Becoming a mom is a life-changing experience—but let’s be real, your body goes through a lot to bring your baby into the world. From carrying the extra weight during pregnancy to enduring labor (sometimes with an epidural), your body needs time, support, and care to fully recover. That’s where postpartum chiropractic care can make a big difference.
At McAuley Family Chiropractic, we specialize in helping new moms in Federal Way and Puyallup, WA, find relief from pain, restore balance, and feel their best again after childbirth.
Why Do Moms Experience Back Pain After Childbirth?
After delivery, it’s completely normal to feel aches, soreness, and instability—especially in the back, pelvis, and hips. A few key reasons include:
- Shifting pelvis and joints: During pregnancy, hormones loosen your ligaments to prepare for delivery. After birth, your body works hard to stabilize again, which can cause misalignments and pain.
- Epidural after-effects: While epidurals are generally safe and effective, some moms report tenderness or lingering back pain near the injection site for days—or even weeks—after giving birth.
- Posture changes: From feeding your newborn to rocking them to sleep, moms spend hours hunched forward or carrying awkward weight, which strains the spine and shoulders.
- Core weakness: Pregnancy stretches abdominal muscles, and without their usual support, the back often takes the brunt of the work.
The result? Persistent back pain, hip discomfort, or even numbness and tingling that can make caring for your little one harder than it should be.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Postpartum Recovery
Postpartum chiropractic care isn’t about “cracking your back.” It’s a gentle, natural, and safe way to help your body heal and regain stability after pregnancy and birth.
At McAuley Family Chiropractic, we use specialized techniques designed for new moms, focusing on the spine, pelvis, and nervous system to restore balance and function. Here’s how it can help:
- Relieves back and pelvic pain – Reduces soreness linked to epidural injections, labor, and posture changes.
- Encourages proper alignment – Guides your pelvis and spine into correct positioning as they stabilize post-delivery.
- Supports healing and mobility – Helps reduce inflammation, restore range of motion, and prevent long-term misalignments.
- Boosts energy and sleep quality – When your body is aligned and pain-free, you rest better and feel more energized.
- Improves breastfeeding posture – Less pain while sitting or leaning means more comfort during nursing sessions.
Many moms find that regular postpartum chiropractic adjustments also make everyday activities—like bending, lifting, and walking—far more manageable.
Back Pain After an Epidural: Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Epidurals are the most common form of pain relief during labor, but they sometimes leave moms with lingering back soreness or stiffness. This doesn’t always mean something went wrong with the procedure—it may simply be the result of muscle strain, fluid buildup, or spinal misalignment during delivery.
If you notice:
- Persistent soreness at the injection site
- Radiating pain through your back
- Trouble sitting, standing, or rotating your body
- Weakness or instability in your core or hips
…it’s worth seeking chiropractic care. A gentle adjustment can help realign your spine, reduce muscle tension, and ease the stress placed on your back during and after the epidural.
What to Expect at Your Postpartum Chiropractic Visit
Your first visit is all about comfort and understanding your needs. Here’s what happens:
- Health & birth history – We’ll talk about your pregnancy, delivery (including if you had an epidural or C-section), and any current symptoms.
- Gentle assessment – We’ll check your posture, spinal alignment, and areas of tenderness.
- Personalized care plan – Based on your needs, we’ll create a treatment plan with safe adjustments, light stretches, and supportive care to get you feeling better.
Many moms report feeling relief after just one session, with even more improvement over a series of visits.
Why Choose McAuley Family Chiropractic in Federal Way & Puyallup?
At McAuley Family Chiropractic, we’re passionate about supporting moms at every stage of motherhood. Whether you’re expecting or have just welcomed your baby, our team is here to help you heal naturally and safely.
- Specialized experience with prenatal and postpartum chiropractic care
- Gentle techniques designed for moms and safe for your recovery
- Convenient locations in Federal Way and Puyallup, WA
- A supportive, family-focused environment where you can feel comfortable
Take the Next Step Toward Postpartum Healing
Motherhood is beautiful, but it shouldn’t mean living with daily aches and pains. If you’re struggling with back pain after childbirth—or lingering soreness from an epidural—postpartum chiropractic care could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Chiropractic Care
Is postpartum chiropractic care safe?
Yes! When performed by a trained chiropractor with experience treating new moms, postpartum chiropractic care is safe, gentle, and effective.
How soon after childbirth can I see a chiropractor?
Many women benefit from chiropractic care within the first few weeks after delivery, but the timing can depend on your birth experience. Always check with your OB before starting care.
Can chiropractic care help with C-section recovery?
Yes. While adjustments won’t affect your incision, they can help relieve back, hip, and pelvic pain from pregnancy and delivery, as well as support your body’s overall recovery.
Will adjustments hurt if I had an epidural?
No. Chiropractors use gentle techniques tailored to your body’s healing stage. In fact, many moms find that adjustments reduce soreness around the epidural site.
How long will it take to feel relief?
Some moms notice improvement after just one adjustment, while others benefit from ongoing care as their body readjusts to postpartum changes.
