Chiropractic Wedges Explained: Gentle, Gravity-Assisted Support for Alignment, Posture, and Comfortable Rehabilitation
If you’ve ever been in a chiropractic office and seen a triangle-shaped foam block placed under your neck, hips, or feet, you’ve seen a chiropractic wedge (sometimes called a block). These tools look simple, but they can be very useful when they’re used correctly and matched to the right person.
Wedges are angled foam or orthopedic supports that help position the body, using gravity and gentle pressure to encourage better alignment, stretching, and movement. Instead of forcing motion, wedges often work through passive, comfortable positioning—meaning your own body weight and posture do much of the work.
Clinics may use wedges to support:
Natural spinal curves (especially the neck and low back)
Pelvic balance and sacral mechanics
Foot biomechanics (pronation/supination patterns that can affect knees, hips, and spine)
Postural strain relief during rehabilitation and home care
This approach is often used alongside hands-on chiropractic care and other therapies. National health resources describe chiropractic care as typically involving manual therapy and other supportive approaches as part of conservative, non-drug care for many musculoskeletal concerns. (NCCIH, 2024; NCCIH, 2025)
What Are Wedges in Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic wedges are usually firm foam triangles (or paired wedges) placed under specific parts of the body—commonly the neck, pelvis/hips, or feet. Their purpose is to create a specific angle that:
encourages gentle traction
supports structural positioning
reduces compression stress
improves posture awareness
helps the body “settle” into a more neutral position over time
A helpful way to think about wedges is this:
They don’t “fix” you by themselves— they create a position that helps your body move and rest in a healthier way.
Some offices describe wedge work as a gentle technique where blocks are placed under the spine or body to help with stretching and comfort-focused correction. (Diamond State Chiropractic, 2024)
Why Wedges Can Be So Helpful: The “Gravity-Assisted” Advantage
Many people want care that feels safe, calm, and controlled—especially if they are sore, anxious about forceful adjustments, or healing after an injury. Wedges can be a great fit because they often support:
Low-force correction
Comfortable positioning
Passive stretching
Better alignment awareness
A “no-thrust” option in some treatment plans
Some clinics describe wedges as tools that rely on positioning, body weight, and gravity to encourage gentle pelvic and lower back mobilization—especially for people who need a softer approach (such as in acute pain cases, with older adults, or during pregnancy). (Walkley Chiropractic Group, n.d.)
The Main Types of Chiropractic Wedges (and What They’re For)
Below are the most common wedge styles used in chiropractic and integrative musculoskeletal care.
Neck Wedges (Cervical Wedges): Supporting the Natural Neck Curve
Neck wedges are used to support the cervical lordosis (the natural “C-shaped” curve of your neck). When that curve flattens—often from prolonged sitting, “text neck,” or postural strain—people may feel:
neck tightness and stiffness
shoulder tension
headaches or upper-back discomfort
limited neck range of motion
A typical setup is simple:
You lie on your back
The wedge sits under your neck (not under your head)
You rest there for a short time, often 5–10 minutes, depending on the plan
Many clinics teach neck wedge home care to support posture correction and cervical curve work between visits. (CORE Chiropractic, 2016; Pure-Health, 2024)
Video examples (as demonstrations, not as medical advice):
Neck wedge used to support cervical curve/posture: (Cordova & Siegmund, n.d.)
Neck wedge guidance and safety tips: (Pure-Health, n.d.)
Important note: Neck wedges are not “one-size-fits-all” in real life. Some sources emphasize matching wedge use to the person’s needs and comfort, and using guidance to achieve the best positioning. (Pure-Health, 2024)
Pelvic Wedges / SOT Blocks: Gentle Pelvic and Sacral Balancing
In the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) tradition, wedge-shaped blocks are placed under the pelvis/hips while the patient lies prone (on their stomach). The blocks act like a fulcrum, allowing the body to self-correct using gravity rather than a thrust adjustment.
SOT-style descriptions commonly emphasize:
normalizing the relationship between the pelvis and the head
using pelvic blocks to help the body do the correction
a non-thrust approach where appropriate (Tiger Lily Chiropractic, n.d.)
Video example (demonstration):
Pelvic wedge home-care orientation: (Home Care: Pelvic Wedges, n.d.)
Clinically, pelvic wedge positioning is often considered when someone has patterns like:
pelvic tilt or rotation tendencies
sacroiliac irritation patterns
postural imbalance from compensation
Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, often discusses how pelvic and hip alignment problems can create compensations that spread symptoms into the low back or legs, and how conservative care may focus on restoring more balanced movement patterns over time. (Jimenez, n.d.-a; Jimenez, n.d.-b)
Foot Wedges: Small Changes Under the Foot Can Affect the Whole Chain
Foot wedges are used to influence:
how pressure loads through the foot
how the foot transitions through pronation and supination
how the ankle, knee, hip, and pelvis may respond during movement
Some foot therapy educators describe wedges as devices that can:
influence the direction of motion in a bone
fill a pressure “gap” (like a missing tripod connection)
Provide feedback to initiate movement patterns (Physioflexx Ayrshire, n.d.).
This matters because the foot is the “foundation” for standing and walking. When the foundation changes, the rest of the body may adapt.
Common reasons foot wedges may be considered:
recurring foot strain
gait or alignment training
rehab where movement retraining is part of the plan
chronic aches that seem linked to lower-body mechanics
Seat Wedges and Supportive Wedges for Sitting Posture
Not all wedges are used on a treatment table. Some are used as everyday tools, especially for people who sit a lot.
Some clinics describe seat wedges as supportive products that:
reduce hip and back strain while sitting
slightly tilt the pelvis forward
encourage more natural spinal curves
reduce slouching tendencies (Nexus Chiropractic Clinic, n.d.)
This can be helpful for people who spend long hours at desks or behind the wheel.
Conditions and Situations Where Wedges May Be Used
Wedges can support a care plan for a wide range of musculoskeletal patterns. They are not a cure-all, but they can be a useful tool when they align with a person’s needs.
Common clinical goals
restoring a more natural curve in the neck or low back
reducing postural strain and muscle guarding
supporting gentle decompression positioning
improving pelvic mechanics and reducing compensation patterns
improving comfort during rehab and mobility work
Common situations where a gentle approach is preferred
Wedges are often described as especially helpful for people who want a lower-force method, including:
acute pain patients
older adults
pregnancy-related discomfort patterns
people who prefer non-thrust options (Walkley Chiropractic Group, n.d.)
Wedges and Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia): Why Positioning Matters
Coccydynia means tailbone pain. It often worsens with sitting, especially leaning back. Educational medical sources describe coccydynia as pain around the coccyx (tailbone), commonly aggravated by sitting pressure. (Cleveland, n.d.)
Dr. Alexander Jimenez also describes tailbone pain as originating in the coccyx and often making sitting uncomfortable, which is why supportive positioning can be important in conservative care planning. (Jimenez, n.d.-c)
In practice, wedge-style supports (such as seat wedges) may be considered part of a broader plan to reduce pressure during sitting, along with mobility work, soft-tissue care, and guidance on activity modification.
Wedges for Scoliosis or Postural Imbalance: Supportive, Not “Magic”
Some wedge methods are discussed in the context of scoliosis and posture training. In general, the most realistic way to frame wedges is:
They may help with positioning, comfort, and movement awareness
They do not replace medical evaluation or scoliosis-specific management
They work best when combined with a broader rehab plan
Some public-facing resources mention the use of wedges in discussions of chiropractic techniques for scoliosis-related care. (Diamond State Chiropractic, 2024)
If scoliosis is suspected or known, it’s smart to work with a clinician who can coordinate appropriate evaluation and conservative care options.
What a Wedge Session Can Look Like in a Clinic
A typical wedge-based session often includes a combination of:
evaluation (posture, movement, symptom patterns)
wedge positioning (neck, pelvis, feet, or sitting support)
manual therapy or mobilization when appropriate
rehab exercises (mobility + stabilization)
home-care coaching (sleep posture, sitting habits, wedge use if prescribed)
Wedge positioning can feel surprisingly relaxing, especially for people who don’t want aggressive force.
Many patients describe wedge work as:
“gentle traction”
“a deep stretch without someone pushing me”
“a comfortable way to let my body settle”
Clinics that provide wedge training often include instructional videos and home-care education to help people use wedges safely and consistently. (Chiropractic First, n.d.; Chiropractic First, n.d.)
Safety Basics: Simple Do’s and Don’ts
Wedges are usually low-force, but they still matter because poor positioning can irritate symptoms.
Do:
start with short time periods and build gradually
keep breathing slowly and relaxed
stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, or numbness
use clinician guidance if the wedge is prescribed for your specific curve or condition (Pure-Health, 2024)
Don’t:
force your body into a painful angle
overdo time on the wedge (more is not always better)
use a wedge if symptoms are rapidly worsening without evaluation
treat wedges as a substitute for a full clinical plan
If you have a complex history (recent injury, neurological symptoms, severe osteoporosis risk, etc.), it’s best to get individualized guidance first.
Why Integrative Clinics Often Get Better Results Than “One Tool” Care
Wedges are helpful—but they are one tool. Many people do best when care includes multiple evidence-informed supports for healing and function.
National resources describe chiropractic as a form of conservative care often involving manual therapy, and many people use it for pain-related concerns. (NCCIH, 2024; NCCIH, 2024)
Many clinics describe a multidisciplinary model that combines chiropractic care with other services, such as physical therapy and acupuncture, to support mobility, reduce pain, and improve long-term outcomes. (AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 2020; AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, n.d.)
Other integrative clinic descriptions emphasize combining chiropractic with lifestyle guidance, functional approaches, and broader wellness planning. (Involve Health, n.d.; Poet’s Corner Medical Centre, 2024)
What “integrative wedge care” can look like
In a well-run integrative clinic, wedges may be paired with:
Manual adjustments or mobilization (only when appropriate)
Rehab exercise for strength, control, and stability
Soft tissue work (to reduce guarding and stiffness)
Acupuncture for pain modulation and recovery support (when indicated) (AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 2020)
Nutrition and lifestyle coaching to support inflammation control, sleep, and tissue healing (Poet’s Corner Medical Centre, 2024)
Clinical Observations From Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC: “Alignment Is a Whole-Body Conversation”
From Dr. Jimenez’s clinical perspective, alignment problems are rarely isolated. Hip and pelvic imbalance can cause compensation patterns that spread strain into:
low back
knees
feet
even upper spine patterns, depending on the person
He emphasizes that hip and pelvic issues can affect daily function, such as walking, bending, lifting, and training, and that conservative care often works best when it addresses movement patterns and the sources of compensation, rather than just the area that hurts. (Jimenez, n.d.-a; Jimenez, n.d.-b)
In that kind of model, wedges can be useful because they:
help place the pelvis, spine, or neck into a more supportive position
allow gentle decompression and postural training
make rehab more tolerable for sensitive patients
support home-care routines that reinforce clinic work
A Simple “Realistic Expectations” Checklist
Wedges tend to work best when you treat them like part of a system:
✅ Helpful tool for posture and gentle alignment support
✅ Comfort-focused option for people who prefer low-force care
✅ Good rehab support when paired with exercise and coaching
❌ Not a stand-alone cure
❌ Not a replacement for evaluation when symptoms are severe or changing
Bottom Line
Chiropractic wedges are simple, triangle-shaped supports that can create a powerful effect through gentle positioning and gravity-assisted alignment. Whether used under the neck to support cervical curve work, under the pelvis in SOT-style blocking, or under the feet to influence biomechanics, wedges can help many people feel more comfortable and move better—especially when used as part of a multidisciplinary, integrative plan.
When wedges are paired with the right mix of manual care, rehab, and lifestyle guidance, they can become a practical, calming, and effective part of modern conservative musculoskeletal care. (NCCIH, 2024; AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 2020)
References
AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine. (2020, November 10). The Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Approach.
AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine. (n.d.). Our Practice.
Chiropractic First. (n.d.). Wedge Videos in Grand Rapids, MI.
Chiropractic First. (n.d.). Chiropractic Care in Grand Rapids, MI.
Cleveland, A. (n.d.). Tailbone Pain El Paso | Coccydynia.
CORE Chiropractic. (2016, February 8). Posture Exercises and Neck Wedges—Do You Need Them?.
Diamond State Chiropractic. (2024, October 29). 5 Common Chiropractic Techniques for Back and Neck Pain.
Involve Health. (n.d.). Chiropractic FAQs.
Jimenez, A. (n.d.-a). Out of Alignment Hips Decompression.
Jimenez, A. (n.d.-b). Ways to Improve Hip & Pelvic Pain With Chiropractic.
Jimenez, A. (n.d.-c). Tailbone Pain Also Known As Coccydynia El Paso, Texas.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2024). Chiropractic: In Depth.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2024). Graph: Use of Complementary Health Approaches for Pain (20-Year Trends).
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2025). Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know.
Nexus Chiropractic Clinic. (n.d.). Supportive Products.
Physioflexx Ayrshire. (n.d.). Foot Wedges.
Poet’s Corner Medical Centre. (2024, January 31). Why Should You Visit a Holistic Chiropractor?.
Pure-Health. (2024, August 25). Neck Traction Wedge—Do’s and Don’ts.
Tiger Lily Chiropractic. (n.d.). Our Techniques (SOT Blocks).
Walkley Chiropractic Group. (n.d.). Biomechanical Wedges.
YouTube. (n.d.). Houston Chiropractor Demonstrates How To Use The Neck Wedge.
YouTube. (n.d.). Home Care: Pelvic Wedges.
YouTube. (n.d.). Neck Traction Wedge—Fix Forward Head Posture.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and physical medicine, as well as wellness, sensitive health issues, and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and facilitate clinical collaboration with specialists across disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and the jurisdiction in which they are licensed to practice. We utilize functional health and wellness protocols to treat and support care for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters and issues that directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice. Our office has made a reasonable effort to provide supportive citations and identify relevant research studies for our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
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