Chiropractic For New Mothers: Safe Pain Relief After Childbirth

Giving birth takes a real toll on your body. If you’re feeling sore, stiff, or out of balance, you’re not alone. A recent study found that nearly 91% of postpartum women experience some form of physical pain, with back, pelvic, and joint discomfort being the most common complaints. Many women try to manage this pain with rest, home remedies, or traditional methods. In the Philippines, for example, self-care during postpartum recovery is a common approach.

But sometimes, that’s not enough. Chiropractic treatment offers gentle, hands-on care to help your body recover and move better. It works with your body’s natural healing process to restore balance and reduce pain.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• What causes postpartum pain
• How chiropractic care supports healing
• The techniques they use
• What to expect during treatment

Let’s understand what’s happening inside your body and how to feel like yourself again.

Understanding Postpartum Pain Conditions

Pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn place a lot of stress on your body. It’s no surprise that many women feel aches and pains long after delivery. But ongoing pain isn’t something you just have to accept.

Discomfort can show up in different ways—like a sore lower back, tight shoulders, or sharp pain in the hips or pelvis. These symptoms often come from physical strain, hormonal changes, and the way your body adjusted during pregnancy.

Understanding the source of your discomfort is the first step toward lasting relief. Let’s look at the areas where postpartum pain is most common.

Where Does It Hurt? Common Postpartum Pain Areas

Your body goes through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth. These are the areas where pain tends to show up most often:

• Back pain – Carrying extra weight, changes in posture, and the strain of labor can leave your back feeling tight and sore. Many women also deal with lower back pain from breastfeeding or lifting their baby.
• Neck pain – Looking down at your baby while feeding or holding them can cause stiffness in your neck. Poor posture and muscle fatigue often make this worse.
• Shoulder pain – Holding your newborn for long periods can stress your shoulder joints. This tension builds up quickly, especially when combined with a lack of sleep or physical exhaustion.
• Hip pain – The hips widen and shift during pregnancy. After delivery, some women continue to feel discomfort, especially when walking, sitting, or getting out of bed.
• Pelvic pain – Pressure from the baby and stretching during birth can affect the pelvic joints. This can lead to lingering pain that makes it harder to move or stand for long periods.

How Chiropractic Treatment Supports Postpartum Recovery

Your body goes through major changes during pregnancy and childbirth. These changes can cause pain, tension, or misalignment that linger long after delivery. 

1. Restoring spinal alignment

Pregnancy often shifts your posture and spine out of place. Chiropractic adjustments help bring your spine back into balance, reducing pressure and tension. This kind of care works well for postpartum back pain that makes movement difficult.

2. Improving nervous system function

The spine protects your nervous system, which controls everything from movement to healing. When the spine is out of alignment, it can block proper nerve signals. A doctor of chiropractic focuses on restoring this communication to improve how your body functions.

3. Supporting natural healing

Realigning the spine and restoring nerve function helps your body work the way it’s meant to. Instead of covering up pain, this holistic approach supports real healing. Here’s a deeper look at the benefits of postpartum chiropractic care from experienced practitioners.

4. Easing common postpartum issues

Pain in the back, pelvis, or joints can affect how you hold your baby or go through daily tasks. Chiropractic care offers safe, drug-free relief for these challenges. Gentle adjustments can help you move more freely and feel more supported in this new season.

Common Chiropractic Techniques Used in Postpartum Care

Not all chiropractic care looks the same. A doctor of chiropractic will choose techniques based on your symptoms, body type, and comfort level. Here are some of the most common methods used to support postpartum healing:

• Diversified technique – This is the most widely used chiropractic method. It involves quick, gentle thrusts to adjust specific joints. These movements can help restore alignment and relieve pressure in your spine.
• Spinal mobilization – A slower, more controlled technique that uses gentle stretches and movements. It’s often used when your joints feel stiff or if you need a softer approach after childbirth.
• Activator method – Instead of using hands, this technique relies on a small handheld tool to deliver low-force adjustments. It’s ideal if you prefer minimal pressure or are still feeling sensitive after delivery.
• Flexion distraction – This gentle, table-assisted technique helps reduce pressure on the spine, especially in the lower back. It’s commonly used to treat herniated discs or ongoing back pain after pregnancy.
• Spinal decompression – Designed to relieve pressure in the spine, this method involves slow, rhythmic stretching. It can be helpful if you have nerve pain or disc issues that flare up during or after pregnancy.

Each technique is safe, controlled, and designed to support your healing at your own pace.

Feel Stronger, Move Better, Heal Naturally

Your postpartum journey doesn’t have to include ongoing pain. The discomfort you feel in your back, hips, or joints is your body’s way of asking for support.

At Posture Perfect Chiropractic, we’re here to support your healing after birth. Our team offers expert chiropractic treatment that helps relieve pain and restore movement naturally. You don’t have to go through recovery alone. Book a consultation using our new patient portal today to start feeling strong, steady, and supported.

Frequently Asked Questions