The Relationship Between Lower Back Pain and Pelvic Pain
June Newsletter
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 Ability Physiotherapy 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 physiotherapists at Ability Physiotherapy will help you get to the bottom of things. Call to make your appointment today!
Patient Success Stories
“I had a work injury and chose Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness SE to get treatment for my strained MCL. The treatments helped me heal and get back to work in a short period of time. Disha was very knowledgeable and professional. I would recommend and will use them in any future needs of physiotherapy!”
— David R.
“I’ve had such a positive experience with Ability Physiotherapy. My physiotherapist Disha and the front desk ladies are all knowledgeable, professional, and truly care about your recovery. I always leave my sessions feeling better, both physically and mentally. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great physiotherapist!”
— Albert S.
A Quick Introduction to Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
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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, in women, genitals.
- If it’s impaired, you can suffer a range of symptoms, from pain to sexual dysfunction.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on matters of the pelvic floor. It uses the same principles as standard physiotherapy, including identifying the source of your discomfort and providing you with a personalized treatment plan.
A good warm-up should consist of light aerobic exercises combined with dynamic stretches that mirror whatever activity you’re about to perform. One easy trick is to perform less intense versions of later movements:
- If you’re lifting weights, perform the same lifts but with much lower weights (or no weight at all)
- If you’re going for a run, try a light jog or a fast-paced walk
- If you’re playing pickleball, do some side steps around the court combined with some arm swings
What Can I Expect From Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
- 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 physiotherapy here at Ability Physiotherapy. If you’d like to learn more about what it can do for you, call us today!
Call us to schedule an appointment today!
Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation with Physiotherapy
Whether you’re heading to the beach or hitting up an amusement park, the last thing you want to deal with during your vacation is pain and limited mobility. As you make your summer vacation plans, consider adding one more thing to your checklist: a physiotherapy session at Ability Physiotherapy.
Our therapist will help ensure your body is ready for whatever adventures you have planned. We’ll…
- Identify any underlying issues that might contribute to pain or restricted movement.
- Develop a customized treatment plan to resolve those issues so you can have a pain-free trip.
- Provide tips and strategies to ensure you don’t suffer pain or impairment while you’re away.
A vacation is a chance to relax and try new things, not suffer through joint pain. We’ll help resolve those issues early so you can focus on what matters: having the time of your life.
Enjoy your summer vacation pain-free — schedule your physiotherapy session today and make every adventure count!
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Feel Better by Eating Better!
Mango Lassi Smoothie!
Bursting with flavor and protein, this mango lassi-inspired smoothie is your go-to fuel for a busy day. Made with sweet frozen mango, rich Greek-style yogurt, and nourishing hemp seeds, it’s a creamy, energizing blend that keeps you satisfied. Enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a post-workout pick-me-up, or a refreshing anytime snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pitted dried date
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1½ tablespoons hulled hemp seeds, divided
Place 1 date, 1 cup milk, ¼ cup yogurt, 1 cup frozen mango, ¼ teaspoon cardamom, and 1 tablespoon hemp seeds in a blender. Process until smooth, about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
Pour the smoothie into a glass; top with the remaining ½ tablespoon hemp seeds.
Exercise of the Month
BRIDGING
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your core and lift your hips toward the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top. Lower slowly and repeat to strengthen your hips and lower back.
Meet Our Team
Himani Singh Gupta
Founder
Krupal Rathod
Physiotherapist
Sumandeep Kaur
Massage Therapist
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.
