Severe Pelvic Pain in Pregnant Woman Resolved Under Chiropractic Care

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study on March 7, 2023, documenting the elimination of severe pelvic pain with chiropractic in a woman who was 26 weeks pregnant. The study was titled, "Resolution of Symphysis Pubis Pain & Dysfunction in a Pregnant Patient Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Subluxation."

The symphysis pubis is where the two bones of the front of the pelvic come together to form a strong fibrous stabilizing joint. During pregnancy, certain hormones are released to create a laxity of pelvic ligaments in order to make childbirth somewhat easier. If there are more of the hormones than needed, the pelvic joints can become too lax and create pain or other issues. Specifically, the symphysis pubis can separate too far and become extremely painful. The study reported that it is estimated that 31.7% of pregnant women will suffer some form of symphysis pubis pain.

In this case, a woman, who was 26.4 weeks into her pregnancy, sought chiropractic care for help for severe pelvic pain in her symphysis pubis region. The woman reported that the pain started at about the 10th week of her pregnancy. She rated her pain as a 10 out of 10 (worst possible) and characterized it as a constant, sharp, throbbing, burning, and aching pain. Movement, especially walking, made her pain even worse. The woman reported that in addition to her pelvic pain, she was also experiencing secondary symptoms of lower back and neck pain, but she said that these were not as severe as her pelvic pain.

The woman’s obstetrician diagnosed her with symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) and told that her pain was normal for pregnancy. The obstetrician offered no treatment for her issues. The woman noted that swimming provided her with some relief, but as soon as she left the water, her pain would return.

During the woman’s chiropractic examination, she became very emotional and started crying while describing how severe her pain was. She stated that the pain was so bad that she did not want to be pregnant, or ever get pregnant again. The woman had pain during the entire exam process and multiple areas of her pelvis and spine were very sensitive to the touch.

Based upon the finding of her examination, it was determined that chiropractic care would be appropriate and was started. Specific forms of chiropractic care were started including a procedure known as the "Webster Technique."

The patient reported that she immediately felt some relief following her first adjustment. She was scheduled to return in a week; however, she went into labor and had her baby. Upon returning to the chiropractor after her delivery, the woman reported that she no longer had any of the pelvic pain she was previously suffering with from the time of her first adjustment through her delivery.