The Relationship Between Lower Back Pain and Pelvic Pain
Most of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. We might get a little too enthusiastic when moving furniture or develop muscular imbalances due to a sedentary job. But sometimes, back pain isn’t really back pain–rather, it’s rooted in dysfunction in your pelvic area.
Unfortunately, pelvic pain is often harder to discuss than back pain. It often stems from dysfunction with your pelvic floor, the band of muscles that support your bladder, bowels, and genitals. It can also indicate an issue with your sacroiliac joints.
Both back and pelvic pain can strike men and women–but women do tend to have more issues with pelvic pain, including pelvic-related back pain. Bodily changes during pregnancy are an especially common culprit.
If you’re dealing with pain in your lower back or pelvic area–or both–call Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions to schedule an appointment. We’ll help determine the actual source of your pain so you can find lasting relief.
Understanding the Causes of Lower Back and Pelvic Pain
Lower back pain is widespread and has several potential causes, including herniated discs, sprains and strains, poor posture, and spinal arthritis–not to mention various contributing factors like poor posture or muscular weakness.
But if that pain spreads into your pelvic area, there may be something else going on. In fact, lower back pain without a clear underlying cause often stems from dysfunction in the pelvic area, such as the following:
- Impaired pelvic floor: Did you know that your pelvic floor muscles make up part of your core, which supports and stabilizes your spine? If your pelvic floor muscles are weakened or impaired, your back muscles have to do more work to compensate–setting you up for muscle strains or other injuries.
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: The sacroiliac joint is the joint that links the spine to the pelvis, so it should be surprising that if something’s wrong there, you may feel pain in both your lower back and your pelvic area. Arthritis, injury, and pregnancy can all cause issues in the sacroiliac joint.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy itself is a common cause of pain throughout the lower back and pelvic area. There are two main reasons for this:
- Hormonal changes cause your ligaments to become looser in preparation for childbirth, which puts strain on your lower back and pelvis.
- Your center of gravity changes, and your growing baby can force your hips back at an awkward angle, leading to pain.
Helping You Find Relief, No Matter the Source
When it comes to pain in your lower back and pelvis, the first step our therapists take is to identify the source of your pain. That way, we can provide the customized treatment you need to resolve the pain at its root rather than merely treating symptoms.
We’ll begin with a comprehensive evaluation. Our therapists provide a welcoming, discreet space where you can freely share your symptoms–including pelvic-related symptoms that might feel embarrassing. Make sure you share…
- The exact location of your pain
- The pain’s sensations–is it burning? Dull? Aching?
- When do you feel pain? Is it persistent? Do you mostly notice it when you wake up?
- Any restrictions in range of motion you might be experiencing
- Any pelvic-related symptoms you might be experiencing, such as incontinence or sexual dysfunction
Once we’ve reviewed your symptoms and taken a full health history, we’ll conduct an in-depth physical evaluation, including running several movement screens. All this information helps us determine whether or not your pain is rooted in your lower back, pelvic area, or somewhere else–and that helps us develop your personalized treatment plan.
Targeted Treatments So You Can Find Relief
Our treatment plans will vary based on your exact needs. In general, though, we aim to help you with the following:
- Find immediate pain relief through manual therapy techniques or gentle stretches
- Improve mobility through targeted range of motion exercises
- Strengthen any weakened or impaired muscles, whether in your back or pelvic floor
- Provide you with the tools you need to avoid future bouts of pain
Call Us Today To Get Started!
If you’re struggling with back or pelvic pain, the Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions therapists will help you get to the bottom of things. Call to make your appointment today!
Sources: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Low_Back_Pain_and_Pregnancy https://www.physio-pedia.com/Sacroiliac_Joint https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36205811/
A Quick Introduction to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
When was the last time you thought about your pelvic floor? This sling of muscles isn’t visible, but it plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being:
- It makes up part of our core muscles, which help us move better and more effectively.
- It supports our pelvic organs, bowels, bladder, and genitals.
- If it’s impaired, you can suffer a range of symptoms, from pain to sexual dysfunction.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on matters of the pelvic floor. It uses the same principles as standard physical therapy, including identifying the source of your discomfort and providing you with a personalized treatment plan.
What Can I Expect From Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
- Help with pelvic-related conditions such as incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, or pelvic prolapse.
- A discreet space where you can freely share symptoms and work with a therapist specially trained in women’s health and/or pelvic floor issues.
- Guidance in identifying the deep muscles that might be causing you issues–such as your pelvic floor, deep abdominals, or diaphragm. These muscles are not visible, so working on them can be a challenge.
- Information about using these muscles correctly and targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen them.
- Simple pelvic floor exercise plans that you can do at home.
We offer pelvic floor physical therapy here at Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions. If you’d like to learn more about what it can do for you, call us today!
Sources https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-pelvic-pain
Start Feeling Better Today!
Make sure you take care of yourself this holiday season. Reach out to Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions today to find out if you might benefit from physical therapy.
Exercise of the Month
Clamshells (Exercise Band)
(Hips, Glutes)
Lie on your side with your knees bent and feet together. Position an exercise band above your knees. The side you want to exercise should be on top. While keeping your feet together, lift your top knee away from your bottom knee. Slowly return to the starting position. (Materials needed: exercise band) 3 Sets, 10 Reps.
Quote of the Month
“Every step taken in mindfulness brings us one step closer to healing ourselves and the planet.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh
“The staff is super friendly and they ensure that you are comfortable and in a welcoming environment.“
“I’ve been coming to innovative physical therapy for 3 months now and I’ve been doing extremely better. The staff is super friendly and they ensure that you are comfortable and in a welcoming environment. They took the time understand what I was going through and work with me and my schedule. Highly recommend!!”
A.P.
Innovative PT Solutions Now Provides At Home Physical Therapy with
Telehealth
Fresh & Healthy Salsa Recipe
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 jalapeno (stemmed and seeded)
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 4.5 oz diced green chiles (1 can)
Place the fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, peppers, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the contents are blended to desired consistency. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and green chiles. Puree until mostly smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
Contact us today for your free consultation, or forward this newsletter to a friend in need. They will thank you for it.
Expires 1/31/26
