Can Chiropractic Help Women with Pelvic Pain?
- Elizabeth Wells
- Jun 11, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 21
Many women experience pelvic muscle tightness, pain or tension at some point in their lives. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs and help control bladder and bowel functions. When these muscles become too tight or go into spasm, it can cause significant discomfort and pain in the pelvic region.
Chronic pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders do not just cause physical symptoms. They can also significantly impact a woman's mental health and overall quality of life. The psychological effects of pelvic pain are often under-recognized but are equally important. Living with persistent pelvic pain, discomfort with intercourse, and bladder/bowel issues takes an emotional toll.
Many women report feelings of:
Anxiety and fear about worsening symptoms
Sadness, depression and low self-esteem
Embarrassment about the private nature of their condition
Relationship stress and intimacy issues
Social isolation from avoiding activities
The psychological distress caused by pelvic disorders is linked to poorer treatment outcomes and decreased quality of life scores. Depression in particular has been associated with more severe pelvic pain and disability levels.
Chronic pain affects all aspects of daily functioning - work, sleep, exercise, social interactions. Constantly managing pelvic symptoms disrupts a woman's normal routines and ability to enjoy life.
This mind-body connection underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care that addresses both the physical and mental health impacts. Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and counseling can be valuable parts of a holistic treatment approach for pelvic floor conditions.
Effective management involves more than just reducing pelvic muscle tension - it requires care for the person as a whole.
The following is advice for the physical symptoms of pelvic pain and muscle dysfunction, but, do not discount the importance of mental health resources as well.
Common causes of pelvic muscle tightness and pelvic tightness include:
Chronic stress and anxiety
Trauma or injury to the pelvic region
Childbirth
Endometriosis
Interstitial cystitis
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Pelvic surgery
Symptoms of overly tight pelvic muscles may include:
Pelvic pain
Pain during intercourse
Difficulty emptying bladder completely
Frequency, urgency, or incontinence
Constipation
Unexplained nonspecific back pain
Gentle Pelvic Rehab Exercises for Beginners
If you are experiencing pelvic muscle tightness, gentle exercise and stretching can help relieve symptoms. Here are some beginner pelvic floor exercises to try:
Diaphragmatic Breathing - Deep belly breathing helps relax the pelvic floor. Inhale through your nose and feel your belly expand, then exhale slowly through pursed lips.
Child's Pose - Get on hands and knees, then sit hips back towards heels and stretch arms forward to relax pelvic muscles.
Happy Baby Pose - Lie on back, grip outsides of feet, and gently pull knees towards armpits to stretch inner thighs and pelvic floor.
Pelvic Floor Drops - Engage pelvic floor muscles by imagining lifting them up, then fully relax and release the muscles.
Be patient and go slowly with these exercises. Overly aggressive stretching can sometimes worsen symptoms.
How Chiropractic Can Help
Many women find relief from pelvic muscle pain and period cramps through regular chiropractic care. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and manual therapies to reduce tension, improve joint mobility, and promote balanced muscle function in the pelvic area.
During a menstrual period, the uterus contracts to shed its lining which can cause painful cramping. Chiropractic care may help relieve menstrual cramps by:
Reducing nerve irritation and muscle spasms
Improving blood flow to the pelvic region
Releasing tension in surrounding muscles and ligaments
If you are struggling with chronic pelvic pain or severe menstrual cramps, consider seeing a chiropractor for an evaluation. With consistent care, many women experience significant improvements in their pelvic health.
Recommended Products
(contains affiliate links)
Beef organ supplement for women - there is some evidence that taking beef organ supplements can help with menstruation symptoms and period pain.
Electric heat pad wrap - good for pain relief for individuals with low back and pelvic pain
Here are a few relevant studies if you would like to read more about this topic.
1. Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation using pelvic floor muscle exercises and hand therapy in older women with pelvic floor muscle weakness: A randomized controlled trial
This randomized controlled trial found that pelvic floor muscle exercises and manual therapy were effective for improving pelvic floor muscle strength and reducing pelvic floor symptoms in older women with pelvic floor dysfunction.
2. Effect of chiropractic treatment on primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review
This systematic review evaluated multiple studies and found evidence suggesting chiropractic care can help reduce menstrual pain and cramps (dysmenorrhea) in women.
3. Conservative treatment for pelvic floor muscle tension: A systematic review
This systemic review examined various conservative treatments like pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, and manual therapy for pelvic floor muscle tension and hypertonicity. It found moderate evidence supporting these approaches for reducing pelvic floor muscle tension and associated symptoms.
