About Pelvic Pain
The pelvis is composed of 3 bones: the sacrum (tailbone) joins with an ilium (side hips) to form 2 sacro-iliac joints on both sides that wrap around from the back to the front of the body and form a joint (pubic symphysis). Many times, patients present with low back pain or hip pain that may actually be caused from the pelvis. It is a common place for pregnant women, people that sit the majority of their day and athletes.
Patients that present with pelvic pain usually complain of pain in the front of the lower torso, from the hips to the groin region. The pelvis can cause pain in the front and the back (in the lower back and/or gluteal region).
The pain in the pelvis most commonly comes from the joints in the back of the pelvis (the sacro-iliac joints) and involves the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Treatment may vary depending on the diagnosis. Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, massage therapy and possibly physical therapy. X-rays or other diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine the best care for your condition. Proper posture and movement as instructed by your chiropractor can help prevent recurrences.
The Doctors of Chiropractic at ADIO Chiropractic Center can help you determine what is causing your pain and the best steps to alleviate your symptoms.
Piriformis Syndrome
Situation: The piriformis is a muscle that lies deep in the buttock. It runs from the tail bone (called the sacrum) to the thigh bone (called the femur). The piriformis muscle is responsible for rotating and stabilizing the hip joint. Directly beneath the piriformis muscle is the sciatic nerve. When the pirifomis muscle is strained, the sciatic nerve can be compressed, triggering pain. This condition is referred to as piriformis syndrome, piriformis dysfunction, and piriformis impingement.
Causes: Piriformis syndrome typically occurs following injury to or overuse of the piriformis muscle. It can also be the result of repetitive strain or trauma. Piriformis syndrome is most common in activities like running, jumping, squatting or lunging that require repeated use of the piriformis muscle.
Symptoms: People with this condition typically experience a pain or ache that is felt deep within the buttock. Pain may also radiate into the back of the thigh, calf, ankle or foot. People suffering from piriformis syndrome may also have reduced hip range of movement.
Treatment: Treatments options can include chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage therapy. The chiropractor will help determine what type of treatments and modalities are appropriate for you. Upon examination, the doctor may order special testing such as an MRI.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Situation: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is the term given to an injury to the sacroiliac joint, which is located in the lower part of the back and joins the tail bone (called the sacrum) to one of the pelvic bones (called the ilium). You have two sacroiliac joints, one on either side of the spine. The sacroiliac joints act to transfer weight from your spine to your pelvis and allow a small amount of movement to occur.
Causes: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be caused by excessive forces applied to the sacroiliac joint. This can be from bending, sitting, lifting, arching or twisting movements of the spine . . . or, from weight bearing forces associated with running or jumping. Injury to the sacroiliac joint may occur traumatically or result from repetitive or prolonged forces over time. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction may also be associated with asymmetry of the pelvis due to muscle tightness, joint stiffness, or joint laxity associated with pregnancy.
Symptoms: People with this condition usually experience low back pain on one side around the top of the buttock, with discomfort sometimes referring into the lower buttock, groin or thigh. Pain may be more evident during and following activities that involve lower back or hip movements. Often patients will experience pain when rolling over in bed, putting on or taking off their shoes and socks, walking up and down stairs, or running.
Treatment: Diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction will be made by the chiropractor and may include special testing such as an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray. Treatment options can include chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage therapy. The chiropractor will help determine what type of treatments and modalities are appropriate for you.
If you have any questions about pelvic pain please don’t hesitate to contact us at (303) 766-5588.