Understanding Pelvic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Why does my pelvis hurt? There could be a number of culprits behind your pelvic pain, ranging from serious medical conditions to temporary pain. If you’re experiencing any type of pelvic pain, there are a few steps you should take next.
We’ve put together this guide to walk you through the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for pelvic pain.
So let’s get started.
What Is Pelvic Pain and Where Is It Located?
Pelvic pain is most commonly associated with women, but men can experience it as well. This type of discomfort is located around the pelvic bone area, the reproductive organs, or other non-reproductive internal organs.
The exact pain you feel will vary depending on the cause of the condition and your personal pain tolerance. You might feel sharp pain, dull throbs, sensitivity, mild discomfort, etc.
What Causes Pelvic Pain?
There are many different reasons your pelvis might hurt.
For example, the source of the pain may be a medical condition, an infection, or an injury. Because of this, you should never ignore pelvic pain. The pain is your body telling you something is wrong, such as:
- Appendicitis
- Bladder disorders
- Broken pelvic bone
- Hernias
- Intestinal problems
- Kidney stones
- Kidney infection
- Nerve conditions
- Pelvic disorders
- Prostatitis
- STDs
- Testicular conditions
- Bruising
Women may experience additional types of pelvic pain as well, including things like:
- Cervical or uterine cancer
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Menstrual cramps
- Ovarian cysts
- Ovulation
- Miscarriage
- UTI
If you start to notice any discomfort in your pelvic area, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They’ll be able to catch any potential problems before they get worse, and they can recommend the best treatment options.
However, just because you feel pain in your pelvis doesn’t mean you should panic. It may not be a serious problem, and there may be a few simple ways to take care of it.
How to the Relieve Pain
The best way to relieve pain in your pelvis is to take basic, over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil or Ibuprofen. After you talk to your doctor, they may also prescribe stronger medications or antibiotics. It can also be beneficial to visit a chiropractor.
If the pain you’re feeling is due to menstrual cramps, a heating pad can also help lessen the pain. You can use an electric heating pad or, if you don’t have one, a hot water bottle will do the trick, too.
In some cases, you might not get full relief until you receive the right treatment.
Natural Treatment
Since pelvic pain can indicate a serious medical condition in some cases, you should always follow your doctor’s recommended treatment options. However, there are several natural remedies for pelvic pain that can help ease your discomfort as well.
Again, heat is a good thing to try first. This will help relax your muscles if they’re cramping. You can also give yourself a pelvic massage, which can reduce your pain.
It can also be helpful to change your diet. You might want to avoid certain foods, such as:
- Gluten
- Dairy products
- Processed foods
- Sugars
- Red meats
In some cases, eating more fruits and vegetables and whole grains can prevent pelvic pain from developing or getting worse.
Can a Chiropractor Help Relieve Pelvic Pain?
The short answer to this question is yes.
If your pelvis pain isn’t caused by an internal problem, it can also form if your body is out of alignment. Getting chiropractic adjustments can reposition problematic areas in your body, which can relieve the pain.
Not sure where to find a chiropractor in the Mill Creek, Washington area?
We can help! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more or set up your first appointment today.
