Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain Is Very Common
Pelvic girdle pain is a specific form of low back pain. It is a form of trunk pain that can occur both in conjunction with or separately to lower back pain. Pelvic girdle pain is more common in women, especially common during pregnancy or in the postnatal period and is suggested that by the end of third trimester of pregnancy up to 60% of women will experience pelvic girdle or back pain?
What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pelvic Girdle Pain as treated by physiotherapists includes pain manifesting in the pubic bone and sacrum area respectively these areas are anatomically referred to as pubic symphysis pain and sacroiliac joint pain.
Pelvic Anatomy
Your pelvic joints are the pubic symphysis at the front and the two sacroiliac joints at the back. From a mobility point of view the pelvis is the bony link between the low back and your lower limbs, functioning to transmit forces between the spine and lower limbs. But it is clearly more than this, providing attachment for dozens of muscles as well as providing protection to the pelvic organs.
Low Back Pain Anatomy
Your low back consists of five vertebrae with intervertebral discs between each of the vertebrae. Within the spinal canal runs the spinal cord and nerves that are responsible for facilitating movement and sensation in the entire body. Around this bony structure attach multiple muscles and ligaments providing stability to the spine.
Discs, joints, nerves, muscles and ligaments are all capable of causing discomfort and impacting movement and function.
Common Causes Of Pelvic Pain
Some common causes of pelvic girdle symptoms causing pelvic girdle dysfunction or Pelvic girdle instability we see at the Movement Centre include:
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Stress
- Sustained positions without movement
- Sedentary lifestyle and “poor” sitting postures
- Incorrect lifting and training techniques in work, leisure or household roles
Treatment from
a physio with a special interest in Women’s health can provide significant relief to sufferers of mechanical pelvic girdle pain and low back pain.
Physiotherapy Treatment For Pelvic Pain
The best physio approach is always to address the underlying issue requiring an understanding regarding the history of the pelvic pain and appropriate assessment of the whole body to gain an understanding of the cause/s of pain. This way we can ensure we aren’t just treating the symptoms but the are also addressing the cause.
Some pelvic pain treatment techniques include:
If you have any questions regarding pelvic girdle pain and physiotherapy don’t hesitate to contact the Movement Centre and we will address and questions you may have.
