Pelvic pain when sitting? Could be these 5 causes

When you sit down at the table for dinner or at your work desk, do you feel moderate to severe pelvic pain? Research suggests that approximately 14% to 32% of women in the U.S. experience chronic pelvic pain when sitting. This pain can interfere with the ability to perform daily activities and can impede quality of life. It’s important to determine the cause of pain. That way, a professional can design the right plan of action during treatment. Are you struggling with pelvic pain when you sit down? Take a look through some of these top causes to help you determine what women’s health treatment might be best for you. 

What are some of the top causes of pelvic pain when sitting?

If you have pain in your pelvis when you sit down, you’re likely wondering what is behind it. some of the most common causes of pelvic pain when sitting include:

• Pelvic organ prolapse — Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when at least one or more organs in the pelvis fall from their normal position. Pelvic organ prolapse usually results after childbirth or menopause. It can lead to other pelvic issues if left untreated. If one or more of the organs in the pelvis migrate from their normal position, it can cause pain when sitting down. 

• Changes in pelvic muscle strength or muscle imbalances — Everyone has muscles in their pelvis. These help them perform various functions, including using the restroom, standing up and sitting down. When the pelvic muscles become weak or imbalanced, other ligaments, tendons and joints in the body may be negatively affected. This could be one reason you experience pelvic pain when sitting down. 

• Pressure on nerves in the pelvis — Another potential reason for pelvic pain when sitting is pressure on the nerves that run through the pelvis. When one of these nerves is compressed by a bone spur, herniated disc or muscle knot, it can cause pain. 

• Scar tissue around the pelvis — Scar tissue can develop around the pelvis and cause tightness and stiffness in the pelvic organs and tissue. If you’ve had a pelvis surgery or injury, you may be dealing with tightness from excess scar tissue.

• Pelvic joint instability after childbirth — Some women experience joint instability after childbirth. For those who have problems with their joint health after childbirth, sitting down may cause pelvic pain. 

What can help pelvic pain when sitting?

If you’re not sure what you can do to help your pelvic pain, take note of these methods:

• Physical therapy — An effective option for managing pelvic pain that occurs when sitting down is by using physical therapy. Physical therapists are trained to identify the exact cause of pelvic pain and determine the best way to treat it as gently and efficiently as possible.

• Anti-inflammatory medications — Another common way that pelvic pain can be treated is by taking anti-inflammatory medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can temporarily help reduce inflammation and pain. 

• Surgical treatment — In cases where pelvic pain does not respond to more conservative treatment methods, surgery may be recommended. It is worth noting  you can receive pre- and postoperative PT treatment to optimize the results of your procedure.

How can physical therapy help pelvic pain when sitting?

Physical therapy has significant potential to help people who are struggling to independently manage their pelvic pain when sitting. A licensed physical therapist can perform a variety of multipurpose treatments, including:

• Gentle exercises — Physical therapy can incorporate purposeful, gentle movements to improve flexibility and range of motion in the muscles and even to encourage blood flow to the pelvis.

• Encouraging good posture — If poor posture is to blame for your pain, learning how to correct your posture is a great way to improve pain. 

• Movements to strengthen the pelvis — Pelvic pain can often be traced back to muscle imbalances or weaknesses. When you intentionally work to strengthen these muscles and correct any imbalances that may exist, you may also see improvements in pain levels as a result. 

• Teaching you adaptive movements to avoid pain — Physical therapists are great for teaching their patients how to perform adaptive movements during their daily routines. Making small adjustments to the movements you perform each day can help you avoid feeling pain and gradually build strength over time.

Back in Motion can treat your pelvic pain

Our team of physical therapy professionals at Back in Motion Physical Therapy can identify the source of your pelvic pain or discomfort. We’ll implement a number of treatments and techniques to improve your pain levels and function. 

If you have any questions or concerns about how else we can improve your pelvic health, we encourage you to reach out to us. Let us guide you through what your treatment might look like as well as the additional specialty programs we offer. 
Start your treatment with us as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.