Why Pelvic Floor Health Deserves More Attention
Chiropractic and pelvic floor health are closely connected, yet pelvic floor health is often left out of the conversation until a problem arises—whether it’s urinary leakage, postnatal discomfort, or unexplained lower back pain. Despite its subtle role in daily life, the pelvic floor is a foundational part of your body’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
While physical therapy is widely known for pelvic rehabilitation, chiropractic care offers a lesser-known but highly effective route to support pelvic floor health—especially when spinal misalignment or nerve interference is involved. By aligning the spine and optimizing nervous system communication, chiropractic care may improve function, reduce symptoms, and support a more balanced, pain-free life.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that form a supportive sling across the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles stabilize the spine and hips, support pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus or prostate, and rectum), and coordinate with the diaphragm and deep abdominal muscles during breathing and core engagement.
Pelvic floor muscles are responsible for:
-
Controlling bladder and bowel movements
-
Supporting posture and movement
-
Facilitating sexual function
-
Managing intra-abdominal pressure
-
Supporting pregnancy and childbirth
When these muscles become weak, overly tight, or uncoordinated, the result is called pelvic floor dysfunction, which can manifest in several ways depending on the underlying cause.
Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction can look different for everyone. Some people may experience issues with bladder control, while others may feel chronic tightness or pain in the hips or lower back. Symptoms may include:
-
Urinary incontinence or frequent urination
-
Constipation or difficulty emptying the bowel
-
Pelvic pain or pressure
-
Pain during intercourse
-
Tailbone pain (coccygodynia)
-
Low back or sacroiliac joint discomfort
-
Unresolved hip pain
-
Postpartum instability or weakness
If these symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, exercises, or physical therapy, it may be time to consider spinal alignment and nerve function as contributing factors.
How Spinal Alignment Affects Pelvic Floor Health
The spine and pelvic floor are deeply connected, both structurally and neurologically. Nerves from the sacral spine (particularly S2-S4) control pelvic floor muscle function. If the spine is misaligned—especially in the lumbar or sacral regions—nerve communication can be impaired, leading to muscular dysfunction, weakness, or tightness.
Additionally, the mechanics of the pelvis and spine influence how the pelvic floor muscles contract and relax. An unstable sacroiliac joint, rotated pelvis, or abnormal lumbar curvature can all place irregular strain on the pelvic floor, making it harder for these muscles to engage properly.
Chiropractic Adjustments Restore Balance
Chiropractors assess spinal and pelvic alignment and use gentle techniques to correct imbalances. This helps restore proper motion to restricted joints, reduce nerve irritation, and rebalance the posture. With improved biomechanics and better nerve signaling, the pelvic floor can begin to function more effectively.
Pelvic Tilt and Poor Posture: Hidden Stressors on the Pelvic Floor
Posture plays a critical role in the function of the pelvic floor, making it a key factor in understanding the link between chiropractic and pelvic floor health. Many people unknowingly walk around with an anterior pelvic tilt, where the pelvis tips forward and increases the arch in the lower back. This compresses the lumbar spine and stretches the pelvic floor into a weakened, elongated position.
Conversely, a posterior pelvic tilt (often seen in people who sit for long hours) can result in tight pelvic floor muscles, leading to pain and dysfunction. Both scenarios create instability and neuromuscular imbalance.
Chiropractic care realigns the pelvis and spine, helping correct these postural deviations. This reduces compensatory tension and allows the pelvic floor to return to a neutral, functional position.
Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Pelvic Floor Strain
Pregnancy is one of the most demanding periods for the pelvic floor. As the uterus expands, pelvic organs shift, and hormone levels rise to soften ligaments for delivery. This places strain on the lower back, hips, and pelvic floor.
After childbirth, women often experience:
-
Weakness in the pelvic floor and core
-
Pubic symphysis pain
-
Difficulty with bladder control
The Role of Chiropractic in Prenatal and Postpartum Care
During pregnancy, chiropractic care can help:
-
Maintain pelvic alignment for easier labor
-
Relieve lower back, sacroiliac, and round ligament pain
-
Support the body’s structural balance
After delivery, chiropractic can:
-
Improve healing by enhancing nerve function
-
Re-stabilize the pelvis
-
Support the re-engagement of the pelvic floor and deep core muscles
At Chiropractic Healing Team, Dr. Douglas Gordon provides safe, gentle care using the Activator Method, making it ideal for pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
The Pelvic Floor as Part of the Core
The pelvic floor is one of four key components of your core:
-
Diaphragm (top)
-
Pelvic floor (bottom)
-
Transverse abdominis (front and sides)
-
Multifidus and spinal erectors (back)
These muscles work together to stabilize your spine, control intra-abdominal pressure, and support movement. If spinal alignment is off, the entire core can become dysfunctional.
For example, poor breathing patterns—often caused by forward head posture or thoracic restriction—can compromise how the diaphragm and pelvic floor coordinate. Chiropractic adjustments improve thoracic mobility and spinal mechanics, which enhances the body’s ability to breathe and engage core muscles correctly.
Case Scenarios Where Chiropractic Helps Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Case 1: Postpartum Woman with Tailbone Pain
A woman 3 months postpartum reports sharp pain near the tailbone when sitting or lifting her baby. Examination reveals a rotated sacrum and restricted coccyx motion. Chiropractic care relieves tailbone pain, restores sacral alignment, and improves overall pelvic mobility.
Case 2: Middle-Aged Man with Chronic Pelvic Tension
A man in his 50s experiences chronic pelvic tightness and lower back pain, aggravated by long periods of sitting. He has tried physical therapy and stretching with minimal improvement. After spinal adjustments targeting the L5-S1 area, his symptoms begin to subside, and his posture improves.
Case 3: Young Woman with Stress Incontinence
A 30-year-old woman experiences urinary leakage while jogging. Evaluation shows excessive lumbar lordosis and a forward pelvic tilt. Adjustments help rebalance spinal curves, and with support from pelvic floor therapy, she regains bladder control and confidence in her workouts.
What to Expect During Chiropractic Care for Pelvic Floor Health
At your initial visit, Dr. Douglas Gordon will conduct a thorough assessment that may include:
-
Postural and pelvic alignment analysis
-
Functional movement screening
-
Gentle orthopedic and neurological testing
-
Review of lifestyle, activity level, and past injuries
Chiropractic adjustments will be tailored to your needs and comfort level. Techniques like the Activator Method and drop-table adjustments provide precise corrections without twisting or high force, making them ideal for sensitive or postpartum patients.
Supporting Pelvic Floor Health Beyond the Adjustment
Chiropractic care works best when combined with supportive lifestyle practices. Dr. Gordon may recommend:
-
Pelvic floor physical therapy
-
Targeted core exercises like diaphragmatic breathing, pelvic tilts, and bridges
-
Postural retraining to reduce strain on the pelvic floor
-
Stress reduction techniques, since chronic stress can create muscle tension
-
Ergonomic adjustments for your workspace or daily routine
A collaborative approach helps you restore strength, regain control, and return to the activities you enjoy—pain-free.
Supporting Your Core from the Ground Up
The pelvic floor may be out of sight, but it should never be out of mind. Whether you’re managing postpartum changes, chronic pelvic pain, or struggling with core instability, your spine plays a critical role in how well your pelvic floor functions.
Chiropractic care provides a powerful yet non-invasive way to restore balance, support healing, and optimize function in the entire core system. Through gentle, targeted adjustments, Dr. Douglas Gordon helps patients in Woodland Hills find long-lasting relief from symptoms that are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed.
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re searching for a science-backed, spine-centered approach to restore balance and comfort, chiropractic care may be your missing link.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Douglas Gordon today and take the first step toward lasting pelvic stability and freedom of movement.
Visit Chiropractic Healing Team for more trusted health insights and effective care in Woodland Hills.