Chronic Pelvic Pain

Many people complaining of pelvic pain go through a gamut of internal medical testing before it is determined that they do not have an internal medical issue. Yes, they do have chronic pelvic pain; however, it is not from an internal cause. It is caused by a dysfunction of the sacroiliac joints.

How does this cause chronic pelvic pain?

Also called the SI joints, the sacroiliac joints are located between the two pelvic bones. The purpose of the SI joints is to transmit forces between the upper body and the lower limbs. They are made to be able to withstand very large amounts of stress; however, if the stresses get too large, they become inflamed and painful. When the SI joints become inflamed, the muscles surrounding them tighten up to prevent more damage; however, this muscle cramping is painful as well.

Causes of chronic pelvic pain in the SI joints

There are several things that can cause the extra stress to happen to the SI joints—which, thereby, causes the chronic pelvic pain:

• Automobile accident or other trauma, such as a fall down the steps
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged bending and/or lifting, especially of heavy objects
• Repetitive small traumas (the “straw that broke the camel’s back” syndrome; i.e., many little injuries or traumas building up over time)

Chiropractic treatment for chronic pelvic pain

Once internal causes are ruled out as being responsible for a person’s chronic pelvic pain and it is determined that the SI joints are responsible for the pain, many people are referred to chiropractors. Chiropractic doctors can be quite helpful in treating chronic pelvic pain caused by SI joint injuries.

A chiropractor will usually treat chronic pelvic pain in three stages:

• Initial Stage: During this stage, the chiropractor’s goal is to improve a patient’s mobility and reduce the inflammation of the SI joints. Spinal adjustments, ice packs, and sacroiliac belts are used during this stage.
• Stabilization Stage: At this time, the chiropractic doctor will be working to normalize function and improve a patient’s strength. He will continue doing chiropractic manipulation and he will also set up an exercise plan for the patient.
• Maintenance Stage: This stage is about working to prevent a reoccurrence of the chronic pelvic pain. The chiropractor will encourage the patient to continue with the exercises and will also do spinal adjustments once every few months to keep the spine in alignment.