A Gentle, Effective Approach to Pelvic Pain (SPD/PGP)
Pregnancy asks a lot of your body.
As your belly grows and your center of gravity shifts, your pelvis begins to adapt in real time—softening, widening, and preparing for birth. For many women, this process unfolds with manageable discomfort. But for others, it brings something more intense: sharp, persistent pain at the front of the pelvis that makes even simple movements feel difficult.
If you’ve felt pain when walking, turning in bed, or getting dressed, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.
At Ray of Light Chiropractic in Topsfield, Massachusetts, we work with women throughout pregnancy who are experiencing pubic symphysis pain (often called SPD or pelvic girdle pain). Our approach is gentle, specific, and designed to support your body without adding stress or force.
This is not something you just have to push through.
What Is Pubic Symphysis Pain (SPD)?
The pubic symphysis is a small joint located at the front of your pelvis where the left and right pelvic bones meet. During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin, which allows the ligaments around this joint—and throughout the pelvis—to soften and become more mobile.
This is a necessary and intelligent part of preparing for birth.
However, when the pelvis becomes imbalanced or unstable, that increased mobility can lead to irritation, inflammation, and pain at the pubic joint. This is commonly referred to as:
- Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
- Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
While the terminology varies, the experience is often very similar.
Common Symptoms of Pubic Symphysis Pain
Women experiencing SPD often describe:
- Sharp or aching pain at the front of the pelvis
- Pain when walking, especially with longer strides
- Difficulty rolling over in bed
- Discomfort when standing on one leg (getting dressed, climbing stairs)
- Clicking or grinding sensations in the pelvic area
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
In more advanced cases, even short periods of walking or standing can feel exhausting.
One of the most frustrating parts is how quickly it can change your day-to-day life—turning routine movements into something you have to think carefully about.
Why This Happens During Pregnancy
Pubic symphysis pain is rarely caused by just one thing. It’s usually the result of a combination of changes happening at once:
1. Hormonal changes
Relaxin increases ligament laxity, which can reduce stability in the pelvis.
2. Postural shifts
As your belly grows, your posture changes—placing new stress on the pelvis and sacroiliac joints.
3. Pelvic imbalance
If one side of the pelvis is moving differently than the other, it can create uneven tension across the pubic joint.
4. Muscle compensation
Surrounding muscles (hips, inner thighs, pelvic floor) may tighten or overwork to stabilize the area, adding to discomfort.
This is why rest alone often doesn’t fully resolve the issue—the underlying imbalance is still there.
A Gentle, Targeted Approach to Care
At Ray of Light Chiropractic, our focus is not just on relieving pain—but on restoring balance to the pelvis so your body can function more comfortably throughout pregnancy.
We use techniques that are specifically adapted for pregnant women and designed to work with your body, not against it.
Webster Technique
The Webster Technique is a gentle chiropractic analysis and adjustment focused on the sacrum and pelvis.
When the sacrum is not moving well, it can create tension in the ligaments surrounding the uterus and pelvis. This tension often contributes to imbalance and discomfort at the pubic symphysis.
By restoring proper motion and reducing tension, many patients experience:
- Reduced pelvic pain
- Improved mobility
- Less strain with walking and daily movement
Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT)
SOT is a low-force approach that uses specialized positioning and blocks to support pelvic alignment.
There is no forceful adjustment. Instead, the body is guided into a more balanced position using gravity and gentle support.
This is especially helpful for patients who feel inflamed, sensitive, or overwhelmed by more traditional approaches.
Craniopathy
Craniopathy involves subtle work with the skull and nervous system.
While it may seem unrelated to pelvic pain, the nervous system plays a central role in how your body perceives and processes tension. Supporting it can help reduce overall stress patterns in the body, allowing muscles and ligaments to relax more naturally.
Many patients report feeling calmer, more settled, and physically lighter after care.
What Patients Often Notice
While every pregnancy is different, many women begin to notice changes such as:
- Less pain when walking or changing positions
- Improved sleep (especially when rolling over)
- Reduced pressure in the pelvis
- A greater sense of stability and confidence in movement
Just as importantly, they often feel more supported—physically and emotionally—during a time that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
You Don’t Have to “Push Through It”
There’s a common narrative around pregnancy that discomfort is just something to tolerate.
But there’s a difference between normal change and unnecessary suffering.
Research supports the use of individualized, hands-on care for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy as both safe and effective. More importantly, clinical experience shows that when the pelvis is supported and balanced, the body functions better overall.
Your body is doing something extraordinary. It deserves support while it does it.
When Should You Seek Care?
You don’t need to wait until the pain becomes severe.
If you’re noticing:
- Pain that’s changing how you move
- Difficulty with daily activities
- Increasing discomfort as pregnancy progresses
It’s worth addressing early.
We regularly see patients throughout all stages of pregnancy—from first trimester through the final weeks—and tailor care to exactly where you are.
Serving Topsfield and the North Shore Community
Ray of Light Chiropractic is located in Topsfield, MA and serves families across the North Shore, including Boxford, Middleton, Ipswich, Hamilton, and North Andover.
We specialize in gentle, pregnancy-focused chiropractic care designed to help you feel more at ease in your body throughout every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe for pubic symphysis pain during pregnancy?
Yes. When performed by a provider trained in prenatal care, chiropractic techniques are gentle, specific, and adapted for pregnancy. We avoid any forceful movements and prioritize comfort at every step.
Can chiropractic care make SPD go away completely?
Every case is different. While we can’t guarantee complete resolution, many patients experience significant relief, improved mobility, and better day-to-day function with consistent care.
How quickly will I feel a difference?
Some patients notice changes within a few visits, especially with movement-related pain. Others experience more gradual improvement as the body stabilizes.
Do I need a referral from my OB or midwife?
No referral is required, though we are always happy to coordinate care with your provider if needed.
Will treatment hurt?
No. Our approach is low-force and designed to feel comfortable and supportive. Many patients find sessions relaxing.
Can I continue care throughout my entire pregnancy?
Yes. Many patients choose to continue care throughout pregnancy to maintain pelvic balance and support overall comfort.
A Thought to Leave You With
Pubic symphysis pain can feel limiting—but it doesn’t define your pregnancy.
With the right support, your body can move differently, feel differently, and function more comfortably as it continues this process.
If you’re in the Topsfield or North Shore area and looking for a gentle, thoughtful approach to pregnancy care, we’re here.
Schedule your visit with Ray of Light Chiropractic Online
Topsfield, MA
978-887-9889
www.rolchiro.com