postnatal care, it allows a woman the opportunity to identify and to correct subluxations, thereby, reestablishing proper alignment. Gentle and proper restoration of spinal alignment will help to keep mom at her optimal level of performance.
How can Chiropractic care help with a delivery?
Chiropractic care has contributed to a shorter and less painful vaginal delivery. With chiropractic care, a woman's pelvis is adjusted so that the pelvic basin is at its widest point, making for a more open passage for baby. Also, proper spinal and pelvic alignment will allow for pelvic floor muscles to work at their optimal level to effectively push out the baby. Nerve interference will also result in gastrointestinal distress, overactive bladder and headaches among other disorders.
What postnatal concerns do you see with your patients?
After birth, the cervicothoracic junction (the area between your neck and upper back) tends to be stressed from breast-feeding, holding baby, and hauling baby gear. These activities (and lack of sleep) may tighten the neck muscles and pull spinal joints out of alignment which results in neck/shoulder discomfort and headaches. The wrists also get quite a work-out with a new baby and may start to develop carpal tunnel syndrome or tingling in the hands. The subluxations in the neck will make mom more prone to infection because the immune system is lowered when there is nerve interference and may also impact the lymphatic flow around the head and neck. Lastly, it is very important to have the newborn checked for spinal misalignments, also called subluxations, soon after birth due to improper in utero position as well as birth trauma (too much force used to pull baby out both through vaginal delivery and C-sections). This will strengthen the infant’s immune system, help with breast-feeding, improve digestion and sleep as well as help to prevent ear infection, colic, and reflux.
Laura T Brayton, DC
Hoboken Chiropractic + Wellness, Inc.
50 Harrison Street, Suite 316
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-792-3544
HobokenChiro.com
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