During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes. Not only do your abdomen and pelvis adapt, but your neck and shoulders also have to cope with different stresses. Many pregnant women notice that tension, stiffness, or pain in their neck and shoulders increases as the pregnancy progresses. Osteopathy can be of help here.
What causes neck and shoulder pain during pregnancy?
As your belly grows, your body’s center of gravity shifts forward. To maintain balance, the spine compensates: the lower back curves more, the chest tilts forward, and the neck has to “compensate,” so to speak, to keep the head upright. This change in posture puts extra strain on the neck and shoulder area.
The increase in the hormone relaxin also plays a role in this. This hormone causes ligaments and joints throughout the body to become more flexible in preparation for childbirth. While this is beneficial for the pelvis, the effect isn’t limited to that area: the joints in the spine and shoulder girdle also become looser, causing the surrounding muscles to work harder to provide stability. This can lead to fatigue and tension in the neck and shoulders.
An increase in breast size, changes in sleeping positions (such as being forced to sleep on one’s side), and general fatigue or stress also often contribute to these symptoms.
What symptoms can occur?
Neck and shoulder discomfort during pregnancy can manifest in various ways. Examples include a stiff or painful neck when turning the head, a pressing pain between the shoulder blades, or a feeling of fatigue and heaviness in the shoulders at the end of the day. For some women, the symptoms radiate down the arm, resulting in a tingling or numb sensation in the hand or fingers. Headaches caused by neck tension are also common. These symptoms can vary in severity and often worsen as the pregnancy progresses.
How can an osteopath help with neck and shoulder pain during pregnancy?
An osteopath doesn’t just look at the area where you’re experiencing pain, but examines the body as a whole. During the first appointment, the osteopath will assess your symptoms and the progress of your pregnancy. This is followed by a physical examination of the mobility of the spine, the chest, and the shoulder girdle. For neck and shoulder complaints during pregnancy, therefore, the osteopath examines not only the neck itself but also the mobility of the chest, the diaphragm, and the upper back. It is precisely in these areas that the underlying tension often originates, which then manifests in the neck and shoulders.
Using gentle mobilization techniques, the osteopath can improve the range of motion of these structures. This reduces strain on the neck and shoulder muscles, which can lead to a reduction or elimination of symptoms. The techniques used are gentle and safe, even during pregnancy.
On average, just a few treatments are enough to notice relief. As with other pregnancy-related symptoms, the sooner you make an appointment, the sooner the symptoms can be addressed before they worsen.
What can you do on your own?
In addition to treatment from an osteopath, you can also help reduce your symptoms on your own. Make sure to maintain good posture while sitting, for example by using a cushion to support your lower back. Alternate long periods of sitting or standing with regular movement. A well-fitting, supportive maternity bra can also reduce the strain on your shoulders. Stretching exercises for the neck and shoulders, performed in consultation with your midwife or osteopath, can also provide relief.
When should you see an osteopath?
In general, you can see an osteopath throughout your entire pregnancy, even if you have only mild symptoms. So there’s no reason to wait until the pain becomes severe. In fact, early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening as the pregnancy progresses and the physical strain increases.
Are you experiencing neck and shoulder pain during pregnancy? Feel free to contact us to discuss your options, or schedule an appointment right away using the online calendar.
