Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, aka SPD or "It feels like someone kicked me in the crotch!" is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy. Diagnosed only in 1/300 pregnancies, but believed to occur in up to 25% of pregnancies, SPD makes it so hard to walk, roll over in bed, clean, and generally do all the things that being a woman requires.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN? SPD includes misalignment and inflammation of the front of the front part of your pelvic bones, or ilia. Your pelvis is a bony ring. The extra weight and forward shift in your center of gravity in pregnancy, along with the hormone relaxin that allows your pelvis to open up for birth, all may put extra load on the front of your pelvic joint. In addition, the growth of the uterus stretches out the fascia that surrounds groups of muscles in the front of your abdomen, weakening your core. The extra weight of the baby and all the fluids also load the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that attach to this area.
WHAT CAN HELP IT? The Webster Technique is a chiropactic assessment and adjustment for faulty biomechanics in the sacrum and pelvic bones. The adjustment can gently restore normal motion and nerve function in this area, which can take pressure off the pubic bone. In addition, the Webster Technique addresses muscles and ligaments (namely the hip flexors and round ligaments) that attach in the pubic area that may be pulling unevenly causing the pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy may also be very beneficial, as well as wearing a belly band (we recommend the Serola) while upright.
Your suffering can be improved! Contact us for an evaluation to see if misalignment in your sacrum and pelvis could be contributing to your SPD.