About pelvic joint pain
The pelvis consists of several bones and is connected by three joints, two at the back and one at the front. The two joints at the back are the sacroiliac joints, and the one at the front is the pubic symphysis. Pelvic joint pain can arise from all three joints. The joints are held together by strong ligaments and covered by muscles that have a function in the pelvis, hips and lower back.
Pain in the pelvis during pregnancy was previously called “loosening of the pelvis” because of the release of the pregnancy hormone relaxin. The hormone increases the elasticity of the ligaments of the pelvis and is a completely natural process that prepares the body for childbirth. The reason why some women get pelvic joint pain during pregnancy is, however, not entirely clear. No connection has been proven between mobility in the pelvic joints and pain, or between relaxin levels and pain. What is known, however, is that recognised risk factors for pelvic joint pain are previous back problems, being overweight and heavy physical work.
Common symptoms of pelvic joint pain/loosening of the pelvis:
- Pain over one or more joints in the pelvis
- Can radiate down to the buttock, thigh and groin
- Worse with walking, or sitting or standing for a long time
- Rotational load and changes of position make the complaints worse
Common symptoms of a locked pelvis:
- One-sided pain located to one of the rear pelvic joints
- Radiating pain to the buttock, thigh and groin on the same side as the joint involved
- Pain on changing position, such as getting up from a chair
- Reduced movement in the pelvis and lower back
A thorough history and clinical examination are important when you come to us at Behandlerverket. The examination is important to find out whether you have pelvic joint pain, a locked pelvis or another cause of your complaints.
A locked pelvis is not a primary diagnosis, but rather a description of a functional disturbance/condition in one of the rear pelvic joints (the sacroiliac joints), where stiffness and pain typically arise. Pregnant women can experience this because of increased mobility in the pelvic joints and increased load in general on the pelvis and lower back. Otherwise, men and women of all ages can get an acute locked pelvis from lifting and twisting at the same time, or it can come on gradually over time, in the same way as low back pain.
The treatment plan you receive from us aims to reduce pain and normalise mobility as quickly as possible, so that you can return to the activities you usually want to do. Pelvic joint pain usually passes quickly after childbirth, but it can be a long time until the birth if you have started to get pain. We know that there is a big difference in which activities provoke the complaints, which is why an individually adapted plan is important. This also applies to those who experience persistent pelvic pain after childbirth. About 5% have persistent complaints in the first three months after childbirth. The treatment plan should consist of exercises that do not provoke pain, and it can be combined with pain-relieving manual treatment from a chiropractor, manual therapist or physiotherapist.
Specific joint adjustment/manipulation often has a good effect in reducing pain and improving function with a locked pelvis. Movement and moderate physical activity are encouraged with this type of pelvic pain, but in some acute cases it may be necessary to rest the area for a short period. It is recommended to resume normal activities as soon as possible. For repeated cases of a locked pelvis, the treatment plan should include exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles. You can do the exercise with us. After all, our concept is based on easy access to exercise and treatment.