I am 17 weeks pregnant, and I want to get adjusted by a chiropractor. Is it safe to do so? I have headaches frequently and low back pain at times. I have been going to chiropractors for a long time, and they seem to help me. I was told it is fine to go get adjusted, and that it would actually help. What do you think?

--Rosemary

Chiropractic care can be very helpful for back discomfort. Pregnancy is not a reason to avoid appropriate manipulations. Just be sure your chiropractor is aware of your pregnancy. You should not lie flat on your back for any period of time. Obviously, you will not be able to lie on your stomach much longer either! Some chiropractors have special tables with a cut-out for a pregnant belly.

The non-force technique of chiropractic manipulation, which eschews the traditional twisting, is very safe in pregnancy, and, according to its practitioners, as effective as turning you into a pretzel!