After labor and delivery, which somatic dysfunctions should be evaluated?

• A. Lingering somatic dysfunctions, including hyperlordosis left from pregnancy
• B. Acute ankle sprain
• C. Migraine headaches
• D. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer: (A)

Pregnancy and delivery cause lasting changes in body mechanics that can develop into somatic dysfunctions. The most common example is persistent postural change, such as increased lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt that began during pregnancy and can remain after birth. This kind of lingering dysfunction affects the pelvis, sacrum, and lower spine, and is often responsible for ongoing back pain or pelvic misalignment. Evaluating and treating these post-delivery somatic dysfunctions helps restore balanced motion, reduce compensatory strain, and support recovery.

Acute injuries like an ankle sprain are separate, new events to manage. Migraine headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome can occur around pregnancy, but they aren’t the typical postpartum somatic dysfunctions that osteopathic assessment targets first, which is why the emphasis is on lingering postural and pelvic/vertebral dysfunctions from the pregnancy period.