Sacroiliac Joint Pain During Pregnancy
Written by Sara Scrivano, L.Ac
Musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy is a very common presentation for a variety of different reasons. Not only is the body drastically changing over the course of 9 months in order to carry a child, but hormonal changes during this time actually affect the elasticity of the ligaments around the joints, increasing joint laxity. While these hormones play an important function for childbirth, they can lead to pain and joint dysfunction particularly in the pelvis. The sacroiliac joint, a joint connecting the hip and at the sacrum can often causes low back pain in pregnant women. In combination with exercise and stretching, acupuncture can be an effective remedy for this type of pain. Even though the mechanical stressors of pregnancy are going to be in place, acupuncture can help alleviate local inflammation as well as improve appropriate movement in these joints.
How Acupuncture Treats SI Joint Pain
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for SI joint pain in pregnancy. When treating a pregnant patient with SI joint pain, certain points help to release tense ligaments and muscle tissue that causes pain and restriction. A combination of local points as well as distal points can be used. We often lay patients on their sides or use a pregnancy massage pillow to lay them down. A certain number of treatments is given to effectively reduce and eliminate pain. We also give our patients stretching exercises to do at home to help them get pain free.
Schedule an Appointment
Get started on feeling better! Email us @sage-wellness to schedule an acupuncture appointment or call us at 917.763.8560!
