Have you ever had a conversation with someone about pelvic pain? I bet you haven’t. It is a topic that never gets shared with friends, neighbors, co-workers or sometimes even family members. For those suffering with pelvic pain, it can be very isolating.
Pelvic pain has been described as a headache in your pelvis and I think it’s a good one. If you’ve ever had a headache, you know it’s always there. You may be at work or out to dinner or doing household chores, but it never leaves your mind and it makes tasks more difficult and keeps you from enjoying the fun things in life. As a migraine sufferer myself I see the signs in others; we rub our shoulders, temples and necks trying to find relief. My family members are always the first to say, “you must have a headache today”. Pelvic pain on the other hand is usually kept from others. It is not something most people want to discuss. No one knows that you are suffering. I’ve had patients share that they are depressed, and a few have had suicidal thoughts because it never goes away. It is a serious problem.
Most patients I see have already seen several doctors and endured many tests to rule out other problems. The cause of pelvic pain can result from a number of things, but it is often caused by overactive pelvic muscles. Why do these muscles become overactive? It could be an old sports injury like a pulled hamstring, it can result from stress, childbirth, abuse; I’ve even treated someone who developed pain after using Gold Bond powder in the locker room after a workout.
This condition is very treatable although by the time I see someone it has often been going on for a long time. The length of time you have been in pain usually indicates how long it will take for it to completely go away. Muscles have a memory and will revert back to their overactive state until a new normal can be established.
Pelvic floor physical therapists are trained with techniques to down train these muscles and return them to a normal resting tone. If you or someone you love is suffering, don’t wait any longer. I would say that every person I have ever treated for pelvic pain says they wish they would have come for treatment sooner! Call and schedule a visit today.
