You Shouldn't Have to Just Push Through It
You're growing a human. Your body is doing something extraordinary, and the aches that come with it are real. Back pain, pelvic pressure, round ligament pain, hip discomfort, sciatica shooting down your leg; these aren't just part of pregnancy you have to white-knuckle through. They're signs your spine and pelvis need support as your body changes.
At Dodd Chiropractic Clinic in Jacksonville, Dr. Riley Dodd and Dr. April Dodd offer gentle, pregnancy-safe chiropractic care that addresses the physical demands of pregnancy at every stage. No medication. No aggressive manipulation. Just targeted, comfortable care that helps your body adapt.
Why Pregnancy Creates So Much Physical Stress
Pregnancy is one of the most rapid physical transformations the human body goes through. In just nine months, your posture shifts, your weight distribution changes, and a hormone called relaxin softens the ligaments and joints that normally stabilize your spine and pelvis. That combination creates real mechanical stress, and for most women it shows up as pain.
The most common types of pregnancy-related pain we treat at Dodd Chiropractic include:
Low Back Pain
As your center of gravity shifts forward, your lower back takes on more load than it's designed to handle. Muscle fatigue, joint compression, and postural strain are all common drivers of low back pain in the second and third trimesters. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper spinal alignment and reduce the pressure contributing to that constant ache.
Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pelvic girdle pain is one of the most common and underreported pregnancy symptoms. It often presents as deep pain in the front or back of the pelvis, pain when walking or climbing stairs, or a catching sensation in the hip. Relaxin-driven joint laxity combined with asymmetrical loading is usually the cause. Gentle pelvic alignment work can make a significant difference.
Round Ligament Pain
The round ligaments support the uterus and stretch as it grows. Sharp, stabbing pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen -- especially with sudden movement -- is a hallmark of round ligament strain. Soft tissue work and postural adjustments can reduce the frequency and intensity.
Sciatica During Pregnancy
Sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy -- radiating from the low back through the hip and down the leg -- is extremely common. In most cases it's caused by pelvic misalignment or tight piriformis muscles putting pressure on the nerve. Chiropractic care addresses the alignment issues at the root of the problem without medication.
Hip and Groin Discomfort
As the pelvis widens and weight distribution changes, hip and groin pain become increasingly common in the second and third trimesters. Chiropractic adjustments combined with soft tissue therapy can bring meaningful relief.
Sleep-Related Back Strain
Sleeping comfortably becomes harder as pregnancy progresses. We provide guidance on sleep positioning alongside in-office care to reduce morning stiffness and nighttime discomfort.
What Treatment Looks Like at Dodd Chiropractic
Every visit starts with an assessment. Dr. Riley Dodd or Dr. April Dodd will review where you are in your pregnancy, what symptoms you're experiencing, and what you've already tried. Treatment is always adapted to your trimester and comfort level.
What you can expect:
- Gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments -- no aggressive manipulation, no twisting
- Specialized table positioning that accommodates a growing belly
- Soft tissue therapy for tight muscles in the lower back, hips, and glutes
- Pelvic alignment support
- At-home stretches and movement guidance between visits
Most patients notice meaningful improvement within the first two to three visits.
Is This Safe?
Yes. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is well-supported and widely considered safe when performed by a trained provider. A 2013 randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a multimodal musculoskeletal approach significantly reduced pain and disability scores in pregnant women compared to standard obstetric care alone. At Dodd Chiropractic, both Dr. Riley and Dr. April have extensive experience treating pregnant patients. A full health history and assessment is always completed before any treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is widely considered safe when performed by a trained provider. At Dodd Chiropractic, both Dr. Riley Dodd and Dr. April Dodd provide pregnancy-safe adjustments using gentle techniques adapted for every trimester. No aggressive manipulation is used, and positioning is always modified for your comfort and safety. A full assessment is completed before any treatment begins.
Care can begin at any stage. Many women find it most helpful during the second and third trimesters as physical changes intensify, but earlier care can help prevent discomfort from developing in the first place.
No referral is required. That said, we always recommend letting your OB or midwife know you're receiving chiropractic care. If there are any high-risk factors in your pregnancy, we'll coordinate with your provider before beginning treatment.
It varies depending on how far along you are and what you're dealing with, but most patients notice meaningful improvement within the first two to three visits. We don't push long treatment plans -- we'll reassess at each visit and let your progress guide the frequency. And chiropractic care during pregnancy isn't just for pain -- many women come in simply to support their body through the changes of pregnancy, even when they're feeling well.
Ready to Feel Better Through Your Pregnancy?
You don't have to wait until after delivery. Whether you're eight weeks or eight months along, Dr. Riley Dodd and Dr. April Dodd are here to help you move more comfortably through every stage of your pregnancy.
Dodd Chiropractic Clinic serves pregnant patients from Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, San Marco, and the greater Jacksonville area.
