Pelvic Pain & SPD
During Pregnancy in Whitefish, MT
What Is Pelvic Pain & SPD?
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) — also called pelvic girdle pain — is a condition where the joint at the front of your pelvis (the pubic symphysis) becomes overly mobile, inflamed, or misaligned during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your body produces relaxin, a hormone that loosens ligaments to prepare for birth. For some women, this loosening destabilizes the pubic symphysis, creating pain that ranges from a mild ache to severe, debilitating discomfort.
SPD affects an estimated 1 in 5 pregnant women. If you have it, you already know — it makes everything harder.
Signs and Symptoms
SPD typically shows up in the second or third trimester. Common symptoms include:
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Pain at the front of the pelvis, over the pubic bone
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Pain that radiates to the inner thighs, hips, or lower back
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A clicking, grinding, or popping sensation in the pelvis
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Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or rolling over in bed
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Sharp pain when putting weight on one leg (getting dressed, getting in and out of the car)
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Pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest
For some women, SPD is mild. For others, it's so severe that walking across a room
becomes a challenge.
How Chiropractic Helps
SPD is fundamentally a problem of pelvic alignment and stability. When the sacrum, SI joints, and pubic symphysis aren't functioning together properly, the front of the pelvis bears excessive stress.
At Compass, we address SPD through:
Sacral and pelvic alignment — Using the Webster Technique, we correct sacral misalignment and restore symmetry across the entire pelvic ring. This takes pressure off the pubic symphysis.
SI joint stabilization — The sacroiliac joints on the back of your pelvis directly influence how the pubic symphysis functions. When the SI joints are aligned, the front of the pelvis stabilizes.
Round ligament and soft tissue balance — Tension in the ligaments and muscles around the pelvis contributes to SPD symptoms. We release this tension as part of every prenatal visit.
The goal is to restore balance so your pelvis can support your growing baby without pain.
Our Approach to Relief
SPD responds well to consistent, gentle care. Most moms with SPD visit us one to three times per week, depending on severity. Your adjustments are always comfortable — we modify positioning and technique to work with your pain, not against it.
We may also recommend supportive strategies between visits: pelvic support belts, specific movement modifications, and sleep positioning guidance. Our approach is collaborative, and we're happy to communicate with your OB or midwife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pelvic pain during pregnancy?
The combination of hormonal ligament loosening and the mechanical stress of a growing baby can destabilize the pelvic joints — particularly the pubic symphysis. Misalignment of the sacrum and SI joints makes it worse.
Can a chiropractor help with SPD?
Yes. Chiropractic is one of the most effective conservative approaches for SPD. By restoring pelvic alignment and reducing soft tissue tension, we address the root cause of the instability.
What is symphysis pubis dysfunction?
SPD is a condition where the pubic symphysis joint at the front of the pelvis becomes painful, inflamed, or overly mobile during pregnancy. It causes pain with walking, weight-bearing, and position changes.
When should I see a chiropractor for pregnancy pelvic pain?
As soon as you start feeling symptoms. The earlier we can address pelvic misalignment, the more effectively we can manage your pain and prevent it from worsening.