Post-Pregnancy Back Pain and Chiropractic: A Q&A with Dr. Alex Kocken, DC

Dr. Alex Kocken, DC, is a chiropractor at Kocken Chiropractic in De Pere, WI, specializing in family and prenatal care. He is trained in the Webster Technique for expectant mothers and has extensive experience helping patients with back pain and musculoskeletal issues (Kocken Chiropractic, LLC).

Q: Why am I still experiencing back pain after giving birth? What are the common causes of postpartum back pain?

A (Dr. Kocken): Postpartum back pain is incredibly common, and it’s usually a combination of factors related to the physical changes your body went through during and after pregnancy. It's not just "delivery recovery" but a whole-body readjustment.

The main causes we see in our practice include:

• Hormonal Effects: During pregnancy, your body produced the hormone relaxin, which loosened your ligaments and joints—especially in the pelvis—to prepare for birth. Even after delivery, these ligaments can remain loose for several months, making your joints less stable and prone to pain and misalignment (Result 1.1, 1.2, 1.4).

• Shifted Center of Gravity and Posture: The weight of your baby stretched and weakened your core and abdominal muscles. This causes a change in your posture and a shift in your center of gravity, which puts significant strain on your lower back (Result 1.4, 1.5).

• Pelvic Misalignment: The pelvis often remains in an expanded or misaligned state after childbirth, which is a key contributor to lower back and hip discomfort (Result 1.3, 4.2).

• New Mom Ergonomics (or lack thereof!): Repetitive motions like feeding/nursing, constantly lifting and carrying the baby, and leaning over a crib can lead to upper back, neck, and shoulder strain, which can then refer pain to your lower back (Result 1.3, 1.5).

• Sciatica: The pressure on the sciatic nerve that began during pregnancy can sometimes persist postpartum (Result 1.3, 3.4).

Q: How can chiropractic care help me recover from postpartum back and pelvic pain?

A (Dr. Kocken): Chiropractic care is a safe, drug-free, and non-invasive approach that focuses on restoring the structural and functional balance of your body post-delivery (Result 1.2, 4.1). Our goal is not just pain relief but a complete functional recovery.

We focus on three key areas:

1. Restoring Spinal and Pelvic Alignment: Gentle spinal adjustments and pelvic realignment are used to correct the misalignments that occurred during pregnancy and birth. Realigning the spine improves nerve function and helps the body's biomechanics return to their pre-pregnancy state, which is crucial for reducing pain (Result 1.2, 1.3, 4.2).

2. Addressing Muscle Imbalances: We often use soft tissue therapy to release tension in the tight muscles of the neck, back, and shoulders, which are overworked from carrying and nursing the baby. This helps promote healing and relaxation (Result 1.3, 4.2).

3. Stability and Prevention: A crucial part of your care is posture advice and personalized rehabilitation exercises aimed at strengthening your core and pelvic floor muscles. This improves long-term stability, reduces strain, and helps prevent the back pain from returning as you navigate your new life as a mom (Result 1.3, 1.4).

Q: How soon after delivery is it safe to see a chiropractor?

A (Dr. Kocken): This is a great question. While chiropractic care is very gentle and safe, most practitioners, and the general recommendation, suggest waiting about 4 to 6 weeks after delivery before starting care (Result 4.1, 4.3).

This window allows your body some initial time to heal, for acute postpartum soreness to subside, and for your hormones to begin leveling out. However, always consult with your OB-GYN or primary care physician before starting any new treatment. We are happy to work directly with your medical team to ensure your care plan is fully coordinated.

Q: I had a C-section. Can I still receive chiropractic care for my back pain?

A (Dr. Kocken): Yes, absolutely. Chiropractic care is generally safe and beneficial after a C-section (Result 1.4).

A C-section is major abdominal surgery, and while it changes how your body recovers, it doesn't eliminate the hormonal and postural changes that cause back pain. We use modified techniques and gentle adjustments that avoid putting pressure on your incision site. In fact, by restoring proper spinal and pelvic alignment, we can help reduce the strain placed on your body as you heal and compensate for the core weakness that can follow a C-section (Result 1.5).

Q: Are there any specific benefits of chiropractic for breastfeeding mothers?

A (Dr. Kocken): Yes, chiropractic care is particularly helpful for breastfeeding moms.

The constant positioning required for nursing often leads to strain in the neck, upper back, and shoulders (Result 1.3, 1.5). We find that when we adjust the upper spine and neck, it helps to:

• Relieve Tension Headaches and Neck Pain: This is a direct result of poor posture while feeding (Result 4.2).

• Improve Posture: We provide tips and exercises for proper nursing ergonomics to minimize the strain on your body.

• Support Nervous System Function: Proper alignment can promote optimal nervous system function, which some studies suggest may help with concerns like milk production and overall wellness during the challenging 'fourth trimester' (Result 1.3, 3.2).

Disclaimer: This Q&A provides general information about postpartum chiropractic care. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Sources:

1. Accident Care Chiropractic. (2022, November 23). Benefits of Chiropractic Care After Childbirth. Retrieved from https://accidentcarechiropractic.com/chiropractic-care-after-childbirth/ (Source 4.1)

2. Better Health Alaska. What's Causing Postpartum Back Pain and How to Get Rid of It - Advice from a Top Anchorage Chiropractor. Retrieved from https://betterhealthalaska.com/postpartum-back-pain-causes-treatment/ (Source 1.4)

3. BabyCenter. Postpartum back pain: Causes and tips for relief. Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/baby/postpartum-health/postpartum-back-pain-how-to-get-relief_1152191 (Source 1.5)

4. EPIC Life Chiropractic & Wellness. Postpartum Back Pain - Chiropractor in Florissant, MO. Retrieved from https://www.florissantchiro.com/postpartum-back-pain (Source 1.2)

5. Focus Chiropractic. Postpartum Chiropractic Care: Essential for New Mothers' Recovery and Wellness. Retrieved from https://www.focuschiropractic.net/blog/postpartum-chiropractic-care-recovery-and-wellness (Source 1.3)

6. NewEdge Family Chiropractic. Postpartum Chiropractic Care: Ultimate Guide for New Mothers. Retrieved from https://newedgefamilychiropractic.com/postpartum-chiropractic-care/ (Source 4.2)

7. Nova Chiro Wellness. (2020, March 18). Postpartum Chiropractic Treatment For Neck & Back Pain 

   Video

   . YouTube. (Source 1.1)

8. Sacramento Best Chiropractor. Prenatal Chiropractic and Postpartum Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.sacramentobestchiropractor.com/the-connection-between-prenatal-chiropractic-care-and-postpartum-recovery/ (Source 4.3)

9. Turning Point Chiropractic. Pregnancy Chiropractic Green Bay WI. Retrieved from https://www.turningpointgreenbay.com/pregnancy-chiropractic-care-green-bay/ (Source 3.2)

10. Wisconsin Family and Sports Chiropractic. Post Partum Rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://wifamilysportschiro.com/post-partum-rehabilitation (Source 3.4)