Heartburn During Pregnancy

One of the most common and irritating symptoms during pregnancy is heartburn. This uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest and into the throat can happen any time of the day, however is most common at night when laying down to go to sleep. Heartburn may be caused by pregnancy hormones (progesterone and relaxin) that cause relaxation of soft tissue in the body, including the lower esophageal sphincter which connects the stomach to the esophagus. If the sphincter is more relaxed, this allows stomach acid to travel into the esophagus causing irritation. These hormones also slow down the production of stomach acid which is needed for proper digestion of food and may lead to heartburn. 

Another common reason for heartburn during pregnancy is due to the stomach and diaphragm being shifted up to make room for growing baby. As baby takes up more room in the abdomen, there is less room for the stomach, making it easier for food and acid to travel into and irritate the esophagus. Heartburn is usually the worst during the end of the 2nd trimester/beginning of the 3rd. It typically improves later in the 3rd trimester as baby moves down preparing for birth.

The good news is there several safe, natural ways to help alleviate and may even prevent heartburn during pregnancy:

1.      Get adjusted! Adjustments and manual therapy may help relax the diaphragm and shift the esophageal valve into a more functional position. Also, chiropractic adjustments may help improve function of the parasympathetic nervous system which controls relaxation and digestion. Your chiropractor can also review things you can do at home to help relieve heartburn symptoms.

2.      Change positions: Avoid reclining or laying down immediately after eating. When you do lay down, use pillows to prop your head above your chest and lay on an incline

3.      Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Try drinking small amounts consistently, focusing on more fluids during the first half of the day (drinking too much close to bedtime can lead to more night wakings…and we know these happen enough already!). Also, avoid drinking a lot during meals to prevent dilution of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. 

4.      Drink lemon or apple cider vinegar water to support proper digestion and proper stomach acid levels. Try adding 1-2 tablespoons to a glass of water and drink before or in between meals. This helps increase the acid needed in your stomach to break down food and aids in digestion.

5.      Take probiotics and digestive enzymes to aid digestion. Consult your doctor to identify which ones are best for you and your digestive needs.

6.      Stretch! Practicing diaphragmatic breathing and yoga along with prenatal stretches can help decrease tension around the chest and abdomen. Getting good movement in this area can help take stress and tension away from the diaphragm and stomach, allowing better function and positioning.

Remember: before starting any new routines or supplements, consult your healthcare provider.

You do not have to suffer from prenatal heartburn! Hopefully, these suggestions will provide you with some relief. If you are suffering from heartburn, we may be able to help! Call us to schedule your appointment.

In health,

Dr. Abbey

(216) 952-3830

http://clechiropractic.com

The Emotional and Physical Stress During Pregnancy

April is the month that has been recognized as Stress Awareness Month since 1992. But for the past two years, it seems to be particularly more important to address stress in our lives. For the past two years we have been dealing with tremendous life changes as the world changed as we knew it. It feels good to have a little bit of sense of normalcy back! Today I want to take the time to address how stress can be life changing, especially when it comes to being pregnant or having a baby during a pandemic. 

Stress During Pregnancy

Feeling stressed during your prenatal period can be really common. A lot of changes in your body and your environment are happening. Causes of stress can vary from person to person, but there can be some common causes of stress during pregnancy. A few causes could be: 

• Dealing with physical discomfort such as morning sickness, problem sleeping, tiredness, constipation, body aches and pains.

• Hormones are changing! 

• If it is your first pregnancy, you can stress about what to expect during labor and delivery, and also how to take care of your little one. 

• Did I already say your hormones are changing? 

• Stress at work. 

• And maybe just simply because this is something new for you and new things can be stressful! 

Ways to Help with Stress During Pregnancy

Being stressed is a common reaction of your body to environmental changes. Reaction can be physical, emotional or both! To lead a healthy and low stress lifestyle, it is very important to encourage healthy habits that can improve your well-being. Let’s be honest, we can’t avoid stress but we can try to minimize the stressors that surround us!  

Here is a list of new things you could try during your pregnancy to minimize stress. At the same time, you are able to prepare your body and mind for birth. 

A few things to try could be: 

• There are treatments that can help with your physical discomforts such as prenatal massages, chiropractic care, physical therapy and acupuncture. Know that you have options!

• Join classes where you can connect with other birthing people such as prenatal yoga classes or meditation. It can always help to share your experiences with people that are dealing with the same thing. 

• Take childbirth education classes to learn what to expect during birth. Invite your partner or family member to the classes so you can have that support system at home!

• If the weather permits, go for walks, enjoy the outside. Studies have shown that being active and exercising reduces stress levels and helps regulate hormones such as insulin, cortisol and thyroid hormones. 

People that surround you may help you to release some of the stress as well. Know that it is okay to talk about what is stressing you! Ask providers about resources in the community that may be helpful. Don’t be afraid to accept help when people offer. It takes a village and our village is here for you! 

Do not hesitate to reach out! We are here to help you!

With love, 

Dr. Shirley

Webster Technique | Cleveland Prenatal Chiropractor

We are constantly asked about the Webster Technique! All three of our chiropractors are certified in this technique through the ICPA. Check out Dr. Abbey’s video to learn more about it!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Schedule your appointment now.

Mentioned in the video:

ICPA

Benefits of Prenatal Massage During Each Trimester

You may know about the many benefits of regular therapeutic massage, how it can help ease pain, relieve tension in the body, and bring the body to a state of deep relaxation— along with many other benefits! Prenatal massage offers that and a lot more, because there is another person involved— the baby!  When massage is given, the birthing person receives the benefits that are then passed on to the baby. Not only do you receive the wonderful benefits of prenatal massage, but babies in utero receive amazing benefits as well!

Check out the benefits you both receive during each trimester. 

1st Trimester Benefits: 

⭐️Reduce anxiety + stress

-A new pregnancy can cause many emotions to come up, nurturing touch from prenatal massage eases stress allowing you to have a mental break.

⭐️Balance hormones & mood

-Fluctuating hormones can cause nausea, headaches and an imbalance in your mood. Prenatal massage helps the hormones get back into alignment. 

2nd Trimester Benefits:

⭐️Relax muscles

-Neck, shoulder, and back muscles can get very tight during pregnancy. Prenatal massage can help loosen those muscles, while simultaneously reducing muscle soreness and tension.

⭐️Fluid regulation

-Towards the end of pregnancy the hands, legs, and feet can become swollen. Prenatal massage can help reduce swelling, improving lymph circulation.

3rd Trimester Benefits:

⭐️Minimize nerve pain

-A growing belly can cause lots of compression on the nerves throughout the body. Prenatal massage can help to relax muscles surrounding the nerve and relieve compression, aiding in pain relief naturally. 

⭐️Improve circulation

-During pregnancy some birthing individuals may reduce their activity level, causing poor blood circulation. Prenatal massage helps distribute nutrients and oxygen throughout your body, benefiting both baby and birthing person. 

Bonus Benefits: 

⭐️Encourage relaxation and renewal

⭐️Connection to baby

⭐️Create length & space in birthing body 

Regular prenatal massages can help your body adapt to the changes that are occurring so that you are as comfortable as possible.

Isis Shabazz, LMT

Isis available for prenatal massage and general massage appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other Saturday. Schedule your massage online!

Top 5 Pregnancy Myths Busted

#1. C- section is EASIER than Vaginal Birth: There is often a misconception that because your birth was surgical that it was easier- especially if you scheduled your C-Section. Surgical birth has become very safe and common, so many people assume that the recovery is easy, However, Caesarean birth is still major abdominal surgery and will generally have a longer recovery time. If you experience a C-section, remember to be gentle with yourself and give yourself plenty of time to rest and recover. Not only are you healing from the demands of pregnancy but you are now healing from major surgery as well

#2 C -sections will prevent urinary incontinence: While the statistics show that there is a greater incidence of stress urinary incontinence associated with vaginal birth than with a planned C-section, women who undergo a planned C-section can still experience urinary incontinence. According to a recent study published in the May 2021 issue of the medical Journal Medicine, more than mode of delivery was associated with risk of Stress Urinary Incontinence. For first time mothers, pre-pregnancy BMI, Diabetes, Abortion, Newborn Weight, Use of Epidural Anesthesia and Duration of Second Stage of Labor all were significant factors in development of Stress Urinary Incontinence. An honest conversation with your healthcare provider will allow you to make the best decision for your birth.

Reference:

Gao J, Liu X, Zuo Y, Li X. Risk factors of postpartum stress urinary incontinence in primiparas: What should we care. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(20):e25796. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000025796

#3 Sex will hurt the first time after birth- While this can be the experience of some women, it is definitely not the norm. Just as before baby, intimacy is more than just intercourse and your biggest organ of intimacy is your brain. Communicate any fears to your partner and make sure that you take physical intimacy slowly. Give yourself enough time to heal and find new ways to be physically intimate along the way. Massages, warm baths, have a good laugh and/or an enjoyable dinner, plenty of time to relax can help. Remember that each woman heals differently after birth and give yourself plenty of time to work your way into a physical relationship. If the above suggestions are not working or you feel something is really off, this would be a great time to schedule an evaluation with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy.

#4 Labor has to be a painful and awful experience- Watch any shows on television and you will see birth as a painful and tortuous experience. Unfortunately, we are not shown how many labors are a lot of work but can be peaceful and rewarding. There are many childbirth preparations classes available that show that by physically and mentally preparing for a birth, you can have a wonderful experience. Chrissy’s personal favorite resource is Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin because more than half the book is dedicated to affirming and uplifting birth stories that help combat the negative images of birth that we are surrounded with by society.

#5. Just because your Healthcare Provider clears you for activity at your 6 week check up does not mean everything has to be back to “normal”- Post-partum recovery takes much longer than 6 weeks! Your body is amazing when it grows (and delivers) a human, Post-Partum recovery can take up to a year especially if you are breast feeding. It is never too late to help with post-partum issues. As a physical Therapist, I have helped women more than 10+ years post-partum deal with issues that happened

during or after their pregnancy. If you are struggling with back pain, incontinence, pelvic pain or heaviness, difficulty getting back into an exercise routine or difficulty exercising, schedule an appointment to see Chrissy, our Pelvic Health PT, to help you speed up your healing process

Chrissy Frey, Pelvic Health PT

Tips for Better Sleep During Pregnancy

Pregnant and exhausted? You’re not alone! A woman’s body goes through many changes and adjustments during pregnancy, and growing a human requires a lot of energy.  Many adjustments and changes happen during pregnancy: from changes in diet and physical activity to modifications of daily habits and routines, including sleep positions which can become issues as baby grows. Hormone shifts change body functions including digestion, bladder function, and even how the brain processes. These can all cause issues with restful sleep by affecting the ability to fall or stay asleep. A good night’s rest is not only important for mom, but also for her growing baby.  So, what can be done to help get better sleep? Here are a few tips and suggestions that may help you get more restful sleep during pregnancy:

1.     Get comfortable

Using pillows to support your body while sleeping during pregnancy is definitely recommended! Especially as baby grows and mom’s belly gets bigger, pillows and other cushioning can be very helpful to get comfortable and feel supported during sleep. Try using a pregnancy pillow or body pillow to support under your baby bump, between your knees and even to hug to take pressure off your shoulders and upper back. You can even use a pillow or rolled-up blanket in the small of your back to relieve pressure. If you are experiencing pain in your hips or low back, laying on a foam mattress pad or other cushioning may help take pressure off these joints. Also, make sure your neck is properly supported as well; avoid using pillows that are too flat or too fluffy which may affect normal alignment when you are sleeping. Sleeping on your side is recommended. Most doctors recommend women to sleep on their left side to help with support circulation and organs.

2. Practice Healthy Sleep Habits/Routines

Sleep experts recommend keeping electronics out of the bedroom and avoid using screens before bed. If you must have your phone or smart device in your room, keep it at least three feet from you. Turning off your home’s Wi-Fi at night and/or putting your phone on airplane mode can help decrease EMF waves which can interrupt normal brainwaves and sleep cycles. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day to help maintain a healthy, balanced circadian rhythm. Keep your room at a comfortable temperature (not too hot or cold) and use curtains or blinds/shades to keep light out while sleeping, especially if you need to sleep during light hours.

3. Monitor What You Eat and Drink

Some foods such as high acidic or spicy foods may cause heartburn or indigestion, especially during pregnancy. Foods that cause constipation can make it difficult to sleep as well. Some people note that certain foods cause them to have unusual dreams which may disrupt sleep. If you know that certain foods affect your sleep, try eating them earlier in the day. Eating smaller meals spread throughout the day may help with digestion and make it easier to sleep. While it is essential to stay hydrated, try to drink more during the day and not close to bedtime. This can help decrease the number of times you need to wake up to use the bathroom at night. Pregnant women should eliminate caffeine while pregnant; if you are consuming any caffeine, avoid drinking it before bedtime.

5. Take Care of Your Muscles.

It is common for women to experience leg cramps or restless legs during pregnancy, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Increased need for minerals along with changes in blood flow or circulation can result in muscles not getting essential nutrients. Before bed, try stretching to improve circulation and decrease tension. Eating foods rich in calcium (such as green leafy vegetables, seeds, and beans/legumes) and magnesium (such as nuts, dark chocolate (try a healthy option like Hu brand), and potatoes or sweet potatoes. Magnesium lotions may support muscle function and relax tension. Mineral supplementation may be beneficial as well; consult your doctor for specific recommendations.

6. Relax Your Mind

If you can’t sleep within 30 minutes, get up and do a non-stimulating activity like reading. If you exercise and have a difficult time falling asleep, you may find that changing the time and type of movement you do close to bedtime helps. Some find that doing slower, more relaxing exercises such as yoga closer to going to sleep helps relax their body and mind. If you do more active exercise, doing your fitness before dinner or a few hours before you go to bed may allow your body more time to relax and prepare for sleep. To calm the mind and relax the body, try incorporating calming practices into your schedule, like yoga, journaling, meditation/prayer, and breathing exercises.

Follow these tips to help get a better night’s sleep for you and your baby. Our doctors and staff are here to support you during your motherhood journey. If you are having issues with sleep during pregnancy, schedule an appointment to ease stress and tension in your body and learn how you can improve your sleep and get better rest.

Back and Sciatic Pain During Pregnancy

During the second and third trimester of pregnancy, your body will go through so many changes. The body’s gravity starts shifting and your posture starts to change, adding more pressure to the joints  and the soft tissue of surrounding areas. These changes can cause joint restriction and muscle/ligament instability in your spine, pelvis, sacrum and hips.  

Common symptoms you might experience during this transition are: 

• muscle tightness 

• soreness

• joint stiffness

• pubic bone pain

• numbness/pins & needles

• sacroiliac joint pain

• most commonly, lower back pain and/or sciatica.

It is very common to experience some of these symptoms throughout pregnancy, even during the first trimester. However, it is not something you have to work through and deal with until you give birth. You have options! 

How can chiropractic care help to decrease pain, discomfort, and improve functional stability during pregnancy?

Chiropractic adjustments are designed to restore normal joint mobility, improve stability and reduce joint restrictions. The presence of joint restrictions, muscle and ligament instability around the lower back, pelvis and hips, can make it difficult for mom to move around. It also can affect baby's ability to move into optimal position during delivery. 

Chiropractors at our office utilize the Webster Technique to establish mother's pelvic balance and alignment during pregnancy.  With a balanced pelvis and spine:

• Spine and pelvic mobility is restored, decreasing pain and discomfort during pregnancy. 

• Baby has more room to move around the womb. Also improves the chance of the baby moving into the correct position before labor, facilitating the delivery. 

• Optimal baby positioning at the time of birth can result in an easier and safer delivery for both the mother and child.

Exercises for Back Pain and Sciatica During Pregnancy

Here are a few positions and exercises recommended for core strengthening and muscle/ligament stability: 

• Pigeon Pose

• Lunges (Progress to lizard)

• Kneeling squats (Beginners)

• Tabletop (Core exercise)

• Cat/Cow

• Hip Thrust

• Straddle stretch

You can also make modifications during your night time. Sleep with a pregnancy pillow, when turning in bed from side to side keep your legs together and get up from your side (no crunches) when getting up from bed. 

These exercises and stretches are beginner friendly. But always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine. We can help to create a unique routine addressing your goals and needs!

We can help you. Call us today! 
In health,

Dr. Shirley

drdelgado@clechiropractic.com

(216)952-3830

Prenatal Period- Body Changes, Healthcare and Exercises

During the second and third trimester of pregnancy, your body will go through so many changes. The body’s gravity starts shifting and your posture starts to change, adding more pressure to the joints  and the soft tissue of surrounding areas. These, and the hormonal changes you are going through as well, can increase the chances of joint restriction and muscle/ligament instability in your spine, pelvis, sacrum and hips.  

Common symptoms you might experience during this transition are (but not limited to): 

• muscle tightness 

• soreness

• joint stiffness

• pubic bone pain

• numbness/pins & needles

• most commonly, lower back pain and/or sciatica.

Another common lower back symptom can be caused by irritation to the sacroiliac joint. 

There is weight gain and fluid retention during pregnancy, which can cause aggravation to the joints in your back and pelvis. Sciatica pain can be caused by either the piriformis muscle tightness putting pressure on the sciatic nerve or the growing uterus adding direct pressure to the sciatica nerve at the L4-L5 level. 

It is very common to experience some of these symptoms throughout pregnancy, even during the first trimester. However, it is not something you have to work through and deal with until you give birth. You have options! 

HEALTHCARE

Treatments such as chiropractic adjustment, massage, acupuncture and pelvic floor PT can help you to get back to your pain free self. 

For example, chiropractic adjustments are designed to restore normal joint mobility, improve stability and reduce joint restrictions. The presence of joint restrictions, muscle and ligament instability around the lower back, pelvis and hips, can make it difficult for mom to move around. It also can affect baby's ability to move into optimal position during delivery. 

Chiropractors at our office utilize the Webster Technique to establish mother's pelvic balance and alignment during pregnancy.  With a balanced pelvis and spine, spine and pelvic mobility is restored, decreasing pain and discomfort during pregnancy.  This can help the baby to have more room to move around the womb improving the chances of the baby moving into the correct position before labor, facilitating the delivery. 

EXERCISES

During your body transition through pregnancy, it can create instability in certain areas which can be the root of your pain. Our goal is to prepare and strengthen your body for the development of your little one and delivery. 

Here are a few positions and exercises recommended for core strengthening and muscle/ligament stability. (These exercises and stretches are beginner friendly): 

• Pigeon Pose

• Lunges (Progress to lizard)

• Kneeling squats (Beginners)

• Tabletop (Core exercise)

• Cat/Cow

• Hip Thrust

• Straddle stretch

You can also make modifications during your night time. Sleep with a pregnancy pillow, when turning in bed from side to side keep your legs together and get up from your side (no crunches) when getting up from bed. 

If  you are pregnant or trying to conceive, working with a chiropractor from day one can dramatically improve your body function, giving you and your child the best opportunity for better health. We can help you. Call us today! 

In health,

Dr. Shirley

(216)952-3830

5 Reasons to See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of many changes and transitions. While baby is growing, mother’s body is changing and adapting to support the needs of her little one. These new demands, though normal and natural, can cause undesirable symptoms including aches and pains, headaches, nausea and heartburn, fatigue, skin issues, swelling, difficulty with movement, sleep issues, etc. Some of these symptoms may not be completely avoidable, however, natural, conservative care including chiropractic, acupuncture, nutritional support, and manual therapy or exercises may help reduce and relieve them. So, how can chiropractic be beneficial during pregnancy?

1. Ease pregnancy symptoms:

Chiropractic may help ease pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, heartburn, headaches, swelling in feet and hands, and general discomfort. Through chiropractic adjustments and manual therapy, optimal nerve flow and reduced tension in the body help ensure optimal brain-body communication. If there are restrictions of joints of the spine or soft tissue tension, nerve flow/communication can be interrupted, resulting in dysfunction and unwanted symptoms. Chiropractic care checks for these restrictions and helps

2. Natural Relief from Lower Back Pain:

Data shows that more than 50% of women will experience pregnancy-related low back pain. As the baby grows, the mother’s abdomen grows as well and her center of gravity shifts. Her spinal curves also modify to adapt to growing baby. These changes may put more pressure on joints of the spine, especially the low back and pelvis which can cause pain. Chiropractic care (along with other therapies we offer) may help reduce pain by improving joint mobility and function, reducing stress on the joints, improving spine and pelvic alignment, and decreasing soft tissue tension.

3. Optimal Fetal Position:

The position of the pelvis and sacrum play an important role in how baby is most comfortably positioned in the womb. Chiropractic care assesses mother’s alignment and pelvic positioning, helping to ensure optimal function of the pelvis. This allows baby to have optimal room in-utero, making it easier for baby to move and get into a head down position for birth. Often, babies are in the breech position due to uterine or pelvic/sacral constraints which limit their movement or make it uncomfortable for baby. Proper positioning of the baby may help lower the risk of back labor and/or the need for an unnecessary cesarean. Our doctors are certified in the Webster Technique which is a specific chiropractic sacral/pelvic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/sacroiliac joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated which benefits both mother and baby.

4. Easier Labor and Birth:

Chiropractic adjustments may help shorten labor and make the birth process easier. If the mother’s spine and hips are able to move optimally and are in proper alignment, and the nerve communication to the muscles of the pelvic floor and uterus is uninterrupted. This may help labor and birth to progress more easily and with less complications. Many moms who utilize chiropractic during pregnancy report shorter labor and less intense labor symptoms. For moms who want a natural, drug-free birth, chiropractic care can help them achieve that goal.

5. Support Overall Health and Immune Function:

The immune system is intricately connected to the nervous system. Proper function of the nervous system is vital for optimal function of the immune system. During pregnancy, a woman’s body is under more stresses and changes, which puts more demand on the immune system. Chiropractors help patients, especially pregnant women, stay healthy and function their best during pregnancy through recommendations for proper nutrition, supplementation, and healthy lifestyle changes, in addition to caring for mom’s neuromusculoskeletal system. All these healthy lifestyle choices can all have a positive impact on mom and baby’s health.

Choosing chiropractic care as part of your prenatal care is a safe and effective option to manage pregnancy symptoms, promote overall health, and function your best while pregnant. Regardless of how far along you are in your pregnancy or what your birth plans/goals may be, chiropractic can help you feel and function your best. Our doctors can share natural and holistic options to help and support you during your pregnancy, playing an important role in your team of prenatal health care providers.

In Health,

Dr. Abbey

Laugh without Leaking

Having a great time with friends laughing about the latest crazy adventures of motherhood? Have you ever laughed so hard that you “peed your pants’? While that is a common expression and experience for many women, it is not “normal.” Many women think that just because they have been pregnant or that they are getting older that urinary incontinence is a normal fact of life that they just have to live with. After all, it happens to everyone, right?

Urinary Incontinence (which is the leaking of urine that you cannot control) is not a normal part of aging or a normal lasting side effect of pregnancy or childbirth. Two of the most common types of urinary incontinence include Stress Urinary Incontinence and Urge Urinary Incontinence. Stress Incontinence is leaking when you are walking, bending, lifting, sneezing, coughing, or laughing. Urge Urinary Incontinence which is the sudden “urge” to urinate even if your bladder is not completely full. Having both of these types of symptoms? That is called Mixed Urinary Incontinence -yes, the “best” of both worlds- leaking with activity and /or feeling of a strong urge to urinate frequently.

Despite these symptoms being common, (nearly 1 out of 3 women have some type of incontinence symptoms during their lifetime) there are many things that can be done to decrease or eliminate incontinence, especially if treated early.

*Lifestyle changes can be extremely effective- looking at behavioral factor and nutrition can decrease symptoms.

*Bladder Retraining strategies- no “just in case” going to the bathroom, keeping a bladder diary for a few days.

*Looking at exercise, movements and lifting patterns- increased intraabdominal pressure can put pressure on pelvic floor muscle causing increased leakage

*Pelvic Health Physical Therapy to address any muscle weakness or tightness in Pelvic floor causing urinary leakage.

If you have these symptoms and are ready to address them, come see our physical therapist, Chrissy, for a physical therapy evaluation. Chrissy partners with each client to develop an individualized holistic approach to help you mange and eliminate your incontinence issues so you have the freedom to laugh as hard as you want- without fear!

Appointments with Chrissy can be scheduled online via our website or by calling 216-952-3830.

"You Deserve Better than the Standard of Care" - Dr. Candace Gesicki

“You will never get pregnant naturally.”

“You had a baby, you’re going to have low back pain and incontinence when you exercise.  There’s nothing you can really do about it.”

“We can’t do any testing until after you have had your third miscarriage.”

“You are pregnant, you are going to have low back pain and pelvic pain.”

“Your thyroid is normal.  Your symptoms are normal.”

“The pain and numbness around your cesarean scar are normal.”

These are all things patients have shared with me in the last month.  And I wish it was just once, but unfortunately, I am hearing stories like these almost weekly. 

It is not the standard of care to order a full hormone panel, thyroid panel, vitamin D, and more before trying to conceive or after a miscarriage, but far too often do I find patients with a hormone imbalance that can be treated with diet and lifestyle modifications (and occasionally medications).

It is not the standard of care in the United States to refer to a pelvic health therapist after having a baby, yet many women experience incontinence, pain with intercourse, and prolapse.

It is not the standard of care to refer to rehabilitation or soft tissue therapy after a cesarean, yet it is a major abdominal surgery.

It is not the standard of care to order a full thyroid panel initially, but far too often I see patients with a TSH in normal range and (extremely) elevated thyroid antibodies.

Conventional medicine has a time and a place, but it is set up to treat symptoms and diseases with drugs, radiation, or surgery.  Conventional medicine providers use the tools that they have to provide treatment.  Their knowledge in alternative or natural treatments is limited.

How does what we do vary from conventional medicine?

We take a functional approach to your health.  We want you to be an active participant in your healthcare.  This does not mean that we never believe drugs, radiation, or surgery is warranted.  We absolutely refer out to specialists and co-manage when appropriate.   

A functional approach is more complex than “this is low, take this”.  We want to find the root cause of what is going on.  Where is your low back pain stemming from?  Why is your testosterone low?

We don’t have the answers to everything, but I can tell you that if we don’t have an answer, we have no problem telling you this and will help you find a referral to someone that might. 

We are here to listen, to support you, and to provide the best care we can because you deserve better than the standard of care.

Sending love,

Dr. C

Rib Discomfort During Pregnancy

Expectant mothers can often experience a number of symptoms throughout their pregnancy. One common discomfort is rib pain . Mother’s body is constantly changing throughout the trimesters, causing weight shifting on her spine and rib cage area. There are different causes that might be giving the mother that very common pain in the ribs. Some of these causes are: 

• The hormone relaxin plays a big part in helping mom’s  abdominal muscles to stretch to accommodate the growing uterus. The rib cage area also is stretched to balance the pressure applied by the growing uterus on the diaphragm. 

• The growing baby’s position often causes some pains and aches depending on their position in the womb. Baby can be transverse, breached, or head down kicking towards the diaphragm /ribs. 

• Baby’s growth causes the mother's body to change posture and center of gravity , where the body starts feeling stress due to the baby's weight. Carrying the extra weight can put additional stress on muscles around the rib cage. 

• Round ligament tightness which pain can be felt in the lower rib, pelvis and lower back area. 

• Indigestion or heartburn adds pressure on the chest, making the area to be sore and painful at times. 

Chiropractic care helps reduce joint restriction and improve mobility, making it easier for the body to function. In combination with targeted stretches and strengthening exercises, posture can be corrected, helping you to function better. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call (216)952-3830 or send an email to drdelgad@clechiropractic.com .

Mornings Sickness Tips and Tricks

Many women (in fact, one study suggests up to 80% of pregnant women) experience “morning sickness” as early as 6 weeks.  If you have experienced nausea during pregnancy, you know that the name is very misleading.  For some it is in the morning, but for many it lasts all day or comes about randomly during the day.  It often peaks around 8-9 weeks and for many subsides around 14 weeks.  It may come with some good days, some really bad days, and many days that just feel “blah”. 

Here are some things to try at home:

·  Acupuncture.  Stimulation of acupuncture point PC6 has shown to help nausea in pregnancy.  Your acupuncturist may send you home with “seeds” to stimulate the point after your treatment.  This point is also what is stimulated when wearing seabands!

·  Hydration + electrolytes.  Stay hydrated and consider drinks with electrolytes like NOOMA (use ‘MOTHERSDEN15’ for 15% off!!) or LMNT!  Electrolytes help with morning sickness because they are putting the good stuff back in your body!  Some women find that water doesn’t sit well with them with nausea. 

·  Ginger and peppermint.  Whether you are using teas, foods, or essential oils, both of these have been used for centuries to help with nausea.   

·  Foods.  Track your nausea and notice if you have any trigger foods, or foods that make you feel worse on days that you eat them.  Try eating smaller meals and eating before you get hungry.  Nausea is common on an empty stomach.  For some women, a protein shake or smoothie may be an easier way to get some calories in!  Protein will help keep your blood sugar stable.  Eat what you can, when you can.  Don’t beat yourself up if the thought of eating vegetables makes you sick. 

·  Stay active.  Being physically active can reduce nausea symptoms during pregnancy, even if it is just taking short walks.     

·  Vitamins + supplements.  There are some studies that show taking B6 for morning sickness can improve nausea (without vomiting) in pregnant women!  If there is no relief with B6 alone, after 4-5 days, trying the combination of B6 + unisom may be beneficial (however, unisom can cause drowsiness).

Some women try everything holistic, even medication, and don’t report any changes in their nausea.  If you have any concerns about your nausea, talk to your care provider.  There is a distinction between morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum, which is severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. 

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Low Back Pain Relief During Pregnancy | Cleveland Prenatal Chiropractor

Pregnancy is a beautiful stage for women. But sometimes it might not be so pretty. While many expectant mothers walk around with a pregnancy glow, others can experience quite a bit of discomfort in different areas of their body prior to birth.  

Lower back and sciatic nerve pain are one of the chief complaints among pregnant women. This is the result of the changes that mom’s body is going through. Shoulders become more rounded, the curvatures of the spine start shifting, and the center of gravity changes as well.  Additionally, the weight and position of the baby can cause irritation to the area. Lower back and sciatica pain often do not appear until the second or third trimester, but it can be very uncomfortable and even prevent activity for some expectant moms. 

Common symptoms that expectant mothers could experience are: lower back muscle tightness and joint stiffness, muscle spasms, radiating pain down to hips or leg (usually stops at the knee), pubic symphysis pressure or discomfort, pain described as sharp, throbbing, achy and/or dull across the back or hip area. 

Obtaining chiropractic care for lower back pain and sciatica during pregnancy can help alleviate mom’s symptoms and prepare their body for childbirth. A balanced pelvis and ideal core function, will not only help with the mother’s pain relief and comfort, it will also provide babies a better chance of moving into position for labor and birth, lowering the chances to move into a breech or posterior position. 

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is very safe. The techniques that are used, like Webster Technique, are gentle. Furthermore, chiropractors that specialize in prenatal care can additionally teach effective stretches and exercises that are safe to use throughout the entire pregnancy.

If you or someone you know are experiencing these symptoms, give us a call at (216) 952-3830 or visit our website www.clechiropractic.com for more information. 

Do not hesitate to reach out! 

Dr. Shirley