Many women with scoliosis worry about pregnancy, wondering if their spine will cope with the physical demands of carrying and delivering a baby. The reassuring news is that, for most, scoliosis does not prevent a healthy pregnancy or normal childbirth.
Scoliosis, even when moderate or severe, does not usually affect fertility. Women with curves experience similar conception rates to those without scoliosis. Pregnancy itself is usually well tolerated, although existing back pain may increase temporarily as the body changes.
For most women with fully grown spines, there is no strong evidence that pregnancy causes significant, permanent curve progression. Some may experience short-term posture changes and discomfort, but long-term structural worsening is uncommon.
Changes in weight, centre of gravity, and hormones can affect spinal comfort. Dorsi Spinal Institute supports pregnant patients with:
Some women with scoliosis or spinal fusion worry about whether epidurals or spinal blocks are possible. In many cases, they are still feasible, though they may be technically more challenging. Dorsi provides detailed spinal summaries and graphics for obstetric anaesthetists when needed, helping them plan safely.
Most women with scoliosis deliver vaginally. Caesarean sections are reserved for standard obstetric reasons rather than scoliosis alone. Our role is to work with your maternity team to ensure your curve and any previous spinal surgery are fully considered.
After birth, new mothers with scoliosis benefit from:
If you have scoliosis and are pregnant or planning a family, Dorsi Spinal Institute can coordinate your spine care with your midwife, GP, and obstetric team, giving you peace of mind at every stage.
Related reading: see our posts on adult scoliosis, bone health, and scoliosis in adults and how to stay ahead.
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Pregnancy and headaches
It is not uncommon for the pregnant woman to suffer from headaches or migraines. Studies show that around 40% and 50% of pregnant women suffer from headaches and migraines respectively. Unfortunately, research also show that postpartum these headaches can continue. The most common headaches during pregnancy are tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, cluster headaches and migraines. Luckily, chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat headaches and migraines. Evidence proves that chiropractic care can help decrease the intensity and frequency of headaches.
The presentation or symptoms of the headache depend on the type of headache that you have. Tension headaches often present as a band, affecting both sides of the head. Cervicogenic headaches relate to the neck, but present with symptoms on one side in the head and face. Cluster headaches tend to affect an eye and one side of the head, while migraines are associated with nausea, and light with one sided throbbing.
Regardless of the type of headache, a common factor is that headaches typically are associated with neck or shoulder tenderness or pain and stress. Chiropractic care is a proven, all-natural treatment for the neck, shoulder and stress; therefore, helping alleviate headaches at its very core.
Chiropractors are trained professionals proficient in treating the neck and shoulder via manual adjustments, soft tissue work, physiotherapy, stretches and exercises. Chiropractors also help improve the ever-changing posture of the pregnant and postpartum women, which has lasting effects in keeping neck, shoulder pain and headaches at bay since posture is directly affected by ones neck and shoulders. Amazingly, most individuals with headaches often comment that receiving chiropractic treatment acts as a light switch: once treatment is received, the headache switches off.
Stress is a common factor in all headaches including migraines. Pregnancy is a stressful and taxing time both chemically, emotionally and physically. It is no wonder that many headaches and migraines increase with each trimester. Chiropractic treatment is a direct answer to reducing stress and thereby reducing headaches and migraines. With each chiropractic treatment comes a release of seratonin or “happy chemicals”. There simply is no place for stress cells to exist in such a space. Chiropractic treatment also aids in promoting the parasympathetic nervous system of the body over the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system restores and keeps the body in a calm and relaxed state. Thus, combating both tension in the head and shoulder muscles while reducing chemical stress throughout the body.
Chiropractic care is a fundamental necessity for combating headaches especially in the pregnant woman. Your Dorsi Spinal Institute Chiropractor will be able discuss your headache and migraine concerns along with providing other lifestyle recommendations to keep your stress levels down. Types of exercise, foods and supplements, as well as how to improve sleep conditions during this time can be addressed.
Pregnancy and headaches
