Back pain during pregnancy is so common that many expecting mothers in La Cañada and Montrose assume it’s simply part of the experience – something to endure rather than address. But pregnancy-related back pain has real structural causes, and chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free way to manage it throughout all three trimesters. At The Chiropractic Place, Dr. Brian Miller, DC, CCWP, FICPA, has provided certified prenatal chiropractic care for decades, helping mothers in the foothill communities stay comfortable and functional through some of the most physically demanding months of their lives.
Why Back Pain Is So Prevalent During Pregnancy
The physical changes of pregnancy create a perfect storm for spinal stress. As the baby grows and the belly expands, the center of gravity shifts forward – which deepens the lumbar curve and increases compression on the lower vertebrae. The hormone relaxin, released to loosen the pelvic ligaments in preparation for delivery, also reduces the stability of the sacroiliac joints and lumbar spine more broadly. And as the uterus grows, the abdominal muscles that normally support the lumbar spine become stretched and less effective.
The result is that the lower back is asked to do more with less support, in a more mechanically stressed position, for months on end. For many women, this produces back pain that ranges from a persistent dull ache to sharp, debilitating episodes that limit daily activity.
The Types of Back Pain Pregnant Women Experience
Lumbar Back Pain
The most common type during pregnancy – a deep aching in the lower back that worsens with prolonged standing, sitting, or activity. It reflects the increased mechanical load on the lumbar vertebrae and the muscle fatigue that develops as the spine works harder to maintain an upright posture against a shifting center of gravity.
Posterior Pelvic Pain
Often more debilitating than lumbar pain, posterior pelvic pain is felt in the area of the sacrum and sacroiliac joints – the dimples of the lower back, sometimes extending into the buttocks. It’s typically worsened by transitional movements: rolling over in bed, climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car. Relaxin-related SI joint instability is a primary driver, and it responds well to chiropractic care that restores proper sacropelvic alignment.
Sciatica During Pregnancy
As the uterus enlarges, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve or alter the mechanics of the lumbar spine in ways that irritate it. The result is the familiar pattern of pain, tingling, or numbness traveling through the hip and down the leg. Pregnancy-related sciatica tends to worsen in the third trimester and can make sleeping, walking, and sustained activity genuinely difficult. Chiropractic care that reduces lumbar nerve compression offers relief without any medication.
Round Ligament Pain
The round ligaments support the uterus and stretch significantly as it grows. When the pelvis is misaligned, those ligaments carry uneven tension – creating sharp, pulling pain in the lower abdomen or groin, particularly with sudden movements. Restoring pelvic balance through chiropractic adjustments often reduces round ligament tension considerably.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes – when provided by a chiropractor with specific prenatal training. This is where credentials matter. Dr. Brian Miller’s FICPA Fellowship with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association represents post-graduate training specifically in prenatal and pediatric care. He uses techniques and positioning adapted for pregnancy at every stage – including specialized support that allows comfortable positioning even in the third trimester.
The adjustments used during pregnancy are gentler than standard adult adjustments, with no techniques that place pressure on the abdomen. Instrument-assisted approaches are often incorporated, which deliver precise, targeted input without any high-velocity movement. The majority of expecting mothers find the experience comfortable and leave feeling noticeably less tight and more mobile.
We always review your full health history and coordinate with your OB or midwife when helpful. There are specific contraindications for prenatal chiropractic – situations where it would not be appropriate – and we screen for those carefully. For healthy pregnancies, chiropractic care is not only safe but genuinely beneficial for both mother and baby.
Benefits Beyond Pain Relief
Pain relief is the most immediate reason expecting mothers seek pregnancy chiropractic care – but it’s not the only benefit.
Proper pelvic alignment creates more symmetrical space in the uterus, which supports optimal baby positioning as the due date approaches. The Webster Technique – a chiropractic analysis and adjustment approach specific to pregnancy – is designed with this in mind, and many midwives and OBs are familiar with its application.
Maintaining spinal and pelvic mobility throughout pregnancy also supports a more comfortable labor and recovery. Patients who receive consistent prenatal chiropractic care often report that their labor felt more manageable and their postpartum recovery was smoother – though individual experiences vary and we’d never overstate what to expect.
How Often Should You Come In During Pregnancy?
It depends on your symptoms and how far along you are. Many women benefit from monthly visits through the second trimester, increasing to bi-weekly or weekly care in the third trimester as physical demands peak. Women experiencing significant pain or pelvic instability earlier in pregnancy may need more frequent care from the start.
After your initial evaluation, we’ll give you a realistic recommendation based on what we find – not a scripted schedule. The goal is to keep you as comfortable and functional as possible throughout your pregnancy, and the plan adjusts as your body changes.
Serving Expecting Mothers in La Cañada and the Crescenta Valley
La Cañada Flintridge and the surrounding foothill communities have a strong family culture and a high concentration of young families building their lives in one of Los Angeles County’s most desirable areas. The Chiropractic Place has been part of that community for over four decades – caring for mothers during pregnancy, their newborns, and watching those children grow up into the next generation of patients.
If you’re expecting and dealing with back pain, pelvic discomfort, or sciatica – or simply want to support your body through a healthy pregnancy – we’d be glad to help. Call us at (818) 249-2300 or visit our contact page to schedule. New patients are welcome and can take advantage of our new patient special to get started.
