Why the Holidays Are Hard on a Pregnant Back
Thanksgiving through the end of the year usually means travel, whether it’s a long drive across Texas or a flight to see family, and Dr. Brett Chavez hears from pregnant patients every year about how much that travel takes out of them. Prenatal chiropractic exists partly for exactly this reason: pregnancy changes posture, weight distribution, and pelvic alignment in ways that make long periods of sitting significantly harder to tolerate than before.
What Changes During Pregnancy That Affects Travel
As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus shifts the body’s center of gravity forward, which most patients compensate for by increasing the curve in their low back. At the same time, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments supporting the pelvis in preparation for delivery, which can make the sacroiliac joints less stable and more prone to irritation, especially under the sustained, unmoving posture of a long car ride or flight.
The combination of a shifted center of gravity, loosened pelvic ligaments, and hours in one seated position is why so many pregnant patients describe holiday travel as leaving their low back and hips aching for days afterward.
How Prenatal Chiropractic Care Helps
Dr. Chavez uses techniques and positioning specifically modified for pregnancy, avoiding pressure on the abdomen and adjusting the treatment table and approach to keep the patient comfortable throughout. The focus is on restoring proper motion and balance to the pelvis and low back, which helps the body better handle the postural changes pregnancy already brings, on top of whatever additional strain travel adds.
Many patients schedule a visit specifically before a planned trip to address any existing restriction ahead of time, then a follow-up after to address whatever travel added.
Making Travel More Comfortable
Alongside chiropractic care, a few practical habits make a real difference for pregnant patients traveling this season:
- Stop every hour or two on a car trip to get out and walk, even briefly, rather than pushing through to the destination
- Use a lumbar support pillow or rolled towel behind the low back during long periods of sitting
- Request an aisle seat on flights to make it easier to get up and move periodically
- Stay well hydrated, since travel days often mean less water than usual, and dehydration makes muscle tension worse
- Avoid overpacking a single bag and carrying it unevenly on one side, which adds asymmetric strain to an already shifting center of gravity
What to Expect at a Visit
A prenatal visit starts with a conversation about how the pregnancy is progressing and what symptoms are present, followed by a gentle exam and adjustment tailored to the trimester and comfort level of the patient. Dr. Chavez adjusts his approach throughout pregnancy as the body continues to change, rather than treating every trimester the same way.
When to Get Checked
Any pregnant patient managing low back or hip discomfort, especially heading into a season of travel, is a good candidate for a visit. Sharp or radiating pain, or any symptom outside the range of normal pregnancy discomfort, should always be discussed with the treating OB alongside chiropractic care.
If holiday travel has you dreading the toll it takes on your back and hips, schedule a new patient visit at Back 2 Health Chiropractic in Lubbock, TX before you hit the road.
References
- American Pregnancy Association, “Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy,” americanpregnancy.org
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “Travel During Pregnancy,” acog.org
