Spinal Support for a Healthier, More Comfortable Pregnancy.
Overview
Pregnancy is such an exciting time in a woman’s life, but the changes that occur during this 9 month transition can wreak havoc on her body, especially her spinal health. Low back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain are very common symptoms during pregnancy.
Symptoms/Causes
- Hormonal changes: Hormones like relaxin, which is produced by the ovaries and placenta during pregnancy, increase the flexibility in ligaments and joints. This often occurs in the pelvis and back, which can lead to instability and pain.
- Weight distribution: As the pregnancy progresses and the baby grows, the body’s center of gravity shifts forward which places increased stress on the spine. This can cause the low back to curve more, a posterior tilting of the sacrum, and a shift in head position, all in an attempt to compensate for the weight.
- Changes in posture: The additional weight of the growing baby can lead to poor posture while sitting, standing and bending over. Sleeping positions are altered as well, all of which strain muscles and contribute to pain and stiffness.
- Spine curvature: The thoracic and lumbar spine curvatures can change leading to thoracic kyphosis (a rounding of the upper back) and lumbar lordosis (an increased curve of the lower back) which can contribute to muscle pain.
Other Factors:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Weakened abdominal muscles
- Pre-existing back conditions can be exacerbated
- Childbirth itself can lead to misalignments of the spine
Treatment
Chiropractic care can be a safe and natural way for expecting moms to reduce common pregnancy discomforts. Our practice is experienced in both prenatal and postpartum chiropractic treatments. We utilize a specialized table to accommodate the growing belly and recommend safe and effective modalities to relieve symptoms quickly. Additionally, we have staff with first hand experience of the benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy. It is also important to seek chiropractic care after the baby is born, when a woman’s body is in the resetting phase.
Frequentlty Asked Questions
Yes. Chiropractic care is not only safe, but it can help alleviate back pain, improve pelvic alignment, and support the overall health of both mother and baby. At EWC we have a specially designed table that adapts to the growing pregnant belly.
Every woman’s body heals differently so there is no specific timeframe. This will also depend on the type of delivery, the strain that was put on the body and any hormonal changes experienced postpartum. Most women return to chiropractic care as soon as they are comfortable leaving the house. It is best to discuss your individual situation and progress with your chiropractor to determine what is best for you and your body.
Birth is a traumatic event for the infant spine and can be the cause of many newborn illnesses and symptoms. Chiropractic realignment for newborns addresses the root cause of the symptoms and is a safe, and drug-free alternative to symptom only treatment options. At EWC, we are experienced in treating children of all ages and have adjusted newborns as young as 3 days old.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Meet the Team
Dr. Deveau is a local boy, born and raised in Ledyard. At the young age of 10, he remembers moving his toes and wondering “what has to happen in the body for that thought to travel and turn into an action in my toes”. That started a lifelong interest in health and body and a fascination with how it all works together. He grew up very active in sports, playing soccer and baseball and was a competitive wrestler. His interest in physical fitness guided him to body building during early adulthood and sparked a passion for biomechanics. In 1989, he then ventured off to California to work as a private trainer at a chiropractic office. He was inspired by what he saw and decided to make chiropractic a career by enrolling in the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1996. In September of that year, he moved back to Connecticut and started East West Chiropractic.
He has continued his passion for health, keeping his mind open to new ideas and treatments, which has made East West Chiropractic one of the most technologically advanced chiropractic offices in the state. He has hundreds of hours of continuing education in neurology, nutrition, biomechanics, and the health effects of stress and he applies his wealth of knowledge to the treatment plans for his patients.
He currently enjoys tennis, golf, pickleball, shooting, boating… really all the “ings”!
Dr. Zeppieri’s journey with East West Chiropractic began not as a doctor, but as a patient. With a lifelong background in athletics and fitness, he first visited the clinic after suffering an ankle injury while playing football. It was during his rehabilitation that he discovered chiropractic care was far more comprehensive than he had initially realized. This experience sparked a deep interest and growing passion for the field.
While earning his degree in Exercise Science from Central Connecticut State University, Dr. Zeppieri took on multiple roles at East West Chiropractic—including working in therapy and assisting Dr. Deveau—which further solidified his commitment to holistic healthcare. After graduation, he pursued his doctorate at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, widely regarded as the birthplace of Chiropractic. While at Palmer, he continued his athletic pursuits, playing travel rugby alongside his
studies.
In 2024, Dr. Zeppieri returned to where it all began—joining the team of doctors at East West Chiropractic. He brings with him a strong belief in the power of holistic health, emphasizing proper exercise, strength training, functional mobility, and nutrition as essential components of his approach
to chiropractic care.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or aiming to enhance your overall quality of life, Dr. Zeppieri is dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals—leaving no stone unturned.
Dr. Shipper was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania, where she developed a deep appreciation for healthy living early in life. Her lifelong involvement in athletics, combined with time spent shadowing her father in his medical practice, sparked a passion for biomechanics and holistic healing.
A graduate summa cum laude from the University of Bridgeport, Dr. Shipper earned her Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree in 2018. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
As a mother, Dr. Shipper brings a compassionate and informed perspective to her work with growing families. She specializes in care that supports natural development, prenatal comfort, and postnatal recovery. Her practice welcomes patients of all ages and activity levels—from athletes and weekend warriors to office professionals and busy parents and their children.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Shipper enjoys kickboxing, hiking, skiing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, crocheting, reading, and rock climbing.
Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or proactive wellness care, Dr. Shipper creates personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals. At the heart of her practice is a simple belief: everybody – no matter the age – deserves the chance to feel balanced, strong, and supported.
At East West Chiropractic in Groton, CT, our expert team is dedicated to helping you live pain-free through personalized chiropractic care with non-invasive therapies. We educate and empower our patients to live healthier and achieve optimal quality of life.
Pain relief and better health is just one call away. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a more active and fulfilling life.