Pelvic obliquity
A frequent cause of back pain is a malposition of the pelvis. For example, legs of different lengths can cause the pelvis to be crooked, which does not necessarily lead to discomfort, as the body can compensate for many inaccuracies. However, if the pelvic obliquity is serious, there is a long-term risk of lateral curvature of the spine (scoliosis), which often leads to muscle tension, joint wear and tear and everyday complaints.
In medicine, pelvic obliquity is divided into two different categories. – A functional obliquity is usually caused by muscular tension of the lower back and buttocks, which can be triggered by one-sided strain, for example during sports. If the tensions are released with the help of physiotherapy, for example, the functional pelvic obliquity is also corrected.
- A structural pelvic obliquity, on the other hand, is anatomically caused and does not return to a straight position. Causes for structural pelvic obliquity are operations, accidents, prostheses or genetic predispositions. In most cases, legs of different lengths are the reason for the pelvic obliquity.
A leg length difference of six millimetres and more can cause complaints. Orthopaedic advice should then be sought. In such cases, a compensating shoe inlay is usually used first.
Pelvic pain
The term pelvic pain can refer to different types of pain and their localization. Since there are other terms that can describe a more precise location of pain, these terms should be used to describe the exact localisation of pain in the presence of symptoms. If it is pain in the bone structures or muscles in this area, one would speak of hip pain.
However, if an organ causes pain that is located in the pelvic area, other pain may occur. In this case one would speak of abdominal pain, or more precisely of abdominal pain or, for example, bladder pain. Depending on whether the pain occurs during hip movement or at rest, or how intense the pain is, these terms can provide clarity about the affected region of the pain.
Pain in the pelvic bone is often pain in the uterus, ovaries, prostate or bladder has many different causes. For example, an irritation of the appendix or a tumour can trigger such pelvic pain. Pelvic inflammation in the region of the pelvis, which is usually the result of infections of the reproductive organs, often caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or fungi, is also associated with significant pain in the region of the pelvis.
Often a psychosomatic pain event can also be considered, for pain radiating into the abdomen and pelvic area. But also nutritional errors, chronic intestinal diseases, food intolerances, ectopic pregnancies or infections can cause pelvic pain. The hormone-induced loosening and pressure-induced stretching of the pubic symphysis during pregnancy can also cause pain in this area.
Up to ten percent of all pregnant women are affected by such complaints, which are particularly pronounced when standing and walking. In rare cases, the pubic symphysis may be completely severed during birth (symphyseal rupture). In any case, it is advisable to consult a doctor in case of pelvic pain to find out the cause of the pain.
The therapy then depends on the diagnosis. – by injuries such as bruises or fractures
- Pain due to the reduction of bone tissue (osteoporosis) or
- Caused by bad posture. The causes of pain in the pelvic area can be very different.
For example, joints or muscles of the hip as well as the back can cause pain, which is then perceived as pelvic pain. Also an inclined position of the hip, caused for example by unequal length of legs, can cause pain. An existing osteoporosis or injuries in the area of the pelvis often cause typical pain in this area.
Other pains can occur when organs are affected that are located in the pelvic area. For example, diseases of the bladder, prostate or female reproductive organs can cause pain if they are inflamed or affected by a disease. Diseases of the intestines also cause pain, which can then radiate into the pelvis.
Radiating pain can be caused by appendicitis or diverticulitis, for example. Pelvic pain associated with nutrition, such as those associated with food intolerance, can also cause problems in the pelvic area. In case of unspecific pelvic pain, a doctor should always be consulted.
This is particularly important if the reason for the symptoms is unclear and the pain is very intense. In many cases, a diagnosis can be made by a detailed doctor-patient conversation and a physical examination. Imaging procedures such as ultrasound and especially the MRI of the pelvis can simplify the diagnosis. Depending on the intensity of the pain, an immediate referral to a clinic should also be made so that serious illnesses requiring immediate surgical treatment can be ruled out if necessary.
