PELVIC PAIN & SPD
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 overly mobile, inflamed, or misaligned during pregnancy. It's caused by the hormone relaxin loosening the ligaments that hold the joint together, combined with the increasing weight and structural demands of pregnancy.
SPD affects an estimated 1 in 5 pregnant women to some degree, though severity varies widely. For some moms it's a mild nuisance. For others, it's debilitating enough to affect walking, sleeping, and basic daily activities.
Signs and Symptoms
SPD and pregnancy-related pelvic pain commonly present as pain at the front of the pelvis (over the pubic bone), a clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvic joint, pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg, difficulty turning over in bed, sharp pain when spreading legs apart, and instability or a feeling that the pelvis is "giving way."
Symptoms typically worsen as pregnancy progresses and the load on the pelvis increases.
How Chiropractic Helps
SPD is fundamentally a stability and alignment problem — the joint is moving too much because the structures around it aren't balanced. Chiropractic care addresses this by restoring sacral and pelvic alignment so the pubic symphysis isn't being pulled unevenly, balancing the muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic ring, reducing overall pelvic tension through Webster Technique adjustments, and supporting nervous system regulation to help the body manage the increased structural demands of pregnancy.
Dr. Jennifer's approach to SPD is gentle and adapted to your pain level. The goal is restoring enough pelvic balance that the symphysis can stabilize — not forcing it into place.
Our Approach to Relief
Every case of SPD is different, so care is individualized. Dr. Jennifer will assess your pelvis, sacrum, and the surrounding soft tissue to identify the specific patterns driving your pain. Adjustments are gentle, low-force, and designed to create immediate relief while building toward lasting pelvic stability.
Many moms with SPD benefit from more frequent visits — especially in the third trimester when symptoms tend to peak. Dr. Jennifer may also recommend pelvic support strategies, movement modifications, and sleeping positions to complement your in-office care.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hormonal changes (especially relaxin) loosen the ligaments of the pelvis, while the increasing weight of pregnancy places more demand on the pelvic joints. When alignment is off, the pubic symphysis and SI joints become stressed, inflamed, and painful.
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Yes. Chiropractic care restores pelvic alignment and balance, which reduces the stress on the pubic symphysis and supporting structures. The Webster Technique is particularly effective for addressing the sacral and ligament components of SPD.
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SPD is a condition where the pubic symphysis joint at the front of the pelvis becomes hypermobile, misaligned, or inflamed during pregnancy — causing pain, instability, and difficulty with movement.
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As soon as symptoms appear. Early intervention prevents the compensations that develop when your body adapts around pelvic pain, which can make the problem harder to resolve later. Care is safe and appropriate throughout all trimesters.