Relief from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is Common

Many pregnant women suffer from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) during the third trimester of pregnancy, and sometimes earlier, which can result in severe, distressing pain in the groin and in the pubis. The pain can make walking, moving and twisting painful and can also be linked to lower back pain.

What is SPD?

Generally SPD occurs as part of a change to the function of the pelvis and lower back. As your pregnancy develops there is a change to how and where weight is transferred down through the lower back and pelvis. This, together with hormonal changes that cause ligaments to become more elastic (commonly relaxin), results in the pubic joint being unable to bear weigh and transfer it through the pelvis during walking.

The pubic joint is what is referred to as a fibrocartilaginous joint which connects bones together with thousands of tiny ligaments. Unlike the more common synovial joints which allow one bone to sweep across another, fibrocartilaginous joints are more like ‘velcro’ which allows torsion and flexibility rather than bone translation.

Once these ligaments begin to soften with relaxin they can become inflamed, making each step painful as the joint becomes torsioned.

Importantly this effect almost never occurs in isolation and is part of a failure of the whole pelvis which has three bones and three joints. The two joints at the back, the sacroiliac joints (SI joints), will also be involved as they are affected by relaxin. This is how chiropractic care can help significantly.

Chiropractic Care is Safe and Effective for Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

Chiropractors make very gentle adjustments to the way the SI joints function and begin to restore the pelvic function as a whole. This reduces the load on the symphysis and allows the inflammation to reduce, bringing symptomatic relief. Most women report good improvement after they are adjusted.

Safe and Comfortable

Making adjustments to the pelvis is safe and comfortable for the mother and the baby and most expectant mothers have good relief or at least a reduction in their symptoms. You will not need to undress and whilst you will receive a thorough examination you will never be asked to remove your underwear (unlike with a midwife) – this is not an intimate reproductive examination.

We are a recommended practitioner with Pelvic Partnership which helps to provide women with information about the best practice for the treatment and management of pregnancy-related PGP, formerly known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.
Care in Pregnancy

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) Norwich, Norfolk NFK | Inspired Chiropractic