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Shortness of Breath in Pregnancy
There are several factors related to shortness of breath during pregnancy. Osteopathic treatment can help your body adjust to some of these changes, allowing an easier more efficient breath.
Shortness of Breath in Pregnancy
An estimated 60-70% of women experience shortness of breath during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester.
There are several factors related to shortness of breath during pregnancy. Osteopathic treatment can help your body adjust to some of these changes, allowing an easier more efficient breath.
Factors to consider:
Uterine distension
Changes in lung volume
Altered thoracic biomechanics
Elevation of the diaphragm
Increased progesterone
Uterine distension from a growing baby causes gradual changes in lung volume due to altered thoracic biomechanics and elevation of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of your lungs. It is the principle muscle of breathing and has attachments to the xiphoid process (the bottom of the sternum), the inner costal cartilages of ribs 6 to 10, the arcuate ligament and the lumbar spine. During pregnancy the diaphragm moves up approximately 4 cm from its normal position which leads to mild compression of the lungs. Hormonal changes can also contribute with an increase in progesterone, resulting in a deeper breath.
How can your osteopath help?
Osteopathic treatment may involve joint articulation of the thoracic spine and rib cage to release any restrictions. The diaphragm muscle can be released directly or indirectly to improve function. Osteopathy in the cranial field restores balance to the whole body including the sympathetic nervous system and nerve supply to the diaphragm.
What can you do?
Being mindful of your posture through pregnancy (avoid slouching)
Pillow props in bed or at rest
Diaphragmatic Breathing or (belly breathing)
Stress management including meditation/mindfulness practice
For example Insight Timer Meditation: Breathe to Relax during pregnancy, April Lovett
Listen to your body, don’t overexert yourself if you are feeling short of breath.
If you need more help with managing shortness of breath during pregnancy make an appointment with your osteopath
Read more about osteopathy and pregnancy
osteopaths near me
Dr. Michelle Sherriff consults at Portland Osteopathy and Wellness Group
127 Percy Street, Portland, Victoria
Neck Pain
Osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, increase joint mobility and restore balance to your cervical spine. We can also provide with a personalised exercise plan to manage your neck pain at home as well as provide postural advice including workstation setup.
Neck pain is a very common condition treated by osteopaths. The chance that you will have neck pain at some point in your lifetime is nearly 50%. Neck pain peaks in middle age and has a higher incidence in females than males. For most people, an acute episode of neck pain will resolve in approximately 6-8 weeks with conservative management. Chronic neck pain persists in 10-34% of people.
Symptoms include:
Pain aggravated by posture or neck position
Muscle tightness and spasm
Restricted movement
Headache
Altered sensation in your fingers or hands eg pins and needles
Your osteopath will take your medical history, examine your cervical spine and make a diagnosis and treatment plan to assist your recovery.
Causes of neck pain can include:
~ muscle strains
~ osteoarthritis
~ facet joint sprains
~ disc irritation
~ torticollis
~ whiplash
~ other diseases eg rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment
Osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, increase joint mobility and restore balance to your cervical spine. We can also provide with a personalised exercise plan to manage your neck pain at home as well as provide postural advice including workstation setup.
Tips for neck pain
osteopathic treatment
be aware of and improve your posture.
stay active with walking, movement and gentle exercise
neck exercises including stretches and strengthening
heat/ice therapy
take frequent breaks if you are travelling in a car or sitting at a computer for extended periods
adjust your workstation including your desk, chair and computer
sleep in a good position with a supportive contour pillow.
When to see your G.P.
Your osteopath is a primary care practitioner who can make a referral to your G.P. or for further investigations if indicated.
Contact your G.P. if your pain is severe, persists for several days without relief, spreads down your arms or legs or is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling.
References
