Chiropractic Care for Round Ligament Pain

As a chiropractor who treats many pregnant patients, one common complaint I hear is round ligament pain. This sharp, often uncomfortable pain can affect the quality of daily life during pregnancy, especially as the body adjusts to your growing baby. While round ligament pain is a common part of pregnancy, it can be alleviated with proper care. Chiropractic treatment offers a safe and effective way to relieve this pain and improve overall comfort during pregnancy.

What Is Round Ligament Pain?

The round ligaments are a pair of ligaments that connect the front of the uterus to the groin area. They play a crucial role in supporting the uterus as it expands throughout pregnancy. As the uterus grows, these ligaments stretch and tighten, which can sometimes lead to sharp, stabbing pains or a dull ache, typically on one or both sides of the lower abdomen. Round ligament pain is most commonly felt during the second trimester, although it can occur at any point in pregnancy. The pain is usually triggered by sudden movements, such as standing up quickly, coughing, laughing, or rolling over in bed.

What Causes Round Ligament Pain?

Several factors contribute to round ligament pain during pregnancy, including:

1. Uterine Growth: As your baby grows, the uterus expands to accommodate the extra weight and size. This puts added tension on the round ligaments, causing them to stretch and tighten. The rapid stretching can lead to discomfort or sharp pain in the lower abdomen or groin.

2. Changes in Hormones: During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is produced to loosen the joints and ligaments in preparation for childbirth. While this is important for allowing the pelvis to open during delivery, it can also make ligaments like the round ligaments more susceptible to overstretching or injury.

3. Sudden Movements: Quick movements, such as standing up too quickly, sneezing, or shifting positions, can pull on the already stretched round ligaments, causing sudden, sharp pain. These movements force the ligaments to contract rapidly, which can result in discomfort.

4. Posture and Body Mechanics: As your center of gravity shifts during pregnancy, changes in posture can place extra strain on the pelvis and abdominal ligaments. Poor posture or improper body mechanics can further aggravate the round ligaments, leading to pain.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Round Ligament Pain?

Chiropractic care is an excellent, non-invasive way to manage round ligament pain during pregnancy. Chiropractors are trained to provide gentle, safe adjustments that support the body’s changing structure during pregnancy and reduce discomfort. Here’s how chiropractic care can specifically help relieve round ligament pain:

1. Improving Pelvic Mobility: As the uterus grows, it’s common for joints in the pelvis to become “stuck” or not move as well. When the joints of the pelvis are not moving well, this can put additional strain on the round ligaments, leading to pain. Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to restore normal joint range of motion of the pelvis and relieve tension on the ligaments. Improving pelvic mobility helps your body balance the weight distribution of your growing belly which will reduce round ligament strain.

2. Releasing Muscle Tension: Chiropractors use soft tissue techniques to release tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments, including the round ligaments. Techniques such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy can help relax the ligaments and muscles, reducing pain and promoting better function. This not only eases round ligament discomfort but also helps the body adapt to the changes of pregnancy more comfortably.

3. Improving Posture: Pregnancy often leads to changes in posture, as the spine curves more and the center of gravity shifts forward. Poor posture can exacerbate round ligament pain by putting extra strain on the pelvis and ligaments. Chiropractors help pregnant women improve their posture through spinal adjustments, ergonomic recommendations, and exercises that promote balance and stability.

4. Supporting Overall Pregnancy Health: In addition to relieving round ligament pain, chiropractic care helps support overall health and wellness during pregnancy. Regular adjustments help keep the spine, pelvis, and nervous system functioning optimally, improving the body’s ability to adapt to the physical demands of pregnancy.

What Does Chiropractic Care for Round Ligament Pain Look Like?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is tailored to the needs of the expectant mother. Chiropractors use gentle, safe techniques to ensure both mother and baby are comfortable during treatment.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Pelvic Adjustments: Chiropractors use specific adjustments to restore normal joint function of the pelvis and reduce pressure on the round ligaments. The Webster technique is a common chiropractic method used during pregnancy to address pelvic misalignments and balance the muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus. Dr. Kara is Webster Certified.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy: Chiropractors may use soft tissue techniques to relax the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis and abdomen. This helps to reduce tension in the round ligaments and alleviate pain.

3. Posture and Movement Guidance: Your chiropractor will provide advice on posture and body mechanics to minimize strain on the round ligaments. This may include tips on how to stand, sit, and move during pregnancy to avoid aggravating the ligaments.

4. Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating specific exercises that strengthen the core and support the pelvis can help prevent round ligament pain. Chiropractors can recommend pregnancy-safe stretches and strengthening exercises to support pelvic stability and reduce ligament strain.

It’s Time to Start Feeling Better!

Round ligament pain is a common, yet uncomfortable, part of pregnancy that can make everyday activities more difficult. However, with the right care, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective solution to managing round ligament pain by addressing the root cause—pelvic dysfunction, muscle tension, and poor posture. If you’re experiencing round ligament pain or other discomforts during pregnancy, chiropractic care can help you feel more comfortable and better equipped to enjoy your pregnancy journey. If you have any questions or comments about how chiropractic care can help with round ligament pain, feel free to call our office 510.634.5574.