Postpartum Low Back Pain & Chiropractic Care
Postpartum Low Back Pain & Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
Your body does incredible work during pregnancy and birth, but healing doesn’t end once your baby arrives. Many new moms experience low back pain in the weeks and months after delivery due to the physical demands of recovery, feeding, carrying, and caring for a newborn. At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused chiropractic care to help support your healing and help you feel your best during this new season of motherhood.
What Is It?
Postpartum low back pain is pain or discomfort in the lower back that develops after giving birth. It may begin immediately after delivery or gradually appear over the following weeks and months.
The postpartum period involves significant physical changes as the body recovers from pregnancy and birth. Hormones continue to influence ligament stability, abdominal muscles may still be healing, and the repetitive motions of lifting, feeding, rocking, and carrying your baby can place additional stress on the spine and pelvis.
While postpartum low back pain is common, it should not be dismissed as something moms simply have to live with.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the lower back
- Pain when lifting or carrying your baby
- Difficulty exercising or returning to normal activities
- Difficulty standing up after sitting
- Pain when bending forward
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Pelvic or sacroiliac joint discomfort
- Pain that radiates into the hips or buttocks
- Fatigue or feeling “out of alignment”
Possible Causes
Postpartum low back pain often results from a combination of factors that affect the body after pregnancy and birth.
Common contributors include:
- Hormonal changes causing ligament laxity
- Weakness of the abdominal and core muscles
- Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Changes in posture while feeding or holding baby
- Lifting and carrying a growing infant
- Pelvic or sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Previous history of back pain
- Recovery from cesarean delivery
Most postpartum back pain improves with time and appropriate care, but persistent or worsening symptoms deserve further evaluation.
Red Flags
Seek prompt medical care if you experience fever, severe pain that is worsening, numbness or weakness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weight loss, significant swelling, or pain accompanied by redness or warmth near the spine.
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we understand that postpartum recovery is about more than simply relieving pain—it’s about helping moms heal, adapt, and thrive.
Our neurologically-focused approach evaluates how your spine, pelvis, and nervous system are functioning together after pregnancy and birth. We assess areas of tension, restricted movement, and imbalance that may be contributing to discomfort or slowing recovery.
Care is gentle, individualized, and designed to support your body’s natural healing process. Whether you had a vaginal birth or cesarean delivery, your care plan is tailored to your unique needs and stage of recovery.
We also discuss posture, feeding positions, lifting mechanics, and other daily habits that can influence spinal health during the postpartum period.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
When appropriate, we collaborate with OBs, midwives, pelvic floor therapists, massage therapists, lactation consultants, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive postpartum support.
Is low back pain normal after pregnancy?
Yes, postpartum low back pain is common due to hormonal changes, muscle weakness, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn. However, ongoing pain should not be ignored.
When can I start chiropractic care after giving birth?
Many women begin chiropractic care soon after delivery, although timing may vary depending on the type of birth and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. We tailor care to your individual recovery.
Can chiropractic care help after a cesarean section?
Yes. Chiropractic care can be adapted to support moms recovering from cesarean delivery. Care is gentle and focused on helping restore movement, posture, and nervous system function.
Why does my back hurt more while feeding my baby?
Feeding positions often place prolonged stress on the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Poor posture, muscle fatigue, and holding the same position repeatedly can contribute to discomfort.
Do you work with pelvic floor therapists?
Absolutely. We value collaboration with pelvic floor therapists, OBs, midwives, lactation consultants, massage therapists, and other healthcare providers to help moms receive comprehensive postpartum care.
You spend so much time caring for your baby—don’t forget to care for yourself, too. If postpartum low back pain is affecting your recovery, sleep, or daily activities, New Journey Chiropractic is here to help you heal with gentle, neurologically-focused care.
Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Registered Nurse who is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Chiropractic Pediatrics. Her background gives her a unique understanding of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.
As both a healthcare professional and a mom herself, Dr. Jayme believes postpartum care should be compassionate, gentle, and centered around the entire family. Her goal is to help moms heal confidently so they can enjoy this special season with their growing families.