What Is Pelvic Pain & SPD?
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a condition where the joint at the front of your pelvis — the pubic symphysis — becomes unstable or misaligned during pregnancy. The hormone relaxin, which loosens your ligaments to prepare for delivery, can cause this joint to move too much, leading to pain and inflammation.
SPD is estimated to affect up to 1 in 5 pregnant women to some degree, though severity ranges from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that affects everyday movement.
Signs and Symptoms
Pelvic pain and SPD may show up as:
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Pain at the front of the pelvis, centered over the pubic bone
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Pain that radiates to the hips, groin, or inner thighs
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A grinding or clicking sensation in the pelvis
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Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg
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Pain when rolling over in bed or getting in and out of the car
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A feeling that your pelvis is "unstable" or "giving way"
Symptoms typically worsen with weight-bearing activity and may intensify as pregnancy progresses. Some moms also experience round ligament pain, which can create sharp, pulling sensations through the lower abdomen or groin as the body changes.
How Chiropractic Helps
Pelvic pain during pregnancy is a structural problem — and chiropractic addresses structure. Dr. Alyssa uses the Webster Technique to assess sacral and pelvic alignment, identify the specific imbalances contributing to your pain, and restore proper positioning with gentle adjustments.
By rebalancing the pelvis, chiropractic care reduces the uneven stress on the pubic symphysis and surrounding ligaments — addressing the root cause of SPD rather than masking the pain.
Our Approach to Relief
Every mom's pelvic pain is different, and Dr. Alyssa treats it that way. Your care plan is individualized based on the severity of your symptoms, your stage of pregnancy, and how your body responds to adjustments.
Techniques are always gentle and pregnancy-safe. Most moms are seen 1–2 times per week, with many reporting meaningful improvement in the first few weeks of care. If this is your first visit to Willow, we’ll walk you through the consultation, gentle exam, and care recommendations before beginning care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pelvic pain during pregnancy?
The hormone relaxin loosens ligaments in preparation for delivery — but it can cause the pubic symphysis joint to become unstable. When this is combined with pelvic misalignment, the result is pain, inflammation, and difficulty moving.
Can a chiropractor help with SPD?
Yes. Chiropractic care addresses the pelvic misalignment that contributes to SPD. The Webster Technique is specifically designed to restore sacral and pelvic balance during pregnancy.
What is symphysis pubis dysfunction?
SPD occurs when the pubic symphysis — the joint at the front of the pelvis — becomes overly mobile or misaligned during pregnancy, causing pain and instability.
When should I see a chiropractor for pregnancy pelvic pain?
As soon as symptoms begin. The earlier pelvic balance is addressed, the more effectively we can manage pain and prevent it from worsening as your pregnancy progresses.