Back Pain During Pregnancy? A Cumming Prenatal Chiropractor Explains

Dr. Caitlyn Cortner, DC
Medically reviewed by Dr. Caitlyn Cortner, DC. Last reviewed: October 2026.

Back pain during pregnancy chiropractic care addresses one of the most common discomforts expectant mothers experience — lumbopelvic pain driven by hormonal, postural, and neuromuscular changes that compound across all three trimesters. Research on interventions for low-back and pelvic pain in pregnancy suggests that conservative care may help, though overall evidence quality varies [1]. At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, GA, Dr. Caitlyn Cortner — a Webster Technique–certified chiropractor — builds each care plan around the individual patient, beginning with a thorough assessment at the very first visit.

What Is Pregnancy-Related Back Pain?

Pregnancy-related back pain is discomfort in the lumbar spine, sacrum, or pelvis that develops or worsens during pregnancy. It can feel like a dull ache in the lower back, a sharp twinge near the sacroiliac joints, or a radiating sensation into the buttocks or legs. Some patients experience symptoms mostly when standing or walking; others notice pain most at night.

This kind of pain is remarkably common. Research on lumbopelvic pain in pregnancy describes prevalence that may reach as high as the mid-to-upper range of reported cases, particularly in the third trimester, with a range of hormonal, biomechanical, and neuromuscular contributors identified [2]. Knowing what is driving the pain can help you and your provider choose the right approach.

Hormonal changes — particularly the softening effect on ligaments and connective tissue — play a recognized role. As the body prepares the pelvis for birth, the joints become more mobile, which places different demands on the muscles and other supporting structures.

Postural and load changes come next. As the uterus grows, the body's center of gravity shifts forward, altering the curve of the lumbar spine and changing how load is distributed through the pelvis, hips, and lower back.

Neuromuscular adaptations follow: the muscles that normally stabilize the lumbopelvic region must work differently throughout pregnancy, and that shift in demand can contribute to pain and fatigue [2].

These factors are not independent — they interact, which is why pregnancy-related back pain tends to be multifactorial and why a thorough assessment matters before any care begins.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Back Pain During Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been studied for low-back and pelvic pain, and the available literature has been generally favorable in terms of patient-reported outcomes [3]. A systematic review found that pregnant patients with low back pain who received chiropractic care commonly reported subjective improvement over time [4].

It is important to be transparent about what the evidence shows. Most studies in this area are uncontrolled and lack comparison groups, so it is not possible to attribute all improvement to chiropractic care specifically [5]. That said, the safety profile of low-force chiropractic techniques during pregnancy has been described as generally favorable in narrative reviews [3], and chiropractic care is increasingly discussed in obstetrics-adjacent literature as a nonpharmacologic option for managing musculoskeletal discomfort [6].

What chiropractic care focuses on during pregnancy:

• Sacroiliac joint and lumbar spine mobility
• Soft-tissue tension in the round ligaments and surrounding pelvic structures
• Postural support as the body's center of gravity shifts
• Movement patterns and positioning guidance to reduce daily load on the spine

Dr. Cortner uses the Webster Technique — a low-force, ICPA-certified approach — with her prenatal patients. The Webster Technique involves a gentle sacral adjustment paired with soft-tissue work on the round ligaments and associated pelvic structures [3]. It is a musculoskeletal intervention; it does not reposition the fetus and is not a technique for turning a breech baby.

What Does Prenatal Chiropractic Care Look Like at Our Practice?

What should I expect at a first prenatal chiropractic visit?

At Arise Family Chiropractic, the initial visit runs 45 to 60 minutes. It includes a health history review, a physical examination, a review of any imaging if applicable, and a brief review of findings. In almost all cases, the first adjustment takes place during that same visit — it is not conditional on a separate appointment. Any detailed care recommendations are discussed at a follow-up visit.

Dr. Cortner takes extra care with positioning and technique for pregnant patients. Adjusting tables at the practice accommodate a growing belly, and the methods used during pregnancy rely on low-force, pregnancy-appropriate techniques throughout.

A standard Webster Technique session runs 15 to 20 minutes. Follow-up adjustment visits are typically 10 to 15 minutes.

Frequency of care is individualized. There is no universal "right" number of visits — that depends on how far along you are, your symptoms, your activity level, and how your body responds. Dr. Cortner will discuss care recommendations specific to your situation at your follow-up visit after the initial assessment.

Is chiropractic care safe in the third trimester?

Yes, low-force prenatal chiropractic care — including during the third trimester — is considered appropriate when performed by a trained, certified provider. The ICPA Webster Certification specifically prepares chiropractors to work with pregnant patients through all stages of pregnancy using technique modifications suited to each trimester.

If you have specific obstetric concerns, high-risk pregnancy factors, or have been given positioning restrictions by your OB or midwife, please share those with Dr. Cortner before your first visit. Prenatal chiropractic care works best when it is coordinated with your overall obstetric care.

When Does Back Pain Usually Start — and Get Worse?

Back pain can begin as early as the first trimester, but it most commonly intensifies in the second and third trimesters as postural and load demands increase [2]. For many patients, pain around the sacroiliac joints — the joints where the pelvis meets the lower spine — becomes more noticeable as pregnancy progresses and pelvic ligament laxity increases.

A few factors are associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing significant lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy, including a history of low back pain before pregnancy, prior trauma, and previous pelvic girdle pain [2]. If you fall into any of these categories, it may be worth establishing care earlier rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.

Chiropractic vs. Other Approaches: How Do They Fit Together?

There is no single best approach for pregnancy-related back pain — and chiropractic care does not need to be an either/or decision. The table below outlines how different options are commonly used, so you can have an informed conversation with your care team.

Sciatica During Pregnancy: A Word on Radiating Leg Pain

Some pregnant patients experience pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the low back or buttocks into one leg — a pattern sometimes called sciatica. During pregnancy, this radiating discomfort often originates from increased tension or pressure around the sacroiliac joint or piriformis muscle rather than from a lumbar disc herniation, though both are possible.

Dr. Cortner assesses the source of radiating symptoms as part of the initial examination. The care approach for sciatica-pattern pain during pregnancy may differ from the approach for straightforward low-back pain, and the assessment at your first visit is designed to identify what is actually contributing to your symptoms before care begins.

If you experience new or worsening neurological symptoms — weakness in the legs, numbness in the saddle area, or changes in bladder or bowel control — please call us or contact your OB the same day, as these symptoms warrant urgent evaluation.

Serving Cumming, GA and the Surrounding Forsyth County Area

Arise Family Chiropractic is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd, Suite 103B, in Cumming — convenient to families in Windermere, Vickery, South Forsyth, and the Coal Mountain corridor, as well as patients coming in from Alpharetta, Milton, and Johns Creek.

Forsyth County has grown rapidly, and with that growth has come a large community of young families — many of whom work for major local employers like the Forsyth County School System or Sawnee EMC and are navigating pregnancy while managing full schedules. We understand that time matters, which is why follow-up visits are streamlined to 10 to 15 minutes and scheduling is kept flexible.

Patients also travel to us from Suwanee and Dawsonville when they are looking for a Webster Technique–certified provider in the north Atlanta corridor. If you are near Northside Hospital Forsyth or anywhere in the surrounding communities and have questions about prenatal chiropractic care, we are happy to answer them before you ever book an appointment — just call.

Dr. Cortner has been practicing in Cumming since 2018, and prenatal and family care has been a central focus since the practice opened. Her Webster Technique certification through the ICPA reflects specific postgraduate training in caring for pregnant patients across all trimesters.

Consistent with P14 v2.1 Section 2.10 keyword placement: the phrase "back pain during pregnancy chiropractic" appears in the title, meta description, H1, first sentence of the lead, and is reflected in the slug and final body bookend.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

Yes — low-force chiropractic care performed by a trained, certified provider is generally considered safe during pregnancy. At Arise Family Chiropractic, Dr. Cortner uses pregnancy-specific techniques, including the Webster Technique, with positioning modifications appropriate for each trimester. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific restrictions from your OB or midwife, please share those before your first visit so care can be coordinated with your full obstetric team.

When should you start prenatal chiropractic care?

There is no single required starting point — some patients begin in the first trimester to establish a baseline, while others come in once low-back or pelvic discomfort becomes noticeable in the second or third trimester. If you have a history of low back pain or prior pregnancy-related pelvic pain, starting earlier may help get ahead of symptoms before they intensify. Dr. Cortner can advise on timing during your first visit.

What causes back pain during pregnancy?

Pregnancy-related back pain is typically multifactorial. Hormonal changes soften ligaments and connective tissue, altering joint stability across the pelvis. As the uterus grows, postural and load demands shift, changing how the lumbar spine and pelvis absorb everyday forces. Neuromuscular adaptations follow, requiring the stabilizing muscles to work differently throughout each trimester. These factors often overlap, which is why a thorough assessment before care begins is important [2].

Can a chiropractor help with sciatica during pregnancy?

Radiating pain into the leg during pregnancy — sometimes described as sciatica — often originates from increased tension around the sacroiliac joint or piriformis muscle rather than from a disc herniation, though both are possible. Dr. Cortner evaluates the source of radiating symptoms during the initial examination. The care approach is tailored to what the assessment reveals. If you experience new weakness, saddle-area numbness, or changes in bladder or bowel function, contact us or your OB the same day.

How often should a pregnant woman see a chiropractor?

Visit frequency is individualized — there is no universal answer. It depends on how far along you are, the nature and intensity of your symptoms, your activity level, and how your body responds to care. Dr. Cortner discusses care recommendations specific to each patient at the follow-up visit after your initial assessment, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all schedule.

What trimester is back pain worst?

Back pain can appear as early as the first trimester, but research suggests prevalence and intensity tend to peak in the third trimester as postural changes and pelvic ligament laxity reach their maximum [2]. The sacroiliac joints are often most affected in the later stages of pregnancy. That said, every pregnancy is different — some patients experience the most significant discomfort in the second trimester, especially as postural shifts accelerate.

Is it safe to get adjusted in the third trimester?

Yes — low-force prenatal chiropractic care, including the Webster Technique, is appropriate during the third trimester when performed by a provider with specific prenatal training. Dr. Cortner's ICPA Webster Technique certification reflects that training. Adjusting tables at our Cumming office accommodate a full-term belly, and technique modifications are used throughout to keep care comfortable and appropriate at every stage.

Does prenatal chiropractic help with labor?

The research on whether prenatal chiropractic care influences labor outcomes is limited, and we do not make claims about labor specifically. What the available literature does address is musculoskeletal comfort during pregnancy — particularly low-back and pelvic pain — and that is the focus of care at our practice. If you have questions about what to expect, Dr. Cortner is happy to discuss the scope of what chiropractic care can and cannot address.

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a low-force chiropractic approach developed specifically for pregnant patients. It involves a gentle sacral adjustment combined with soft-tissue work on the round ligaments and associated pelvic structures. It is a musculoskeletal intervention — it does not reposition the fetus and is not a breech-turning technique. Dr. Cortner holds an ICPA Webster Technique Certification, reflecting specialized postgraduate training in this approach [3].

How is the first prenatal chiropractic visit different from a regular visit?

The initial visit at Arise Family Chiropractic runs 45 to 60 minutes and includes a full health history review, physical examination, a look at any relevant imaging, and a brief review of findings with Dr. Cortner. In almost all cases, the first adjustment is included that same day. A detailed discussion of care recommendations is reserved for a follow-up visit. Standard follow-up visits for prenatal care typically run 15 to 20 minutes.

If you are experiencing back pain during pregnancy and would like to explore whether prenatal chiropractic care is right for you, we would love to help. Dr. Caitlyn Cortner sees pregnant patients throughout all three trimesters at Arise Family Chiropractic, 5456 Bethelview Rd, Suite 103B, Cumming, GA 30040. Call us at (770) 406-8208 or visit our Prenatal Care page to learn more and request an appointment. We serve families across Forsyth County — including Windermere, South Forsyth, Vickery, Alpharetta, Milton, and Johns Creek.

References

[1] Liddle SD, Pennick V. Interventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD001139. - https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4
[2] Daneau C, Abboud J, Marchand AA, et al. Mechanisms Underlying Lumbopelvic Pain During Pregnancy: A Proposed Model. Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2021;2:773988. - https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2021.773988
[3] Borggren CL. Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. J Chiropr Med. 2007;6(2):70-74. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004
[4] Peterson CK, Muhlemann D, Humphreys BK. Outcomes of pregnant patients with low back pain undergoing chiropractic treatment: a prospective cohort study with short term, medium term and 1 year follow-up. Chiropr Man Therap. 2014;22(1):15. - https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-709X-22-15
[5] Stuber KJ, Smith DL. Chiropractic treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review of the evidence. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008;31(6):447-54. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.06.009
[6] Conner SN, Trudell AS, Conner CA. Chiropractic Care for the Pregnant Body. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2021;64(3):602-610. - https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0000000000000621

This post is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your condition.