Best-Practice Recommendations for Chiropractic Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Patients: Results of a Consensus Process

Carol Ann Weis, Katherine Pohlman, Jon Barrett, Susan Clinton, Sophia da Silva-Oolup, Crystal Draper, Joyce Lee, Rupali Kumar, Maeve O'Beirne, Kent Stuber, Cheryl Hawk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this project was to develop a best-practices document on chiropractic care for pregnant and postpartum patients with low back pain (LBP), pelvic girdle pain (PGP), or a combination. Methods: A modified Delphi consensus process was conducted. A multidisciplinary steering committee of 11 health care professionals developed 71 seed statements based on their clinical experience and relevant literature. A total of 78 panelists from 7 countries were asked to rate the recommendations (70 chiropractors and representatives from 4 other health professions). Consensus was reached when at least 80% of the panelists deemed the statement to be appropriate along with a median response of at least 7 on a 9-point scale. Results: Consensus was reached on 71 statements after 3 rounds of distribution. Statements included informed consent and risks, multidisciplinary care, key components regarding LBP during pregnancy, PGP during pregnancy and combined pain during pregnancy, as well as key components regarding postpartum LBP, PGP, and combined pain. Examination, diagnostic imaging, interventions, and lifestyle factors statements are included. Conclusion: An expert panel convened to develop the first best-practice consensus document on chiropractic care for pregnant and postpartum patients with LBP or PGP. The document consists of 71 statements on chiropractic care for pregnant and postpartum patients with LBP and PGP.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)469-489
Number of pages21
JournalJournal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Volume45
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2022

Keywords

  • Chiropractic
  • Low Back Pain
  • Pelvic Girdle Pain
  • Postpartum
  • Pregnancy
  • Spine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chiropractics

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