C-section scars are a common problem often overlooked by the doctors who did the procedure. These same scars can be a problem months or years later. Worse, many c-section problems are preventable if addressed within 6-8 weeks after you give birth. This is not the advice most obstetricians give however, some will offer some basic advice on how to desensitize the scar over time. I have reported on active scars over the years and have even written a white paper and given it to local obstetricians making them aware of the growing research that abdominal scars can affect how you feel and move months or years later. Of the many doctors I visited, none referred their patients or used the screening procedures that easily detect an active scar responsible for back pain, neck pain, knee problems, shoulder problems, and hip pain months and years later. Imagine, never being told that early intervention can resolve a lifetime of problems because the doctor failed to refer. Recently, the NY Times reported on Active scars. You can read the article using this link Why Is My C-Section Scar Painful, Itchy and Sometimes Smelly? What is an active scar? Active scars are most commonly found after surgery in the abdominal area. C-sections and Hernia repair are the most common reasons for an active scar developing, although other abdominal surgeries can also affect the mesentery which is the area underneath the abdominals where many of our organs including the bladder and intestines lie. Muscles that are involved in how we walk are also in this area including the psoas, the most powerful muscles in the body, and the iliacus. When the outer scar heals, there is often scar tissue that can occur under it and attach itself to your bladder, uterus, psoas, and other organs and muscles that inhabit the space. When the scar heals on the outside and forms a tighter scar, it can become itchy, stiffer, and sensitive even to your underwear or jeans. Doctors have learned that this area can easily cause more scars with more surgeries and over the years, have developed surgeries to minimize the incisions into the abdomen as they have further understood the consequences. A simple screen I developed years ago that takes less than a minute to perform can identify if an active scar is developing. Working on the scar as it is forming 6-8 weeks postpartum can resolve something that can cause a lifetime of problems. Many of these problems can include bladder pressure or urgency neck pain back pain shoulder pain lower back pain plantar fasciitis itchiness around scar difficulty straighting up from a seated position. It is not uncommon for patients postpartum to have back problems related to an active scar developing just a few months after they give birth. Some patients have visited us with lower back pain after bending over a changing table locking up their lower back. One patient had a stiff neck in her 70’s that I traced to an active scar from 40 years ago. Why see a chiropractor for your suspected active scar After working on thousands of these, patients can feel improved, markedly improved, or resolved. As the scars involve how you move, feel, and function, it is only appropriate you see a healthcare provider who can holistically improve how you move, feel, and function. What to expect on your first chiropractic visit A thorough history of your previous problems and always ask about abdominal surgeries. A holistic examination includes how you move, a screen of the scar, and neurological and orthopedic tests. Treatment of the scar is done by hand, to tolerance to improve mobility and flexibility. Myofascial release is the preferred method of treatment. As there is no way to image the scar, the doctor must palpate the scar and understand how it is connected to your physical problems. Usually, with an active scar, the patient and the doctor will feel the restriction together. Often relief can happen quickly in many cases but every case is different. Chiropractors are your one-stop shop for everything musculoskeletal. We use a primary care approach to your problems and are holistic, meaning thorough. If we suspect a medical problem, you will be referred to the appropriate provider. Need help today? Book online now.