Why Pregnancy Changes Your Spine and Pelvis
Pregnancy brings remarkable changes — a growing baby, shifting organs, and a center of gravity that moves forward week by week. These changes place new demands on your lower back, pelvis, and the ligaments that support them. As the hormone relaxin loosens your joints in preparation for birth, spinal subluxations can develop more easily, leading to back pain, pelvic pressure, and discomfort.
Common Pregnancy Discomforts Chiropractic May Help
- Low back pain: As your belly grows, the lumbar curve deepens, stressing the lower spine.
- Pelvic pain and SPD: Loose sacroiliac joints can cause sharp pain when walking or rolling in bed.
- Round ligament pain: Stretching ligaments on either side of the uterus can cause sharp, pulling sensations.
- Sciatica: Pelvic tension may compress the sciatic nerve, sending pain down the leg.
- Mid-back and rib pain: Expanding ribs and postural shifts create tension between the shoulder blades.
The Webster Technique Explained
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and gentle sacral adjustment developed by Dr. Larry Webster. Its goal is to reduce sacral subluxation and support balanced tension in the pelvic ligaments and muscles. When the pelvis is balanced, the environment for the growing baby may be more optimal.
Dr. Lackner is trained in the Webster Technique and adapts every aspect of care to your stage of pregnancy, using special positioning and gentle, low-force contacts.
What a Prenatal Visit Looks Like
- Consultation: Dr. Lackner reviews your pregnancy history, symptoms, and goals.
- Gentle assessment: A myoVision scan and motion palpation identify areas of pelvic and spinal tension — no X-rays during pregnancy.
- Webster adjustment: A gentle sacral adjustment with comfortable side-lying or kneeling positioning.
- Home guidance: Stretches, sleeping positions, and movement tips tailored to your trimester.
Is It Safe? What the Evidence Says
Multiple studies and the American Pregnancy Association recognize chiropractic care as safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained practitioner. Dr. Lackner avoids X-rays during pregnancy and modifies all techniques for your comfort and safety.
Find Prenatal Chiropractic Care in Peoria, IL
If pregnancy discomfort is affecting your daily life, gentle Webster Technique care may help. Visit our prenatal and Webster page or call (309) 685-5777 to schedule your visit.
