Postpartum Back Pain Treatment in Airdrie
Your body just completed an incredible journey, but the physical demands are far from over. Whether navigating night feedings, lifting car seats, or soothing a newborn. Let's help you heal, rebuild, and move comfortably again.
Postpartum back pain refers to the persistent lower back, pelvic girdle, or mid-back discomfort experienced by mothers following childbirth, affecting up to 50% of new mothers in the months after delivery. During pregnancy, the body undergoes massive biomechanical shifts.
The centre of gravity moves forward, the abdominal muscles stretch significantly, and the hormone relaxin softens ligaments in preparation for birth. Once the baby arrives, those stretched muscles and loose ligaments do not instantly recover, leaving spinal joints vulnerable to mechanical strain during everyday baby care.
is that postpartum back pain is highly treatable with gentle, targeted conservative care. Addressing structural issues early prevents long-term chronic problems, gentle treatments are entirely safe while breastfeeding and recovering from birth, and simple postural changes can dramatically speed up recovery. At Summit Spine Centre, we help new moms find relief and regain their physical footing every day, so they can focus on enjoying their growing families.
Common Symptoms
- A deep ache in the lower back that worsens after prolonged standing or walking
- Sharp pain in the buttocks or pelvis (SI joints) when rolling over in bed
- Burning tension between the shoulder blades from nursing or rocking
- A feeling of core weakness or instability when lifting a child
- Morning stiffness that takes time to loosen up
- Radiating discomfort or a pulling sensation into the hips or thighs
Common Causes
- Lingering Ligament Laxity: relaxin remains in the system for several months after birth (and longer while breastfeeding), keeping ligaments loose and spinal joints less supported than usual
- Altered Posture and Muscle Imbalances: the stretched abdominal muscles lose their ability to support the spine postpartum; the lower back and hip muscles compensate by tightening and pulling the pelvis out of alignment
- Newborn Biomechanics Strain: bending over a crib hundreds of times daily, lifting car seats, and hunching forward during nursing place repetitive, asymmetrical stress on the spine
- Core Separation (Diastasis Recti): when the front abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy, it weakens the body's natural support system, forcing the lower back to do extra work
How Summit Spine Centre Treats Postpartum Back Pain
Gentle, Postpartum-Focused Assessment
We recognize that a postpartum body requires a uniquely careful approach. We begin with a thorough but gentle assessment of your pelvic alignment, lower back, and mid-back to understand exactly what is contributing to your pain.
Cox Flexion-Distraction
A low-force decompression technique that gently addresses lumbar and thoracic joint irritation without any aggressive twisting or force, appropriate for the sensitive, recovering postpartum spine.
Low-Force Pelvic & Spinal Adjustments
Specific, gentle adjustments to safely realign the pelvis and lower back, restore normal joint mobility, and relieve the muscle tension that builds from the physical demands of newborn care.
Safe Core Rebuilding Exercises
Guided exercises to safely reactivate and rebuild the core muscles, without aggravating diastasis recti or placing inappropriate load on healing tissues.
Postpartum Lifestyle & Ergonomic Coaching
Ergonomic advice on how to lift your baby and car seat, support your spine during feeding sessions, and set up your nursing station, practical tools that make a real difference in your daily comfort.
Why Choose Summit Spine Centre for Postpartum Back Pain
35+ Years Serving Airdrie Families
We have helped many new mothers in Airdrie recover from postpartum back pain and return to the physical demands of motherhood with confidence and comfort.
Gentle Techniques for Recovering Bodies
We use highly modified, low-force techniques specifically appropriate for postpartum tissue recovery. There is no aggressive twisting, no forceful adjusting, just careful, effective care.
A Plan That Fits Your Life
We understand that new motherhood is demanding, unpredictable, and often exhausting. Your care plan is built to be realistic, efficient, and centred on getting you feeling your best as quickly as possible.
What to Expect at Summit Spine Centre
Tell Us Your Story
We want to understand your delivery experience, when your symptoms started, and how they're affecting your daily life as a new parent.
Gentle Postpartum Assessment
We evaluate your pelvic alignment, spinal mobility, and core function with a careful, modified examination appropriate for the postpartum body.
Clear, Realistic Plan
We explain our findings in plain language and recommend a recovery plan that is safe, effective, and designed around the realities of new parenthood.
Treatment & Progress
We begin gentle care and track your progress, adjusting the plan as your body recovers and your capacity to participate in rehabilitation increases.
What Our Patients Say
“After dealing with neck and back issues for years with little success from other chiropractors and physiotherapists, I started going to Summit Spine Centre after a friend's referral. Their flexion distraction technique has significantly improved my range of motion, and I'm feeling better than I have in years. I'd forgotten what it felt like to move comfortably again.”
Keith B.
Airdrie Patient
“After one month of weekly visits my life is significantly different. My back feels great, I don't grunt and groan when I'm moving, I'm no longer hunched over or constantly protecting myself. I can do things care free like play with my kids, and be present in the moment with them. I'm not nearly as angry or frankly miserable and able to enjoy life again in a way I haven't for some time.”
Justin C.
Airdrie Patient
“This would be 12 stars if I could! Dr. Karl Louder is hands down amazing, and Dr. Ryan Lawrence is pretty amazing too! I have been coming here since 2020. I highly recommend any and everyone to go here for care. Your health is vital and they have played a huge part in my health as well as my husband's. They supported us so deeply while my husband went through cancer treatments. We are so grateful for this place.”
Chelsea D.
Airdrie Patient
Related Conditions
How long does back pain usually last after giving birth?
For many women, mild structural strain resolves naturally within 6 weeks. However, due to lingering ligament looseness and the physical demands of childcare, it is common for back pain to persist for several months if the underlying alignment issues are not addressed.
Is it safe to see a chiropractor after having a baby?
Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and beneficial postpartum. Chiropractors use highly modified, gentle techniques tailored specifically for postpartum tissues. Conservative care is an effective, non-pharmacological option for managing postpartum musculoskeletal pain.
Why does my mid-back hurt so much when nursing?
This is often called "nursing back," caused by rounding the shoulders and looking down at the baby for extended periods. This sustained posture overstretches the upper back muscles and locks the spinal joints of the thoracic spine.
Can a chiropractor help if I had a C-section or an epidural?
Absolutely. We completely bypass the abdominal incision area and use gentle, specific techniques to address pelvic and lower back mechanics. We can also assess the joints near the epidural site, as local muscle guarding can occur there following delivery.
What can I do at home to ease postpartum back pain?
Use pillows to bring your baby up to breast or bottle level so you don't have to hunch over. When lifting your baby or car seat, bend at the knees and keep your child close to your chest rather than reaching forward with your arms.
Should I use ice or heat on my back after delivery?
If your back feels sharp, inflamed, or sore after a long day of carrying your baby, apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes to calm the area. If your muscles feel tight and overworked, use a heating pad to encourage blood flow and relaxation.