Pelvic pain can have a number of causes. For this reason, it is initially referred to as non-specific. First of all, it must be localized in the pelvic area, whether it is a pain of the organs located in the pelvic area or the pelvis itself. It may be pain caused by the bladder or the sexual organs, but also pain of the musculoskeletal system.
What is pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain is any pain that is located in the pelvic region. It must be further defined and specified by a physician. A definition of pelvic pain makes rather little sense in light of this statement. One would rather choose more explanatory terms such as hip pain, bladder pain or pain in the abdomen to describe his pain in more detail. A definition of pelvic pain can only refer to the space in which the painful event takes place. Accordingly, pelvic pain is any pain that is located in the pelvic space. It needs to be further defined and specified.
Causes
Given the variety of possible sources of pain, the causes of pelvic pain can vary widely. For example, it may be radiating abdominal pain, the cause of which must be clarified. Pain in the uterus and ovaries, prostate or urinary bladder have a variety of causes, which may be inflammation, fibroids, appendicitis or a tumor. It is also known that the radiating areas of the abdomen and pelvic cavity are more frequently implicated in psychosomatic pain. Accordingly, nutritional deficiencies can be just as responsible for pain in the lower pelvic region as chronic intestinal diseases, food intolerances or infections. Depending on the situation, the pain may be more or less localizable to a specific region of the pelvic cavity. In the case of diverticulitis of the colon or age-related hernias of the abdominal wall, as in all other pelvic pain, the accompanying symptoms help to define the disease in more detail. In addition, the language of the pain can be described in more detail. For example, it may be colicky or constant and steady. Finally, herniated discs, osteoporosis or muscle tension are also common causes of pelvic pain.
Diseases with this symptom
- Rheumatism
- Osteoarthritis
- Period pain
- Inguinal hernia
- Diverticulitis
- Herniated disc
- Osteoporosis
- Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
- Appendicitis
- Hip dysplasia
- Bladder stones
- Prostatitis
- Prostate cancer
- Cystitis
- Renal pelvic inflammation
- Urethritis
- Pelvic fracture
- Hip joint inflammation
Diagnosis and course
In the case of pain in the pelvic region, one first turns to the family doctor who knows the patient well. More extensive diagnostic measures will be considered only in moderate to severe pain, where, for example, intestinal obstruction or appendicitis would be obvious. The anamnesis will search for the source of pain by questioning, palpation and, if necessary, supplementary ultrasound or X-ray examinations, colonoscopies or urograms. For example, the possible triggers of the pelvic pain, the character of the pain, the duration of the pain or the concomitant complaints are queried. Lifestyle and dietary habits, body weight or general condition can also provide information about the cause of the pelvic pain. Subsequently, referral to a specialist is essential if no clear cause for the pelvic pain is found. The course of pelvic pain depends on the diagnosis and resulting treatment strategy. In any case, the course is more favorable if you have a good knowledge of your body and consult a doctor quickly in case of acute pain of unclear nature, a tense abdominal wall or signs of inflammation. Intestinal obstructions, peritonitis, internal accidental injuries, abdominal pregnancy or ruptured appendix are dramatic events that can cost you your life.
Complications
There can be many causes for pelvic pain. The doctor must first determine if the pelvis itself is affected or if organs are responsible for the pelvic pain.The pain can be caused by the bladder, the bowel or the sexual organs, but it can also be about the musculoskeletal system. Pelvic pain does not actually have a statement at all, rather it needs to be clarified if it is hip pain, bladder pain or if it is affecting the reproductive organs. Pelvic pain really only says where the pain is felt, but a precise definition is essential. Pelvic pain must have its cause somewhere, so inflammation in the uterus or ovaries can cause the pain, but there may also be a tumor or it is in the urinary bladder. Appendicitis may also be a possibility. Likewise, a wrong diet can cause the pain or food intolerances or intestinal diseases can be causative. So one should give the doctor more detailed information, for example, whether the pain is permanent or whether it is more colicky. Herniated discs or muscle tension could also be responsible for the pain. However, the family doctor can determine where the pain is actually coming from, and an X-ray or ultrasound examination will provide information. Therapy always depends on the cause of the illness; in the case of cramps in the pelvic region, heat, a mild diet and painkillers can help. In some cases, immediate surgery is also necessary, a tumor or an inflamed appendix must be removed.
When should you go to the doctor?
Pelvic pain can originate from the pelvis itself or the organs stored in the pelvic cavity. Patients will rarely visit their doctor with the explanation that they have pelvic pain. They are more likely to complain of abdominal pain, lower abdominal pain or hip pain. Pelvic pain can be localized to the area between the abdomen and thighs. Occasionally, pelvic pain may also be radiating pain from the abdomen above. Anyone with pelvic pain should consult a doctor for further clarification. The general practitioner is recommended as the first point of contact for pelvic pain. If the patient has reasonable suspicion, the gynecologist or urologist can also be contacted directly. Numerous different examinations are possible for pelvic pain, such as diseases of the skeletal system, the reproductive organs, the urinary bladder, an appendicitis or tumors in the pelvic region. Large intestine diseases as well as age-related fractures of the abdominal wall can also trigger pelvic pain. In addition, more detailed descriptions of the pelvic pain are informative for the treating physician: regular, colicky or persistent. Equally helpful is information about the patient’s dietary habits and lifestyle. Depending on the suspected cause of the pelvic pain, other specialists may be consulted: an internist, orthopedist, gynecologist, urologist, proctologist or neurologist.
Treatment and therapy
Therapy for pelvic pain is always based on the cause of the condition. For fall-related pelvic pain, one treats differently than for postural deformity, hip dysplasia, or osteoporosis pain. For pelvic cramps that can be attributed to the bowel, antispasmodic pain medications, heat applications, and mild diet can help. In other cases, immediate surgery is essential for pelvic pain. Sections of bowel with diverticula must be removed, as must an inflamed appendix. Certain chronic bowel diseases may require an artificial bowel outlet. If the pelvic pain remains in the hands of an internist, orthopedist, urologist, surgeon or gynecologist, a wide variety of therapies can be used. To make generalized statements about this would fall short.
Outlook and prognosis
If the pelvic pain occurs due to insufficient movement, measures can be taken to alleviate and cure it without medical treatment. Prolonged sitting, walking, or standing should be purposefully interrupted at regular intervals with compensatory body movements. Carrying heavy objects can be independently minimized and restructured. Additional sports activities are helpful. It must be decided individually whether targeted muscle building or the frequency of movements must be changed. Stretching exercises, swimming or strength training accompanied by physiotherapy can lead to a complete cure of pelvic pain. Pain medication relieves the discomfort.However, after the effect wears off or with the discontinuation of the medication, the pelvic pain returns in most cases. In the case of diseases of the bone structure, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatism, the pelvic pain normally increases continuously despite medication. Ultimately, with timely treatment, in these cases by surgery followed by rehabilitation, there is a good chance of recovery. If the pelvic pain is caused by a psychosomatic illness, the healing process is protracted in many cases. In addition to years of unsuccessful visits to the doctor, the patient often needs psychotherapy. In this, the psychological causes of the problem are worked on. About this, in normal cases, a relief and healing of the pelvic pain gradually occurs.
Prevention
Possible preventive and prophylactic measures against pelvic pain are equally broad. Depending on whether the pain is orthopedic or internal pelvic pain, prevention may be different. Diet-related intestinal disorders can be prevented by eating a healthy diet rich in fiber. Good hygiene and good posture are equally important.
Here’s what you can do yourself
In the case of pelvic pain, those affected can often also ensure an improvement in their condition themselves. If muscle tension is the cause of the pain in the pelvic area, an osteopath should be consulted. She can treat muscle tension, blocked joints and a slight pelvic obliquity using special grip techniques. In the case of a crooked pelvis, however, patients can also help to alleviate the symptoms themselves by refraining from putting unilateral strain on the body. Affected parents or grandparents should not always carry children on one side, and athletes should make sure that both sides of the body are loaded as evenly as possible. Physiotherapists can teach physiotherapeutic exercises that promote an upright, symmetrical posture of the body and restore balance. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, massage or warm salt water baths can also be helpful. If pregnancy-related symphysis loosening is present, exercise sessions to strengthen the pelvic floor and the trunk and buttock muscles can help affected women. Women should also avoid heavy lifting or carrying in this situation. Preventive measures must be taken to ensure that pelvic pain caused by tension or overstrain does not recur. Those affected should pay attention to an upright posture in everyday life, ergonomically align their workplace and integrate regular exercise into their daily routine. Climbing stairs instead of taking elevators is very effective here.
