Acupuncture and Pregnancy-Related Low Back and Pelvic Pain

Researchers looked at pain, functional status, and quality of life in people with lower back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Data was pulled from 10 studies that included over 1000 pregnant woman.  

Meghan Mabe, DCM, LAc, NWHSU grad and practitioner at NWHSU’s Bloomington Clinic works with many pregnant patients.

“Low back pain is common during the last trimester of pregnancy. Some patients will experience sciatica, and back pain can range in discomfort,” she explained. “Treatment involves assessing the pain and determining if any other factors are contributing to the pain in addition to which channels are affected. It’s important to rule out risk of kidney stones, miscarriage or early labor before a patient is treated,” she continued.  

How do Mabe and other practitioners treat this pain? It depends on the patient and their specific symptoms, and will be part of a holistic treatment that considers many aspects of the patient’s health. Mabe also uses other Chinese medicine tools beyond acupuncture when it makes sense for the patient. “Various acupuncture points are used to treat low back and pelvic pain, along with moxibustion for cold or kidney yang deficiency and cupping for tight or tense back muscles.” 

Story by Kit Harlow, Chiropractic Student