What Is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain occurs in the lowest part of your abdomen around the pelvis and reproductive organs. Both men and women can experience this uncomfortable feeling.
Pelvic pain can range in severity, from a dull ache to a stabbing pain. It’s important to listen to your body when you experience pelvic pain, as it can signify a more serious issue. Your pelvis protects vital organs such as your colon, bladder, and those in your reproductive system, so when you experience pelvic pain, heed the warning and get care.
When you need an experienced chiropractor in Greenville, SC, or pelvic floor physical therapist to help relieve pelvic pain, rely on the professionals at Upstate Spine & Sport. With this relief, you’ll be able to return to your daily activities without suffering as much or having to rely on medication.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
Pain in your pelvic area can be temporary and only last a few minutes, or it can last for an extended period. Pelvic pain that lasts more than three months turns into a chronic condition. There are a variety of causes of pelvic pain, from muscular and skeletal issues to problems with your reproductive organs or other bodily systems. Here are a few of the most popular causes:
- Pregnancy
- Menstrual cramps
- Reproductive diseases such as pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cysts
- Appendicitis
- Weak core muscles
- Severe injury
- Dysfunction of the pelvic or pubic bones
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Urinary and kidney issues such as UTIs or kidney stones
You should see your doctor so you know the exact cause. If left untreated, the underlying causes of pelvic pain can lead to severe issues. Your doctor can treat your medical issues but may also recommend chiropractic care or physical therapy to reduce your pelvic pain and recurring pelvic problems.
Use a Heating Pad to Relax Your Muscles
Whether your muscles are tense or inflamed from menstrual cramps, injury, pregnancy, or another condition, a heating pad can be useful in reducing pelvic pain. It’s also a safe way to relieve pain without taking medication.
Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow. By applying a heating pad to your abdomen, you improve circulation, which can help heal your muscles and reduce inflammation. Unlike taking medications to relax your muscles, you can apply a heating pad to your abdomen as frequently as you need and shouldn’t experience adverse effects.
Get Moving
Exercise is likely not at the forefront of your mind when you are experiencing pelvic pain. However, exercising promotes increased blood flow and causes your brain to produce pain-relieving endorphins. The more vigorous the exercise is, the more your brain produces endorphins. In addition to these feel-good chemicals, being active ensures your body stays limber and can help you stretch out tight pelvic muscles after an injury.
You don’t have to spend hours exercising, though – a quick walk around outside can help relieve your physical discomfort. With recurring pelvic pain, you probably already know what your body can handle.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles on the underside of our pelvis with important responsibilities such as bowel and bladder control, organ support, core stability, and sexual function. Pelvic floor evaluation, therapy, and exercises can help relieve pain.
Pelvic floor exercises relieve pain around your pelvic region by strengthening and relaxing your muscles from your belly button to your groin. They have additional benefits, including improving urinary incontinence and promoting better recovery after surgeries. If you suffer from chronic pain from pelvic dysfunction, your chiropractor may recommend pelvic floor exercises or pelvic floor therapy as a part of your treatment plan.
See a Professional | Upstate Spine & Sport
It can be easy to treat minor pelvic pain yourself, but you’re not out of luck if you have a chronic problem. The team at Upstate Spine & Sport has the education and experience to increase your comfort. Talk to your doctor about your pelvic pain to find the best solution. Chiropractic services from Upstate Spine & Sport can significantly benefit you.
At Upstate Spine & Sport, we offer chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, fascial stretch therapy, and more at our Greenville office serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, and the surrounding South Carolina communities. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us by calling 864-400-8005.
