Pregnancy Back Pain and Pelvic Pain Assessment in Adelaide
Up to 70% of pregnant women experience low back pain, and pelvic girdle pain affects approximately 1 in 5. The biomechanical changes of pregnancy – shifting centre of gravity, increased lumbar curve, and hormonal ligament laxity – place significant load on your spine and pelvis. Pain during pregnancy is common, but it does not have to be something you simply endure.
At Stapleton Chiropractic, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) provides thorough assessments for pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Gentle, low-force techniques and pregnancy-specific positioning are available. Your first visit is $69 and includes assessment and, where clinically appropriate, care on the same day.
Does this sound familiar?
Tap a card to learn more about what may be contributing.
Your back aches more each trimester
Low back pain that started as a niggle is now affecting how you sit, sleep, and move through your day.
Pelvic pain makes walking difficult
Sharp pain in the front or back of your pelvis, especially when rolling in bed, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg.
You cannot find a comfortable sleeping position
Every position hurts. Side-sleeping leaves your hips aching, and you wake up stiff and exhausted.
Pain is affecting your ability to work or care for your other children
Standing, sitting at a desk, or lifting your toddler has become a daily struggle.
What to expect at your first visit
Your first visit ($69) includes a thorough assessment of your spine and pelvis with pregnancy-specific modifications. Where appropriate, gentle hands-on care may begin the same day.
📝 Tell us what is going on
We ask about your pain, when it started, which trimester you are in, what makes it worse, and how it affects your day. No rush.
🔍 Modified examination
Pregnancy-modified assessment of your spine, pelvis, posture, sacroiliac joints, and relevant muscle groups. Pregnancy pillows and side-lying positioning keep you comfortable.
🧡 Clear explanation
We explain what we found, whether chiropractic care may help, and what a practical plan looks like. No jargon, no pressure.
✅ Gentle care if appropriate
Where clinically appropriate, gentle low-force techniques may begin the same day. Modified positioning throughout. Techniques are always discussed first and the decision is always yours.
Why patients choose Stapleton Chiropractic for pregnancy-related pain
Over 50 years serving Adelaide from 528 Marion Road. That continuity matters when you are trusting someone with your care during pregnancy.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), BSc(Chiro), MChiro (Macquarie University). AHPRA registered. ACA member. Assessment informed by current research. Pregnancy-modified techniques.
Before work, lunch, or after work. Saturday 8am–12pm. Free parking on-site. No referral required. All major health funds accepted.
Does this sound like you?
👶 First-Time Mothers
🤰 Second or Third Pregnancy
💻 Pregnant Office Workers
🏃♀️ Active Pregnant Women
📅 Third Trimester Sufferers
What causes back and pelvic pain during pregnancy?
Pregnancy creates a series of biomechanical changes that affect your spine and pelvis over each trimester. Understanding what may be contributing to your discomfort is the first step toward managing it.
⚖️ Shifting Centre of Gravity
As the baby grows, your centre of gravity moves forward. Your lower back compensates by increasing its curve, placing additional load on the facet joints and posterior spinal structures. This is one of the most common contributors to pregnancy-related low back pain.
🦴 Pelvic Girdle Changes
The hormone relaxin increases ligament laxity in the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis. Increased joint mobility can create instability and pain – often felt in the lower back, buttocks, groin, or front of the pelvis.
🧍 Postural Adaptation
Wider stance, altered gait, upper back rounding, and forward head posture develop to accommodate the changing body shape. These cumulative adaptations create muscle tension and joint stiffness through the entire spine.
💪 Muscle Fatigue and Imbalance
Abdominal muscles stretch and weaken, reducing lumbar spine support. Back muscles, hip flexors, and glutes work harder to compensate, leading to fatigue and tightness – particularly after prolonged standing or walking.
🛏️ Sleep Position Changes
Side-sleeping becomes the recommended position, but sustained pressure on the same structures night after night leads to hip and lower back pain. Without adequate support, the pelvis can twist during sleep.
📋 Prior Spinal History
Women with a history of lower back or pelvic issues before pregnancy may be more likely to experience musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy, as pre-existing vulnerabilities interact with pregnancy-related biomechanical changes.
⚠️ When pregnancy pain needs urgent medical attention
If you experience any of the following alongside your pain, seek immediate medical attention:
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage at any stage of pregnancy
- Regular contractions or tightening before 37 weeks
- Sudden severe headache with vision changes (possible pre-eclampsia)
- Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness or weakness in both legs
- Fever with back pain
- Reduced foetal movement
If in doubt, contact your midwife, obstetrician, or call 000. These symptoms may indicate conditions that require urgent medical assessment.
The connection between pregnancy and lower back pain
Pregnancy-related low back pain shares many features with general lower back pain – facet joint irritation, disc loading, and muscle tension are common to both. However, the hormonal and biomechanical factors of pregnancy create a unique combination of contributors. Relaxin-mediated ligament laxity, anterior pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle weakness interact to increase lumbar spine load beyond what most women have previously experienced.
If you are experiencing lower back pain during pregnancy, understanding whether it relates to joint dysfunction, muscle imbalance, disc irritation, or a combination can help guide appropriate management.
Sciatica during pregnancy
Sciatic-type pain – pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down one leg – can develop during pregnancy as the growing uterus and postural changes place pressure on the lumbar spine and surrounding structures. While true sciatic nerve compression during pregnancy is less common than general pregnancy-related low back pain, the symptom pattern can feel similar and warrants proper assessment.
Pelvic changes and increased disc loading in the third trimester may contribute to sciatic symptoms in some women. An assessment can help identify whether your leg pain may be related to disc irritation, piriformis muscle tension, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or postural factors.
Book Your Pregnancy Pain Assessment
If back pain, pelvic pain, or hip discomfort is affecting your daily life during pregnancy, a thorough assessment is the first step. No referral needed. No lock-in plans. Gentle, pregnancy-modified techniques available.
Choose a time that works for you
Our online booking calendar loads below. If it does not appear, click here to book or call (08) 8297 5277.
Book Online Now528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038
Always consult your midwife, obstetrician, or GP regarding your pregnancy care.
What does a pregnancy chiropractic assessment cost?
Standard visits: $60
No lock-in plans. No pressure. Most private health funds provide a rebate on the spot.
Pricing current as at May 2026. SA average sourced from Australian Chiropractors Association fee survey.
What does the research say about pregnancy chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain
A systematic review of 50 studies examined interventions for pregnancy-related low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, or combined pain. The review found inconclusive but favourable evidence for chiropractic interventions, with moderate favourable evidence for several manual therapy approaches. Individual responses vary.
Weis et al., PMID: 32900544Manual therapies for pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain
A meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 1,198 pregnant women found that manual therapies may have positive effects on pain intensity compared to usual care. The authors noted limited overall evidence and the need for additional well-designed trials. Individual responses vary.
Hall et al., PMID: 27661020Prevalence of pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain
Multiple systematic reviews confirm that up to 70% of pregnant women experience low back pain during pregnancy, and pelvic girdle pain affects approximately 20%. Pain typically intensifies in the third trimester due to cumulative biomechanical changes.
Vleeming et al. (2008), Wu et al. (2004), Vermani et al. (2010)Adverse events from spinal manual therapy during pregnancy
A systematic review examining adverse events from spinal manual therapy in pregnant and postpartum populations found no serious adverse events reported. Minor transient effects such as localised soreness were reported at rates similar to non-pregnant populations. Individual assessment remains important.
PMC8128327Research summaries provided for informational purposes. Individual responses to care vary. These studies do not guarantee outcomes.
✨ Could cold laser therapy help your pregnancy-related pain?
Low-level laser therapy (photobiomodulation) has been investigated for musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. Some research suggests it may help reduce pain and support tissue recovery as a non-invasive adjunct. Cold laser therapy is available for patients who may benefit.
$99 initial consultation | From $80 standard sessions
Learn More About Cold Laser Therapy →
Individual responses to cold laser therapy vary. Complementary modality, not a replacement for primary care. Suitability assessed on individual basis during pregnancy.
Common questions about pregnancy chiropractic
Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on musculoskeletal assessment and management – specifically back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and hip pain. Modified techniques and pregnancy-specific positioning are used throughout. Your initial assessment includes a thorough history and examination to determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your individual presentation. We always recommend discussing your care with your midwife, obstetrician, or GP. Individual responses to care vary.
Your first visit is $69, which includes a thorough assessment and, where clinically appropriate, gentle care on the same day. Standard visits are $60. Well below the SA average of $122. No lock-in plans, no pressure. All major health funds accepted. No referral needed.
We use pregnancy pillows and modified positioning to keep you comfortable. Side-lying and supported seated positions are available, and we adapt our approach based on your trimester. You will never be asked to lie flat on your stomach during pregnancy.
You can be assessed at any stage of pregnancy. Some women seek assessment in the first trimester, others in the second or third as biomechanical changes progress. If you are experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort affecting your daily life, an assessment can help identify what may be contributing.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy uses modified, low-force techniques including gentle mobilisation, soft tissue work, and controlled adjustments. The approach is adapted to your pregnancy stage and individual comfort. You are always in control – the decision is always yours.
Yes. Many women seek assessment in the third trimester when pain is often most intense. Pregnancy pillows and side-lying positioning allow comfortable assessment and care even in the final weeks. Your first visit is $69.
No. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners. No referral is needed. We do recommend informing your prenatal care team about any treatment you receive.
This depends on your presentation, pain level, and how your body responds. Some women feel benefit after one or two visits. There are no lock-in plans or treatment packages. The decision is always yours.
A 2020 systematic review of 50 studies found inconclusive but favourable evidence for chiropractic interventions during pregnancy (Weis et al., PMID: 32900544). Manual therapy combined with standard care has moderate favourable support. Individual responses vary.
Yes. Stress drives subconscious muscle clenching and tension. During pregnancy, when the musculoskeletal system is already under increased load, stress-related muscle guarding can amplify pain. We can assess and address the physical consequences of stress on your spine and pelvis.
$69 first visit including thorough assessment of your spine, pelvis, and posture. Standard visits $60. Most health funds provide a rebate on the spot.
Yes, all major health funds accepted. Bring your card and we process your rebate at the time of your visit.
Still not sure? That is completely fine.
Where are you right now?
I need help managing my pregnancy pain
You are ready to have your back and pelvis assessed and find out what may be contributing. Book your first visit ($69).
Book Your AssessmentI want to explore cold laser for pregnancy pain
You have heard about photobiomodulation and want to understand how it may complement your pain management during pregnancy.
Learn About Cold LaserLast clinically reviewed: 17 May 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro (Macq). AHPRA Registered.
About Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) and Master of Chiropractic, Macquarie University. AHPRA registered. Australian Chiropractors Association member. Stapleton Chiropractic established at 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038 since 1972.
Practice details: (08) 8297 5277 | wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 8am–12pm | Free on-site parking | All major health funds accepted
▶ View References
- Weis CA, et al. Chiropractic care for adults with pregnancy-related low back, pelvic girdle pain, or combination pain: A systematic review. JMPT 2020;43(7):714-731. PMID: 32900544
- Hall H, et al. Effectiveness of a low back and pelvis pain management program for pregnant women. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016;95(38). PMID: 27661020
- Vleeming A, et al. European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain. Eur Spine J 2008;17(6):794-819.
- Wu WH, et al. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. Spine 2004;29(10):E197-E203.
- Vermani E, et al. Pelvic girdle pain and low back pain in pregnancy. Pain Pract 2010;10(1):60-71.
- Systematic review of adverse events from spinal manual therapy during pregnancy. PMC8128327.