16/07/2026
This is what the research has to say about chiropractic care postpartum:
Pregnancy and birth is the biggest undertaking a human body can go through, and the recovery from such a process takes substantial time. It also doesn’t always go smoothly. The immense stress that is placed on the body in order to grow and sustain a whole new life often causes injuries, strains, and issues that require time to heal during postpartum. Sometimes extra help is needed to support the body in its recovery.
A case report detailed the management of two cases of pregnancy-related symphysis p***s dysfunction. Back pain was also noted in both of these cases. Following chiropractic care, including recommended rehabilitation exercises and at home care, both cases reported improvements in their p***c symphysis pain at the 11-month follow-up. [Howell, 2012] Another case of p***c symphysis diastasis also reported an improvement in pain and movement following chiropractic care which included stabilising exercises. [Henry, 2015]
Other cases of osteitis p***s and pelvic pain postpartum reported a complete resolution of pelvic following chiropractic care. [Fano, 2013; Gregory, 2011]
A case of urinary incontinence following a traumatic birth detailed the successful management with chiropractic care and corrective exercises performed at home. Following six sessions of chiropractic care, the patient, who was in the second trimester of pregnancy, reported complete resolution of urinary incontinence. [Davis, 2018]
A focus on pelvic floor muscle training in another case of urinary incontinence postpartum reported positive outcomes. The patient received guidance on specific breathing techniques incorporating the pelvic floor muscle and transversus abdominis, and postural and lifestyle recommendations. Follow-ups at 6 weeks, and 9, 12, and 18 months postpartum reported no symptoms of urinary incontinence. [Roy, 2012]
There are many cases and studies investigating breastfeeding difficulties with a focus on the infant, highlighting concerns of tongue or lip ties, digestive issues, restriction of neck movement. There are very few that focus on breastfeeding issues from the mother’s perspective. A unique case report noted the positive health outcomes in a mother struggling with supply and let-down while breastfeeding her twins. Neck and shoulder pain was also noted during examination. Following chiropractic care, the patient was more comfortable when feeding, doubled the amount of breastmilk she was producing, and had no issues with the let-down reflex. [Baum, 2020]
Other case reports have documented the improvement in headaches, migraines, sleep, and vertigo postpartum, following chiropractic care. [Leahy, 2025; Steinberg, 2024]