Prenatal Chiropractor in Libertyville, IL

A prenatal chiropractor uses gentle, pregnancy-adapted adjustments and soft-tissue work to ease the back, pelvic and hip pain that often comes with pregnancy. At HealthQuest Longevity in Libertyville, Dr. David Jolly has a special focus on pregnancy-related sciatica and back pain, and care is planned around your stage of pregnancy and your OB’s or midwife’s advice.

Why Pregnancy Causes Back and Pelvic Pain

Your body changes quickly during pregnancy. Your center of gravity moves forward, your lower back curve tends to deepen, and the hormone relaxin loosens ligaments so the pelvis can prepare for birth. Those changes are normal, but they can leave joints and muscles working harder than usual. ACOG lists back pain among the common discomforts of pregnancy.

Many patients come to us with one or more of these:

• Low back pain: a dull ache or tightness across the lower back that builds through the day, especially after standing or walking.
• Pelvic and SI joint pain: sharp or aching pain at the back of the pelvis, near the dimples above the buttocks, or at the front over the pubic bone. It often flares when you roll over in bed, climb stairs or stand on one leg to get dressed.
• Round ligament pain: a brief, sharp pull low in the belly or groin, usually on one side, when you stand up quickly, cough or turn. It is common in the second trimester.
• Pregnancy sciatica: pain, tingling or numbness that runs from the buttock down the back of the leg. Pressure from tight hip muscles, pelvic joint strain or changes in posture can irritate the sciatic nerve.

Pregnancy Sciatica: A Focus at HealthQuest

Sciatica during pregnancy can make sleeping, sitting at work and walking feel like a project. Dr. Jolly looks at where your pain starts and what makes it better or worse. Then he works on the pelvic joints, lower back and hip muscles that may be involved.

Care may include gentle adjustments, soft-tissue therapy for the glutes and piriformis, kinesiotaping for support, and simple positions and stretches you can use at home. If your leg symptoms point to something beyond typical pregnancy sciatica, we will tell you and encourage you to see your provider. You can learn more about our wider approach on the Back Pain and Sciatica Relief program page.

What a Prenatal Chiropractic Visit Involves

Your first visit starts with a conversation: how far along you are, how your pregnancy is going, where you hurt and what your OB or midwife has told you. A gentle exam of your posture, pelvis, spine and hips follows.

Treatment is adapted for pregnancy. That usually means:

• Pregnancy-safe positioning: you are never asked to lie flat on your belly. Side-lying and supported positions keep you and your baby comfortable, and positions change as your pregnancy progresses.
• Gentle techniques: low-force adjustments and mobilization instead of forceful movements, with no pressure on your abdomen.
• Soft-tissue work: hands-on work for tight hip, buttock and low back muscles, which often drive pelvic and sciatic pain.
• Kinesiotaping: stretchy tape applied along the low back or belly that some patients find helps support the area between visits.
• Home care: comfortable sleep positions, posture tips for work and short stretches.

Some patients also add massage. Ask us whether massage therapy is a good fit for your stage of pregnancy.

What Is the Webster Technique?

The Webster technique is a commonly used prenatal chiropractic approach. It was developed by Dr. Larry Webster and focuses on the sacrum and pelvis, along with the soft tissues around them, with the aim of improving pelvic balance and comfort. Some chiropractors complete separate certification in it through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

You may read online that Webster is used for breech babies. It is not a procedure for turning a baby, and questions about your baby’s position belong with your OB or midwife. Dr. Jolly uses gentle pelvic and soft-tissue techniques chosen for your comfort and symptoms; ask at your visit about the specific methods he plans to use.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

For most healthy pregnancies, gentle chiropractic care adapted for pregnancy is generally considered a reasonable option for back and pelvic pain. Always talk with your OB or midwife before you start, and tell us about any pregnancy complications. We cover this in more depth in Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

When to Call Your OB or Midwife Right Away

Back or pelvic pain is not always muscular. Contact your provider or seek emergency care, rather than booking a chiropractic visit, if you have:

• Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
• Regular or painful contractions, or rhythmic low back pain that comes and goes
• A severe or sudden headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of your face or hands
• Severe abdominal pain, fever, or pain with urination
• Fewer baby movements than usual
• Calf pain or swelling in one leg
• New leg weakness, numbness in the groin area, or loss of bladder or bowel control

When to Start: Trimester by Trimester, and After Birth

You can come in whenever pain starts. Many people first notice low back or round ligament pain in the second trimester, and pelvic and sciatic pain often builds in the third as the baby grows. Visit frequency depends on your symptoms; we will suggest a plan and adjust it as your body changes.

After birth, your body keeps changing. Feeding, carrying a car seat and broken sleep can strain your neck, upper back and low back. Postpartum care can start once your provider clears you, which may take longer after a C-section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a chiropractor while pregnant?

Yes, many people see a chiropractor while pregnant for back, pelvic and hip pain. Care should be gentle and adapted to pregnancy, and you should check with your OB or midwife first. Read more in our post on whether it is recommended to see a chiropractor while pregnant.

Can a chiropractor help with pregnancy sciatica?

Many patients find that gentle adjustments, soft-tissue work on the hip and buttock muscles, and kinesiotaping may help ease pregnancy sciatica. Results vary from person to person. If you have leg weakness or numbness that keeps getting worse, call your provider.

What techniques does Dr. Jolly use during pregnancy?

Dr. Jolly uses gentle, pregnancy-adapted pelvic and soft-tissue techniques with a special focus on pregnancy sciatica and back pain. He will explain his approach, including questions about methods such as the Webster technique, at your visit.

Will I have to lie on my stomach?

No. You will be positioned on your side or in other supported positions that are comfortable for your stage of pregnancy. Your abdomen is never pressed during treatment.

Does insurance cover prenatal chiropractic care?

Coverage depends on your plan, so it is best to call your insurer and ask about chiropractic benefits. You can also call our office to talk about your options and current pricing.

Book a Prenatal Chiropractic Visit in Libertyville

If pregnancy back pain, pelvic pain or sciatica is wearing you down, HealthQuest Longevity can help you feel more comfortable. Dr. David Jolly sees patients at 700 Florsheim Dr, Suite 12, in Libertyville. Wondering about coverage? Read Is a Prenatal Chiropractor Covered by Insurance?

Call (847) 367-7131 or contact us online to book your first prenatal visit.