Acupuncture for Pelvic and Back Pain in Pregnancy

Posted by Christina Pistotnik

Even though I have not experienced the miracle of pregnancy, I can say that I am no stranger to pain. I know pain not only affects us physically, but that it takes its toll on us mentally as well! Having to constantly modify our duties and activities, it creeps into every aspect of our life.

Once my patients become pregnant, their bodies change to accommodate the life that is growing inside. Of course there are going to be associated aches and pains and pelvic pain is very common.

Fortunately, I have had much success treating pelvic pain in pregnancy with acupuncture. Here are a few snippets from a systematic review of three studies on the success of acupuncture treatment for the relief of pelvic pain in pregnancy (1):

In 2000, a study found that the acupuncture group had a baseline of 7.4/10 pain that decreased to 1.7/10 after 4 weeks of acupuncture. Whereas the control group’s pain only improved from a baseline of 6.6/10 to 4.5/10.

In a 2004 study, 60% of women in the acupuncture group reported less pain compared to 14% of the control group. 0% of the women in the acupuncture group required pharmaceutical intervention.

In 2005, a study compared 3 groups: an acupuncture group, a stabilizing exercises group and a control group. The baselines were 65, 60 and 63 respectively out of 100. The pain levels decreased to 35 in the acupuncture group, 50 in the stabilizing exercises group and 59 in the control group. Fewer women reported having pain when turning over in bed in the acupuncture group (66% vs 71% vs 88%.)

Acupuncture can successfully treat pregnancy related pelvic pain in less time, without the use of pain killers, and with less intervention than other treatment options!

If you need help with your pelvic or back pain, contact us for a free 15 minute Q & A or to book in with us today!

Reference:
1. Carolyn C. Ee, MBBS, BAppSci (Chinese Medicine/Human Biology); Eric Manheimer, MS; Marie V. Pirotta, MBBS, PhD; Adrian R. White, MA, MD, BM BCh, Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy: a systematic review , MARCH 2008 , American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology