Webster Technique care in San Diego

Available at San Diego

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment of the sacrum and pelvis used during pregnancy, with gentle work on nearby muscles and ligaments. It is aimed at the mother’s comfort and pelvic balance; it does not turn or reposition a baby and does not guarantee any labor outcome.

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Webster care at our San Diego office

Dr. Ron Merriel, DC at our San Diego office is Webster certified. He uses the technique to help expecting mothers with lower back pain, sciatica-like symptoms and pelvic imbalance during pregnancy.

If you have questions about the Webster Technique or whether it suits your stage of pregnancy, a consultation is a good place to start.

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic technique used specifically during pregnancy. It involves two parts: an analysis of how the bones of the pelvis are positioned and moving, with a light-force adjustment of the sacrum, and attention to tension in specific muscles and ligaments around the pelvis.

During pregnancy, some ligaments tighten, often more on one side than the other. Webster care pays particular attention to two of them, the sacrotuberous ligament at the back of the pelvis and the round ligament at the front, along with any tight muscles nearby.

What the technique is not

The Webster Technique is not obstetric care, and it is not a way of turning a baby. At no time does the chiropractor try to change the baby’s position. It should not be confused with unproven “breech turning” methods, and untrained people should not attempt it.

If you have questions about your baby’s position or your delivery, those belong with your OB-GYN or midwife. Chiropractic care focuses on your spine, pelvis and comfort.

What to expect during a visit

The exam follows the same general process as any chiropractic visit. Your chiropractor takes a thorough history, including any accidents or injuries, previous chiropractic care and existing conditions such as arthritis in the spine.

X-rays are not taken during pregnancy, so the exam relies on your history and palpation. Depending on how far along you are, positioning is modified. For example, you may lie on your side for the lower back adjustment rather than face down.

Care combines gentle adjustments with soft tissue work on the ligaments and surrounding muscles. Many pregnant women carry a lot of tension in the lower back and hips, and the treatment works to ease those imbalances.

Why pelvic balance matters in pregnancy

As the baby grows, added weight and posture changes put more load on the lower back and pelvis. Ligaments throughout the body relax to make room for the baby. This is normal, but it means the pelvis can shift more easily, which can create imbalances in the lower back and hips.

When that happens, ligaments like the sacrotuberous and round ligaments can tighten on one side, making standing or sitting for long periods uncomfortable. The baby’s size and position and other individual factors all play a part in where tension builds.

Regular care helps keep the pelvis balanced through pregnancy. It is usually easier to maintain that balance than to correct it after a lot of tension has built up.

Working with your prenatal provider

We recommend that you tell your OB-GYN or midwife you are receiving chiropractic care, especially if your pregnancy is considered high risk or you have other health conditions. Chiropractic care is meant to complement your prenatal care, not replace it.

Who may consider Webster care

  • Expecting mothers with lower back, hip or pelvic discomfort
  • Pain at the back of the pelvis or sacroiliac joints
  • Sciatica-like symptoms during pregnancy
  • Discomfort when standing, sitting or walking for long periods
  • Anyone who wants to keep the pelvis moving well as pregnancy progresses

Care can begin at any stage of pregnancy. Some mothers come in early, and others start in the final weeks when tension builds.

About your baby’s position

Your OB-GYN or midwife checks your baby’s position during prenatal visits, usually by feeling the abdomen and, when needed, with an ultrasound. Any questions about a breech position, or about options to change it, belong with them.

Chiropractic care does not diagnose or change a baby’s position. The Webster Technique focuses on your pelvis, the ligaments around it and your comfort.

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Your questions,
answered

About the Webster Technique at Greenlight.

Is the Webster Technique safe during pregnancy?

It is a gentle, low-force chiropractic technique designed for pregnancy and performed by a chiropractor trained in it. Your chiropractor will ask about your pregnancy and health first.

Can the Webster Technique turn a breech baby?

No. It does not turn or reposition a baby, and the chiropractor never tries to change the baby’s position. It focuses on pelvic balance and the mother’s comfort.

Does it guarantee an easier labor?

No. The Webster Technique does not guarantee any labor or delivery outcome. Its aim is comfort and pelvic balance during pregnancy.

How many sessions will I need?

That depends on your symptoms and stage of pregnancy. Your chiropractor will suggest a plan and review it with you.

Does the Webster Technique hurt?

It is generally painless. It uses gentle adjustments, and some women feel mild soreness after the first visit, similar to after light exercise.

Do I need approval from my OB-GYN?

It is not always required, but we recommend talking with your OB-GYN or midwife, especially with a high-risk pregnancy or pre-existing conditions.

Can it help pregnancy-related back pain?

By easing pelvic imbalance and muscle tension, the Webster Technique may help with lower back and pelvic discomfort during pregnancy.

Can I start late in pregnancy?

Yes. Care can begin at any stage, including late pregnancy, to help with pelvic tension and comfort.

Where is the Webster Technique offered?

Webster care is offered at our San Diego office by Dr. Ron Merriel, DC, who is Webster certified.