The Nu Guide: Pelvic pain awareness
What is pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain is pain that is felt in the area in the lower abdominal region, above the legs and between the pelvis. Women are more likely to experience pain in this part of the body because it is home to the female reproductive organs – ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes – as well as the bowel and bladder. There are many reasons why you might feel pain in this area, and some preventative measures you can take to ease any discomfort.
Why should we talk about pelvic pain?
Given the number of causes of pain that may occur in this area of the body, pelvic pain is often misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. Chronic pelvic pain can negatively affect the quality of life, affecting physical, emotional and social wellbeing. By making these conversations more open and raising awareness we can encourage people to take charge of their health and any pain they’re experiencing.
What are the most common causes of pelvic pain?
Constipation or difficulty emptying bowel or bladder: Chronic constipation or frequently straining during bowel movements can put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pain and discomfort.
Holding your urine or delaying urinating: Ignoring the urge to urinate or frequently holding your urine can cause the bladder to become overactive and lead to high tone pelvic floor and an altered abdominal / diaphragm/ pelvic floor connection
Sitting all day: Prolonged sitting can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become tense, contributing to pelvic pain. Encouraging happy hips ensures happy pelvises
Altered breathing pattern: Holding your breath during activities like lifting heavy objects or exercising can increase pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, potentially leading to pelvic pain.
Tight and clenched gluteus /buttock muscles: Clenching your buttock muscles can put strain on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. Becoming aware of this habit and consciously relaxing your buttocks can help reduce pelvic pain.
Holding in your belly: Constantly holding in your stomach muscles can cause pressure on to the pelvic floor muscles.
Incorrect breathing mechanics during weightlifting: Improper breathing techniques during weightlifting, such as holding your breath, can increase pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and potentially lead to pelvic pain.
Postural dysfunction: Poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over, can affect the alignment of the pelvis and spine, leading to pelvic pain. Maintaining good posture and engaging in exercises that promote core strength and flexibility can help alleviate pelvic pain caused by postural dysfunction.
Pelvic medical conditions: If you suffer with painful periods , endometriosis , adenomyosis, bladder pain syndrome/Interstitial cystitis or any other chronic condition you can suffer with pelvic pain and have all of the contributing factors as outlined in 1-8
As always we recommend that if you are experiencing ongoing discomfort or new symptoms that you’re unsure about, to book an appointment with a health or medical professional, particularly a pelvic health physiotherapist.
Stay tuned for our next article which will include a range of exercises which can help strengthen muscles and build resilience against discomfort.
