The pelvis

During the 9 months of pregnancy, the pelvis is adapting and preparing for the delivery of the baby. The entire body is inhundated by hormones, one of them being the hormone Relaxin; its function is to loosens and relax muscles, joints and ligaments to help your body stretch during labour. After the delivery, things can struggle to come back as they were, especially if the client is not particularly active or did not follow any sort of core strengthening protocol. At Alive chiropractic we succesfully manage pelvic pain during and after pregnancy, with different types of interventions and tailored exercises to target the front, back and side of your pelvis. A pelvis that works correctly is a pelvis that is symmetrical, strong and stable.

Causes

Pain in the pelvis can have various causes, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the main causes of pelvic pain include:

Musculoskeletal issues: Strained or injured muscles, ligaments, or joints in the pelvic region can lead to pain. This can occur due to overuse, poor posture, or trauma. The sacroiliac ligament is one of the strongest ligaments in the body, but it can be subject to strain due to various reasons, again pregnancy being the most common one in women. 

Gynecological conditions, like menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhea). Pain during menstruation due to uterine contractions can cause pain in the pelvis. Or, for example, Endometriosis, which is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and inflammation.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of the reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can form on the ovaries and cause pain if they rupture or twist.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Infections in the urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra, can cause pelvic discomfort.

Symphisis pubis inflammation: Inflammation of the symphysis pubis, a condition known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) or pubic symphysis pain, typically occurs due to excessive stress or strain on the pelvic area. The symphysis pubis is a cartilaginous joint that connects the two halves of the pelvis at the front. Check the anatomy here

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can cause abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort.

Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome): A chronic condition causing bladder pain and urinary urgency.

Kidney Stones: Hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when they move through the urinary tract.

Hernias: A hernia in the pelvic area can cause discomfort as organs push through weakened abdominal muscles.

Nerve Compression or Irritation: Conditions like sciatica or pelvic nerve entrapment can lead to radiating pain in the pelvic region.

Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to or exacerbate pelvic pain.

It's important to note that the specific cause of pelvic pain can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing pelvic pain, especially if it's severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's recommended to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and possibly diagnostic tests, to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate investigations or treatment.

Chiropractors are spine specialists, highly skilled to identify and diagnose what is the real cause of you low back pain. Their methods and techniques vary according to patient's preferences and needs.

In order to diagnose you correctly, chiropractors perform a thorough full medical history during the first consultation. Information related to your presentation will be collected, alongside with information on past traumas, road traffic accidents, surgeries/hospitalisations, your daily lifestyle, your diet, smoking and drinking, and many other precious data which unavoidably relates to your currnet situation. Then, a physical examination is performed where different orthopaedic/functional/neurological tests are carried out.

According to the results of the consultation, chiropractors are able to formulate a diagnosis and a plan of action. It's always up to the patient to decide then what to do.

Chiropractic is a safe, natural way to break and reverse the same vicious cycle that forced you to be inactive because of your lower back pain. Once the pain is gone and you feel better, you will be more prone to be more active and feel even more better. At the end of the day, it is a matter of quality of life, and we are here to serve you achieving your full potential not only as a body, but as a human being. 

If you live in Dorchester, Weymouth or Bridport and you are suffering with pelvic pain, click here or call 01305602314 and we will conduct a thorough examination to understand if and how chiropractic can help you.