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Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care: Safe Relief for Back and Pelvic Pain

Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care

Pregnancy is a transformative and exciting journey, but it often brings physical challenges, especially back and pelvic discomfort. As the body shifts to support a growing baby, posture changes, joints loosen, and muscles work harder than ever. These changes can leave many expecting mothers searching for natural, safe ways to feel more comfortable. It’s no surprise that people frequently look for a “chiropractor near me” to help ease the strain on the spine and pelvis.

This is where chiropractic care becomes a supportive option. Through gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques, Aspire Chiropractic helps reduce tension, improve mobility, and support the body as it adapts to each stage of pregnancy.

Why Pregnancy Often Leads to Back and Pelvic Pain

Back and pelvic discomfort during pregnancy is extremely common. In fact, many women experience these symptoms as early as the first trimester, with intensity often increasing as the pregnancy progresses. Several factors contribute to these changes:

Postural Shifts

As the belly grows outward, the lumbar spine naturally curves more to maintain balance. This increased curve places additional pressure on the lower back muscles and joints.

Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, hormones help loosen ligaments and joints to prepare the pelvis for birth. While essential, this increased flexibility can also create instability and discomfort.

Weight Distribution

More weight in the abdominal area shifts the body’s center of gravity forward, forcing the back and hips to work harder to maintain alignment.

Muscle Imbalances

Tightness in the hip flexors, lower back, and pelvic region can restrict movement and contribute to discomfort.

Understanding these changes helps explain why many expecting mothers consider finding a back pain chiropractor to help create more stability and comfort throughout pregnancy.

How Chiropractic Care Supports the Pregnant Body

Chiropractic care focuses on maintaining proper alignment of the spine and pelvis. During pregnancy, this is especially important, as proper alignment helps ensure the nervous system functions efficiently and the body adapts more comfortably to physical changes.

Gentle Adjustments for Expecting Mothers

Chiropractic techniques used during pregnancy are modified to be safe and comfortable. Special tables and positioning supports allow expecting mothers to lie comfortably while receiving care. These adjustments help:

  • Reduce lower back tension

  • Improve pelvic alignment

  • Support better posture

  • Relieve pressure on the hips and sacrum

  • Allow more balanced movement

Supporting the Nervous System

The spine houses the nervous system, which plays a major role in overall comfort and body function. When spinal alignment is improved, nerve communication becomes clearer, supporting better mobility and reducing unnecessary tension.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Expecting mothers turn to chiropractic care for a wide range of comfort-focused benefits. While each experience is unique, many report improvements such as:

Reduced Back Pain

This is the most common reason pregnant women look for a “chiropractor near me.” Gentle adjustments help reduce strain on the lower back, where pressure often increases.

Improved Pelvic Alignment

Pelvic balance is essential for comfort, especially in the second and third trimesters. Proper alignment can reduce sacral and hip discomfort.

Better Mobility and Flexibility

When the spine and pelvis move properly, everyday activities, like walking, sitting, and sleeping, often feel easier.

More Comfortable Posture

Addressing poor posture can help reduce shoulder tightness, mid-back discomfort, and neck strain caused by weight shifts.

Enhanced Overall Comfort

Consistent chiropractic care helps support a healthier pregnancy experience with improved movement and less physical tension.

Safety of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

One of the most common questions expecting mothers ask is whether chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy. For healthy pregnancies, chiropractic care is widely considered a natural and comfortable approach to managing discomfort.

Key safety considerations include:

  • Techniques are adjusted specifically for expecting mothers

  • Chiropractors use pregnancy-safe positioning

  • Movements are gentle and non-forceful

  • No twisting or pressure is applied to the abdomen

Expecting mothers should always inform their chiropractor about their stage of pregnancy so care can be appropriately tailored.

When to Consider Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy 

Back and pelvic discomfort can make pregnancy physically challenging, but support is available. If you’re experiencing tension, limited mobility, or changes in your posture, chiropractic care may help you feel more comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

Aspire Chiropractic welcomes expecting mothers who are searching for chiropractic care, looking for a chiropractor near me, or hoping to find natural support through a back pain chiropractor. Their approach focuses on alignment, mobility, and comfort at every stage of pregnancy. Contact us today!

  • Chiropractor

Dr. Annmarie King

Dr. King has been helping patients improve their health and mobility through chiropractic care since graduating from University of Western States in 2009. With more than 13 years of experience, she is dedicated to providing advanced spinal correction using safe, comfortable, and effective techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. King combines years of training with a patient-centered approach to care. She specializes in chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression, helping patients find relief from pain, restore movement, and support long-term spinal health.

Dr. King earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from University of Western States and also holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Management and Nutrition from Oregon State University. She is licensed through the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and the Oregon Health Authority.

Dr. King utilizes a variety of proven chiropractic techniques, including Diversified Technique, Drop Table Adjustments, Cox Flexion-Distraction Technique, and Activator Method. These modern methods allow her to deliver precise spinal corrections that are safer, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before.

Education

  • Western States University Portland OR – Doctor of Chiropractic
  • Graduated 2009, 13 years of experience
  • Oregon State University, Corvallis Oregon – Bachelor of Science (Food Management and Nutrition)

Licensure

  • Oregon Stated Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • Oregon Department of Radiology
  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Spinal Decompression

Techniques Used

  • Diversified (most common and its hand on)
  • Drop Table Adjustments
  • Cox Flexion – Distraction
  • Activator Method
  • Chiropractor

Dr. Mark Betsill

Dr. Mark Betsill is a dedicated chiropractor serving patients in Gresham with more than a decade of experience helping individuals move better, feel better, and return to the activities they enjoy most. He earned his undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Health from Boise State University, where his interest in health and human performance first began to take shape.

After experiencing firsthand how chiropractic care helped him recover from an upper back injury that was affecting his golf game, Dr. Betsill discovered the path he wanted to pursue. He went on to attend Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2007.

Dr. Betsill focuses on helping patients recover from neck and back pain, sports injuries, postural stress, auto accident injuries, and workplace-related conditions. He uses gentle, effective techniques including manual adjustments, the Activator Method, and drop-table adjustments to address spinal misalignment and extremity dysfunction. He also has a special clinical interest in neck and lower back disc herniations, often combining chiropractic adjustments with computerized mechanical traction to improve pain relief, mobility, and function.

While many patients first visit because of pain, Dr. Betsill is passionate about helping them move beyond symptom relief. His goal is to help people improve functional movement, maintain spinal health, and support long-term wellness. He treats patients of all ages—including infants, children, teens, athletes, and pregnant women—and believes chiropractic care can play an important role in addressing not only spinal concerns, but also shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot discomfort.

Shortly before graduating in 2007, Dr. Betsill faced a personal health challenge that deeply shaped his philosophy of care. After multiple emergency room visits for dizziness, syncope, and chest pain, he began looking beyond symptoms alone. Through that experience, he came to better understand the effects of physical, chemical, and emotional stress on the body. By combining chiropractic care, massage, exercise, and proper nutrition, he restored his own health—an experience that continues to influence the way he cares for patients today.

Originally from northern Nevada and southern Idaho, Dr. Betsill grew up playing sports, with golf becoming a lifelong favorite. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Today, he and his wife and two sons enjoy life in the Pacific Northwest. When he’s not in the office, you’ll often find him on the course with the men’s club at Gresham Golf Course or staying active and fit with his family.