Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can have a number of causes. This is why they are initially referred to as unspecific. First of all, it has to be localized in the pelvic space whether it is a pain of the organs in the pelvic space or the pelvis itself. It can be pain caused by the bladder or the genital organs, but also pain in the musculoskeletal system.

What is pelvic pain?

A definition of the term pelvic pain makes little sense in view of this statement. One would rather use more detailed terms such as hip pain, bladder pain or pain in the lower 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. Pelvic pain is therefore all pain that is located in the pelvic area. They must be defined and specified in more detail.

causes

Given the variety of possible sources of pain, the causes of pelvic pain can be very different. For example, it can be a radiating abdominal pain, the cause of which must be clarified.

Pain in the uterus and ovaries, prostate or urinary bladder has a variety of causes, which can be inflammation, fibroids, irritation of the appendix or a tumor.It is also known that the abdominal and pelvic areas are more likely to be used for psychosomatic pain. Nutritional errors can therefore be just as responsible for pain in the lower pelvic cavity as chronic bowel diseases, food intolerances or infections.

Depending on the situation, the pain can be more or less easily localized to a certain region of the pelvic space. In the case of diverticulitis of the large intestine or age-related abdominal wall hernias, as in all other pelvic pain, the accompanying symptoms help to define the disease more closely.

You can also describe the language of pain in more detail. For example, it can be colicky or permanent and uniform. Finally, slipped discs, osteoporosis or muscle tension are also common causes of pelvic pain.

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Diseases with this symptom

• rheumatism
• arthrosis
• Menstrual pain
• Inguinal hernia
• Diverticulitis
• disc prolapse

• osteoporosis
• Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
• Appendicitis
• Hip dysplasia
• Bladder stones
• Prostate inflammation

• Prostate cancer
• Cystitis
• Pelvic inflammation
• Urethritis
• Pelvic fracture
• Inflammation of the hip

Diagnosis & course

If you have pain in the pelvic area, you should first contact your family doctor, who knows the patient well. More extensive diagnostic measures will only be considered in the case of moderate to severe pain, where, for example, an intestinal obstruction or appendicitis is likely.

The anamnesis will research the focus of pain through questioning, palpation and, if necessary, additional ultrasound or X-ray examinations, colonoscopies or urograms. For example, the possible triggers of pelvic pain, the nature of the pain, the duration of the pain or the accompanying complaints present at the same time are queried. Lifestyle and eating habits, body weight or general well-being can also provide information about the cause of the pelvic pain.

A referral to a specialist is then essential if no clear cause of the pelvic pain can be found. The course of pelvic pain depends on the diagnosis and the 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 the event of acute pain of an unclear nature, a tense abdominal wall or signs of inflammation.

Bowel obstruction, peritonitis, internal accidental injuries, ectopic pregnancies or ruptured appendixes are dramatic events that can cost your life.

Complications

There can be many causes for pelvic pain. The doctor must first determine whether the pelvis itself is affected or whether organs are responsible for the pelvic pain. The pain can be caused by the bladder, bowel, or genital organs, but it can also be caused by the musculoskeletal system. Pelvic pain does not actually have any meaning, it must be clarified whether it is hip pain, bladder pain or whether it affects the genital organs. Pelvic pain really only tells you where the pain is felt, but an exact definition is essential.

Pelvic pain must have its cause somewhere, so inflammation in the uterus or ovaries can cause the pain, but it can also be a tumor or it is in the urinary bladder. Appendicitis can also be an option. An improper diet can also cause pain, or food intolerance or intestinal diseases can be the cause. You should therefore give the doctor more information, for example whether the pain is permanent or whether it is more colic-like.

Slipped 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 can provide information. Therapy is always based on the cause of the disease; if there are cramps in the pelvic area, heat, a mild diet and painkillers can help. In some cases, an immediate operation is 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 space. Patients rarely see their doctor explaining that they have pelvic pain. They are more likely to complain of abdominal pain, abdominal pain or hip pain. Pelvic pain can be narrowed down to the area between the abdomen and thighs. Occasionally, pelvic pain can also be pain radiating from the abdomen above it. Anyone with pelvic pain should consult a doctor for further clarification.

The family doctor is recommended as the first point of contact for pelvic pain. If the patient has justified suspicions, the gynecologist or urologist can also be contacted directly. Numerous different examinations can be used for pelvic pain, such as diseases of the skeletal system, the genital organs, the urinary bladder, irritation of the appendix or tumors in the pelvic cavity. Colon diseases and age-related fractures of the abdominal wall can also trigger pelvic pain.

More detailed descriptions of the pelvic pain are also informative for the attending physician: even, colicky or permanent. Information about the patient's eating habits and lifestyle is also helpful. Depending on the suspected cause of the pelvic pain, other specialists can be called in: an internist, orthopedist, gynecologist, urologist, proctologist or neurologist.

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Treatment & Therapy

The therapy of Pelvic pain is always based on the cause of the disease. Pelvic pain caused by a fall is treated differently than with poor posture, hip dysplasia or osteoporosis pain.

In the case of cramps in the pelvic area, which can be attributed to the intestines, antispasmodic pain relievers, the application of heat and a mild diet can help. In other cases, immediate surgery is essential for pelvic pain. Sections of the intestine with diverticula must be removed as well as an inflamed appendix.

With certain chronic intestinal diseases, an artificial anus may be necessary. If the pelvic pain remains in the hands of an internist, orthopedist, urologist, surgeon or gynecologist, a wide variety of therapies can be used. Trying to make generalized statements about this would fall short.

Outlook & forecast

If the pelvic pain occurs as a result of insufficient exercise, measures to alleviate and cure it can be taken without medical treatment. Long periods of sitting, walking or standing should be interrupted at regular intervals with compensatory body movements. The carrying of heavy objects can be minimized and restructured independently. Additional sporting activities are helpful.

It must be decided on an individual basis whether targeted muscle building or the frequency of movements needs to be changed. Stretching, swimming or weight training accompanied by physical therapy can lead to a complete healing of the pelvic pain.

Pain medication relieves the discomfort. However, in most cases, after the effects wear off or when the drug is discontinued, the pelvic pain comes back. In diseases of the bone structure, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatism, pelvic pain usually increases continuously despite medical care. Ultimately, if treatment is timely, in these cases surgical intervention with subsequent rehab, there is a good chance of recovery.

If the pelvic pain is caused by a psychosomatic illness, the healing process is long 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 dealt with. In normal cases, the pelvic pain is gradually relieved and healed.

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prevention

Possible preventive and prophylactic measures against Pelvic pain are just as widely spread. Depending on whether it is pain in the orthopedic area or internal pelvic pain, there are different ways of preventing it. Diet-related bowel diseases can be avoided through a healthy diet high in fiber. Good hygiene and good posture are also important.

You can do that yourself

In the case of pelvic pain, those affected can often improve their condition themselves. If muscle tension is the cause of the pain in the pelvic area, an osteopath should be consulted. Using special grip techniques, this can treat muscle tension, blocked joints and a slight pelvic tilt. In the case of a crooked pelvis, however, the patients can also help to alleviate the symptoms themselves by avoiding one-sided stress on the body. Affected parents or grandparents should not always carry children on one side and athletes should ensure that both sides of the body are stressed as evenly as possible.

Physical therapy exercises can be learned from the physiotherapist, which promote an upright, symmetrical posture of the body and restore balance. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, massages or warm salt water baths can also be helpful. If the symphysis has loosened due to pregnancy, the affected women can use training units to strengthen the pelvic floor as well as the core and gluteal muscles. Women should also not be lifting or carrying heavy loads in this situation.

Preventive measures must be taken so that pelvic pain caused by tension or overload does not recur. Those affected should pay attention to an upright posture in everyday life, align their workplace ergonomically and integrate regular movement into everyday life. Climbing stairs instead of taking an elevator is very effective here.