What is the Webster technique? The plain-English answer

You may have heard the name from a friend, a prenatal class or a parenting group. This Tech Tuesday post explains how the Webster technique works in plain English, what it isn't, and what to ask before a visit.

What it is

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) describes the Webster technique as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for the pelvis and sacrum. The sacrum is a large, triangle-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine, set like a wedge between the two hip bones.

In plain English, it has two parts:

1. The analysis: a careful check of how the pelvis and the base of the spine are moving.
2. The adjustment: a gentle adjustment based on what that check finds.

Dr. Scott Kirchner, D.C., is trained in the Webster technique. He has been in practice since 2015 and has trained in California, the Netherlands and Germany. His approach includes gentle adjustments and low-force options.

What it isn't

The Webster technique is not a method for turning a breech baby. Keep your OB or midwife in the loop.

It also isn't a replacement for prenatal care, which stays with the OB or midwife. Think of chiropractic care as one part of a team that the OB or midwife leads.

Why the pelvis gets attention during pregnancy

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that backache is one of the most common pregnancy problems, especially in the later months. As the uterus grows, it shifts the body's center of gravity and stretches the abdominal muscles. That changes posture and puts strain on the back.

What a pregnancy visit can look like

• A conversation about health history, how the pregnancy is going and who the OB or midwife is.
• A gentle check of how the pelvis, lower back and hips are moving.
• Gentle, low-force techniques, adapted for comfort as the pregnancy progresses.
• With the patient's permission, coordination with the OB or midwife.

Questions to bring

1. What does your analysis look at?
2. What will you do, and how will it feel?
3. How do you adapt your approach as the pregnancy progresses?
4. How will you keep my OB or midwife informed?
5. What can I do at home between visits?
6. Which signs mean I should call my OB or midwife instead?

When to call the OB or midwife first

ACOG advises calling an ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider for severe back pain, back pain that lasts more than two weeks, or back pain that comes with fever, burning during urination or vaginal bleeding.

Everyday comfort ideas from ACOG

• Low-heeled (not flat) shoes with good arch support, such as walking or athletic shoes.
• Later in pregnancy, sleeping on one side with one or both knees bent, a pillow between the knees and another under the belly.
• Walking, which ACOG says is generally safe during pregnancy. ACOG also suggests water exercise, since the water supports body weight. Check with the OB or midwife about any activity plan.

Quick answers

What is the Webster technique?
The ICPA describes it as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for the pelvis and sacrum.

Does the Webster technique turn breech babies?
No. The Webster technique is not a method for turning a breech baby. Keep your OB or midwife in the loop.

What training does Dr. Scott Kirchner, D.C., have?
Dr. Scott Kirchner, D.C., is trained in the Webster technique. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic cum laude from Southern California University of Health Sciences.

Should the OB or midwife know about chiropractic visits?
Yes. Keep your OB or midwife in the loop.

When should someone call the OB or midwife first?
ACOG lists severe back pain, back pain lasting more than two weeks, and back pain with fever, burning during urination or vaginal bleeding.

A note on new patients

We're welcoming new patients for pregnancy and family care. Your first visit can be at our Dana Point or Mission Viejo office, and our Patient Care Coordinator will help you find a time.

Questions? Call us at (949) 661-9777. Share this with someone who'd find it useful.

General information, not medical advice. Please talk with your own doctor about your situation.

Sources

1. International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). https://icpa4kids.com/
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Back Pain During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/back-pain-during-pregnancy
3. ColumbiaDoctors Health Library. Sacrum. https://www.columbiadoctors.org/health-library/definition/sacrum/