Pregnancy-Related Pain: Can Chiropractic Care Help You Move More Comfortably?

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also come with aches, pains, and physical changes that make everyday activities more difficult. As your body adapts to support your growing baby, you may experience lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, hip pain, sciatica, or changes in the way you walk and move.

While some discomfort is a normal part of pregnancy, you don't necessarily have to simply live with it.

For some pregnant patients, chiropractic care may be one part of a conservative, non-invasive approach to managing pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain. At GeauxChiro, the goal is to help patients understand what's contributing to their discomfort and support healthy movement throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Why Does Pregnancy Cause Back and Pelvic Pain?

Your body goes through significant physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy.

As your uterus grows, your center of gravity shifts. This can change your posture and place additional stress on the muscles, joints, and spine. Your abdominal muscles also stretch and can become less effective at supporting the spine.

Pregnancy hormones contribute to these changes as well. Hormonal changes can cause the ligaments around the pelvis to become more flexible, which can affect stability and contribute to discomfort.

The result can be pain or discomfort in areas such as:

• Lower back

• Pelvis

• Hips

• Buttocks

• Groin

• Upper back

• Neck and shoulders

Some women may also experience sciatica during pregnancy, which can cause pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg.

Common Types of Pregnancy-Related Pain

Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Lower back pain is one of the most common physical complaints during pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), backache is especially common later in pregnancy and can be related to changes in posture, abdominal muscles, body weight, joints, and hormones.

Simple activities such as standing, walking, getting out of bed, or sitting at a desk for long periods can become uncomfortable.

Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

Some women experience pain around the pelvis as the joints and supporting tissues adapt to pregnancy.

Pelvic girdle pain may affect activities such as:

• Walking

• Getting in and out of a car

• Turning over in bed

• Going up stairs

• Standing on one leg

• Getting dressed

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and low back pain can occur independently or together.

Hip Pain

As your posture and movement patterns change, the hips can experience additional stress. Sleeping positions can also become increasingly difficult as pregnancy progresses.

Hip discomfort may be particularly noticeable when walking, exercising, standing for long periods, or getting up after sitting.

Sciatica During Pregnancy

Sciatica describes pain associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve and can cause symptoms that travel from the lower back or buttock into the leg.

Pregnancy-related changes to posture, the pelvis, and surrounding tissues may contribute to symptoms in some patients.

If you experience persistent or severe radiating pain, numbness, weakness, or other concerning symptoms, it's important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Can Chiropractic Care Help With Pregnancy Pain?

Research on chiropractic care specifically for pregnancy-related pain is still developing, and the evidence is not strong enough to say that chiropractic treatment will work for everyone.

A 2020 systematic review found inconclusive but favorable evidence for chiropractic care for pregnancy-related low back pain, while evidence for spinal manipulation specifically remained inconclusive.

Earlier research has also reported improvements in pregnancy-related low back pain among patients receiving chiropractic care, although researchers have noted limitations in the quality of the available evidence.

In other words, chiropractic care may be a useful option for some pregnant patients—but it should be considered as part of an individualized care plan rather than a guaranteed solution.

How Chiropractic Care May Fit Into a Pregnancy Care Plan

A chiropractor can evaluate the musculoskeletal factors contributing to pain and develop an approach based on the patient's symptoms, stage of pregnancy, activity level, and goals.

Depending on the individual, care may include:

• Gentle chiropractic techniques

• Mobility-focused care

• Soft tissue techniques

• Movement recommendations

• Exercise or rehabilitation strategies

• Postural education

• Recommendations for modifying activities

The goal is to support comfortable movement and function, rather than simply chasing pain.

Chiropractic care can also work alongside other healthcare providers. Best-practice recommendations for chiropractic care during pregnancy emphasize informed consent and collaboration with other healthcare professionals when appropriate.

Staying Active During Pregnancy

Movement can be an important part of a healthy pregnancy when medically appropriate.

ACOG states that, for people with uncomplicated pregnancies, physical activity is generally safe and beneficial. Regular activity can help reduce back pain and maintain strength and fitness, although exercise routines may need to be modified as pregnancy progresses.

Depending on your pregnancy and your healthcare provider's recommendations, activities such as walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and modified prenatal yoga may be options.

The key is listening to your body and adjusting your activity as your body changes.

A chiropractor may also help identify movement limitations or musculoskeletal issues that are making certain activities uncomfortable.

What About Postpartum Pain?

The physical changes of pregnancy don't necessarily end when the baby arrives.

New parents may continue experiencing back, hip, pelvic, or neck discomfort after delivery. Then there's the reality of caring for a newborn—feeding, carrying, lifting, rocking, and spending long periods in positions that can place additional strain on the body.

ACOG notes that back, neck, and joint pain can occur after pregnancy and may be related to muscle strain, abdominal muscle weakness, and hormonal changes.

Postpartum chiropractic care may be considered as part of a broader recovery plan, depending on the individual's circumstances and healthcare needs.

When Should You Talk to Your Doctor About Pregnancy-Related Pain?

Not every pregnancy-related ache is simply a musculoskeletal problem.

If you experience severe back pain or pain that persists for more than two weeks, ACOG recommends contacting your obstetrician or other obstetric care provider. Back pain can sometimes be associated with conditions such as urinary tract infections or preterm labor.

Pregnant patients should seek prompt medical evaluation for symptoms such as:

• Vaginal bleeding

• Fluid leaking from the vagina

• Fever

• Burning or pain with urination

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain

• Regular painful contractions

• Significant weakness or concerning neurological symptoms

• Sudden or severe pain

These symptoms may require medical evaluation rather than chiropractic treatment.

Is Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy Right for You?

Every pregnancy is different.

If you're experiencing back pain, pelvic discomfort, hip pain, or other musculoskeletal symptoms during pregnancy, talk with your OB-GYN or other prenatal care provider about your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.

If you're cleared for chiropractic care, a qualified chiropractor can work with you to create an individualized approach that takes your pregnancy and specific symptoms into consideration.

At GeauxChiro, the focus is on helping patients move comfortably, understand their bodies, and stay active when appropriate—not simply treating a symptom and sending you on your way.

Pregnancy Shouldn't Mean You Have to Stop Moving

Growing a baby changes your body—but it doesn't mean you have to surrender your ability to move comfortably.

From pregnancy-related back pain and sciatica to hip and pelvic discomfort, there are conservative care options that may help you stay active and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

Chiropractic care can be one piece of that puzzle, working alongside your prenatal healthcare team and other appropriate forms of care.

If pregnancy-related pain is making it harder to sleep, walk, exercise, work, or simply enjoy your day, talk with your healthcare provider and consider whether chiropractic care may be an appropriate option for you.