Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction in Springfield VA

Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction (also called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction or SPD) is one of the most painful and misunderstood conditions affecting pregnant and postpartum women in Springfield VA. It causes sharp, stabbing pain in the front of the pelvis — often making it difficult to walk, turn in bed, climb stairs, or even stand on one leg.

Many women in Northern Virginia are told this pain is “normal pregnancy discomfort.” It is not.

At Thrive Integrative Health in West Springfield, VA, we specialize in pregnancy-safe, integrative care for pelvic instability, helping women move comfortably again — often when they were told nothing could be done.

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What Is the Pubic Symphysis in Springfield VA?

The pubic symphysis is a small but critical joint located at the front of the pelvis, where the left and right pelvic bones meet.

During pregnancy, the body releases a hormone called relaxin, which softens the ligaments in the pelvis so the baby can pass through during birth.

When those ligaments loosen too much — or the pelvis becomes misaligned — the pubic symphysis joint becomes unstable, inflamed, and painful.

This is Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction.

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What Does PSD Feel Like?

Women with PSD often describe:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the front of the pelvis
• Pain when walking
• Pain rolling in bed
• Pain when lifting one leg
• Clicking or grinding in the pelvis
• Waddling or limping
• Pain radiating into the groin, hips, or inner thighs
• Many women feel like their pelvis is “coming apart.”

That sensation is not imagined — it is mechanical instability.

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Why Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction Happens

PSD is usually caused by a combination of:

• Hormonal ligament laxity
• Pelvic misalignment
• Weak core and glute muscles
• SI joint dysfunction
• Previous pregnancies
• Prior trauma or falls
• Prolonged sitting or standing

When one side of the pelvis shifts, the pubic symphysis is forced to absorb abnormal strain — leading to inflammation and severe pain.

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Why PSD Is So Often Missed

Most providers do not evaluate pelvic biomechanics.

PSD is frequently misdiagnosed as:

• Sciatica
• Hip pain
• Round ligament pain
• Normal pregnancy discomfort

But this is not just discomfort — it is joint instability.

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Our Integrative, Pregnancy-Safe Approach

At Thrive Integrative Health, we take a gentle, biomechanical approach to stabilizing the pelvis.

Pelvic Alignment & SI Joint Correction
We use specialized, pregnancy-safe chiropractic techniques to:

• Balance the pelvis
• Reduce strain on the pubic symphysis
• Improve joint mechanics

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Who We Help

We treat:

• Pregnant women with pelvic pain
• Postpartum mothers
• Women with lingering birth-related pelvic pain
• Athletes with groin or pubic pain
• Women who were told “this is just how pregnancy feels”

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A Different Kind of Care for a Different Kind of Pain

Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction is not just painful — it is isolating. When walking hurts, sleeping hurts, and even getting dressed hurts, life becomes smaller.

• You deserve care that understands:
• Your body
• Your pregnancy
• Your hormones
• Your biomechanics

At Thrive Integrative Health, we don’t rush you, dismiss you, or minimize what you’re feeling. We help your pelvis do what it was designed to do — support you.

If you are in Northern Virginia and struggling with pelvic pain during or after pregnancy, this is not something you have to “just survive.”

This is something that can be treated — and we are here to help you move forward with strength again.