Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation and joy, but for many expectant mothers, it can also bring unexpected challenges. One condition that affects nearly 1 in 5 pregnant women is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, or SPD.
If you’ve experienced sharp pain in your pelvic region that makes even simple movements like walking or climbing stairs feel impossible, you might be dealing with this common but often misunderstood condition. For many moms it can be scary because the pain seems to be right where the baby is positioned. But with a little explanation and gentle adjustments moms can truly find relief with chiropractic.
At ADIO Chiropractic, we’ve helped countless moms in Madison and Middleton navigate their pregnancy journeys with more comfort and less pain. Today, we’re sharing what you need to know about SPD and how our gentle, pregnancy-specific chiropractic care can help.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?
Your pelvis isn’t a single, solid bone – it’s actually made up of several bones connected by joints and ligaments. At the front of your pelvis is a joint called the symphysis pubis, which is held together by strong ligaments.
During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin that helps loosen these ligaments to prepare your body for birth. While this is perfectly natural and necessary, sometimes this loosening can go a bit too far, causing the symphysis pubis joint to become unstable or misaligned.
As one of our patients, Melissa, described it: “It felt like my pelvis was splitting apart with every step. I couldn’t even roll over in bed without pain shooting through my lower body. I thought this was just something I had to endure for the sake of my baby until I found ADIO.”
The Tell-Tale Signs of SPD
How do you know if what you’re experiencing is SPD and not something more serious?
Here are some common symptoms:
- Sharp pain in your pubic area, which might radiate to your lower back, hips, groin, or thighs
- Clicking or grinding sensations in your pelvic region
- Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg (like when putting on pants)
- Pain when laying on your side
- Difficulty moving your legs apart, especially when getting out of a car or bed
- Pain during intimacy or certain movements
- Waddling when you walk to avoid pain
These symptoms often begin in the second trimester as your baby grows and your body prepares more actively for birth, though some women experience SPD as early as the first trimester or as late as the last few weeks of pregnancy. With more pregnancies, it is more common to see SPD showing up earlier.
Why Does SPD Happen?
While the hormone relaxin is the primary factor, several other elements can contribute to developing SPD or making it worse:
- Previous pelvic injuries or misalignments before pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies or pregnancies close together
- Physical job demands or activities that strain the pelvis
- Baby’s position in the uterus
- Pelvic muscle imbalances or weakness
- Previous pelvic trauma including difficult previous births
Hannah shared: “With my first pregnancy, I had no idea why I was in so much pain. By my second, I knew something wasn’t right, but my doctor just said it was normal pregnancy pain. Finding ADIO for my third pregnancy was life-changing – for the first time, I understood what was happening in my body AND had tools to help manage it.”
Beyond the Physical: The Emotional Impact of SPD
Living with significant pain during what should be a joyful time can really take an emotional toll on expectant moms. We’ve heard from so many women who feel frustrated when they can’t move around like they used to, or who lie awake at night worrying about how their pain might affect their baby. The struggle to get comfortable enough to sleep leads to exhaustion, which makes everything feel harder. Many moms also share their fears about how they’ll manage labor and delivery when they’re already in so much pain, and some even experience symptoms of depression as the chronic pain limits their ability to enjoy this special time.
At ADIO Chiropractic, we get that treating SPD isn’t just about fixing the physical symptoms – it’s about supporting your entire pregnancy journey. We want to help you reconnect with the joy of this special time, even when discomfort is trying to steal the spotlight. Your emotional wellbeing matters just as much as your physical comfort, and we’re here to support both.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help SPD During Pregnancy
The good news is that you don’t have to just “tough it out” until delivery. Gentle, pregnancy-specific chiropractic care can be remarkably effective for SPD relief.
Here’s how we approach SPD at ADIO Chiropractic:
1. Specialized Assessment
Our first step is always a thorough evaluation to understand your unique situation. We’ll assess your pelvic alignment, spinal health, and movement patterns to identify exactly what’s contributing to your discomfort.
We also use advanced scanning technology to provide objective insights into your nervous system function. These non-invasive scans show us precisely where stress and tension are affecting your body, allowing us to pinpoint the exact areas needing attention. This detailed assessment gives us a complete picture of your condition – not just what you’re feeling, but the underlying causes of your SPD symptoms.
By combining hands-on evaluation with these technological insights, we create a truly personalized approach that addresses your specific needs during pregnancy.
2. Gentle Webster Technique Adjustments
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic method designed especially for pregnant women. This gentle approach helps restore proper pelvic alignment without any twisting or popping. At ADIO, we offer various adjustment methods to ensure your comfort. Most commonly, we use specialized instruments that deliver precise, gentle impulses to realign your pelvis and spine. These instrument-based adjustments are extremely gentle yet effective, making them perfect for pregnant bodies.
For those who prefer or would benefit from them, we can also incorporate manual adjustments or drop-table techniques. The best part? You always have a choice in how you receive care. Many patients are surprised by how gentle these adjustments are while still providing significant relief. We’ll work with your preferences and what your body responds to best, modifying our approach as your pregnancy progresses to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness at every stage.
3. Soft Tissue Work
Along with adjustments, we often incorporate gentle soft tissue techniques to release tight muscles that might be contributing to pelvic imbalance. This hands-on care helps restore proper function to the entire pelvic structure.
4. Custom Support Strategies
Every pregnancy is unique, which is why we create personalized care plans that might include:
- Specific exercises to stabilize your pelvis
- Recommendations for supportive belts or pillows
- Guidance on movement modifications for daily activities
- Ergonomic suggestions for sleep, work, and home life
Will SPD Affect My Labor and Delivery?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and understandably so. The good news is that with proper care, SPD typically doesn’t complicate delivery. In fact, many women find that:
- The positioning flexibility gained through chiropractic care helps optimize baby’s position for birth
- Regular adjustments in pregnancy often contribute to easier, more efficient labors
- Having strategies already in place helps manage discomfort during labor
- Proper pelvic alignment can support the natural birth process
Your birth team (including your ADIO chiropractor) can help you plan labor positions that minimize SPD discomfort while facilitating an effective birth process.
Will SPD Go Away After Pregnancy?
For most women, SPD symptoms resolve within the first few months after delivery as hormone levels normalize and the body heals. However, continuing chiropractic care postpartum can significantly speed up recovery and prevent future issues.
Your Next Steps Toward Relief
If you’re experiencing symptoms of SPD, know that you don’t have to simply endure this discomfort as “just part of pregnancy.” Proactive, gentle care can make a tremendous difference in your comfort and overall pregnancy experience.
Here at ADIO Chiropractic, pregnancy care is one of our true passions. We’ve had the joy of helping so many expectant moms throughout Madison and Middleton find natural relief from SPD and other pregnancy discomforts. Our doctors have advanced training specifically in prenatal care, allowing us to provide adjustments that are incredibly gentle yet remarkably effective. We understand that every pregnancy journey is unique, which is why we create personalized care plans that address your specific needs and concerns. Our goal isn’t just to reduce your pain—it’s to help you enjoy this special time and prepare your body for a comfortable delivery.
Ready to find relief? Call us at (608) 824-0950 to schedule your consultation. Let’s transform your pregnancy journey from one of pain and limitation to one of comfort and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions About SPD and Pregnancy Chiropractic Care
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when performed by a chiropractor trained in prenatal care, like our doctors at ADIO. We use techniques specifically designed for pregnant bodies, with no twisting or forceful movements.
How soon might I feel relief from SPD with chiropractic care?
Many patients report feeling some improvement after their very first adjustment, though sustainable relief typically develops over several sessions as your body stabilizes.
Can chiropractic care help prevent SPD in future pregnancies?
While we can’t guarantee prevention, many women who receive chiropractic care between and during subsequent pregnancies report significantly reduced SPD symptoms or none at all.
Is it ever too late in pregnancy to start chiropractic care for SPD?
It’s never too late! While earlier intervention often yields the best results, we can help provide relief even in the final weeks of pregnancy.
At ADIO Chiropractic, we believe every mother deserves to experience the joy of pregnancy without debilitating pain. If SPD is affecting your pregnancy journey, reach out today at (608) 824-0950 or schedule online. Let us help you find the relief you deserve and the pregnancy experience you’ve been hoping for.
