Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain is a common condition that refers to any pain that occurs in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or genitals. The pain can be dull or sharp, constant or intermittent, and can range from mild to severe. Pelvic pain can have various causes, such as infections, inflammation, muscle spasms, or structural problems. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience pelvic pain, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms.
Causes Of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions and factors. In women, pelvic pain is often associated with gynecological issues such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Conditions such as uterine fibroids and adenomyosis can also cause pelvic pain. A type of pelvic pain that affects men is chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a condition that causes persistent pain and discomfort in the pelvic region, including the prostate gland, bladder, and rectum. Pelvic pain can also be caused by prostatitis, epididymitis, or other issues related to the prostate or testicles. Other causes of pelvic pain that can affect both men and women include irritable bowel syndrome and musculoskeletal problems such as muscle strains or ligament sprains in the pelvic area.
Symptoms of Pelvic Pain
Common symptoms of pelvic pain include discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, pain during sexual intercourse, painful or difficult urination, irregular menstrual periods or menstrual cramps, and pain during bowel movements. In men, pelvic pain can also be accompanied by pain or discomfort in the testicles, penis, or rectum. Additionally, pelvic pain may be associated with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, or fatigue depending on the cause of the pain.
Diagnosis
Pelvic pain can be diagnosed through a thorough physical exam and medical history evaluation. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered to visualize the pelvic organs and identify any underlying conditions. Blood or urine tests may also be conducted to check for infections or other medical conditions. Additionally, a pelvic exam may be performed to assess for any gynecological issues that may be causing the pain. We work closely with your Gynecologist or Urologist to get to the root cause of your pain.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for pelvic pain depend on the underlying cause of the pain. In women, pelvic pain can often be managed with medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or muscle relaxants. In men, pelvic pain may be treated with medications such as alpha-blockers to relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate or pain medications. We work closely with your Gynecologist or Urologist and rely on their expertise to make sure the underlying issue is treated. If all treatment options by your specialist are exhausted, but you are still suffering from chronic pelvic pain, minimally invasive procedures such as nerve blocks, injections, or spinal cord stimulation may be used to target specific nerves and provide pain relief.
Prevention of Pelvic Pain
There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of experiencing pelvic pain. Maintaining good health through regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management can help prevent some causes of pelvic pain such as constipation and musculoskeletal strains. For women, seeking prompt treatment for any gynecological issues can help prevent pelvic pain. In addition, avoiding sitting for long periods of time, using proper posture, and taking frequent breaks while sitting or standing can help prevent musculoskeletal strains that can contribute to pelvic pain. It is also important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any symptoms of pelvic pain to prevent it from becoming chronic.
Our Pelvic Pain Treatment Services
Lighthouse Spine Center offers a range of pain management options for individuals experiencing chronic pelvic pain. Our services include medication management, nerve blocks, injections, and spinal cord stimulation/dorsal root ganglion stimulation, which uses electric stimulation to interrupt nerve signals and provide pain relief. Our pain management specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and underlying condition. Don't let chronic pelvic pain interfere with your quality of life. Contact Lighthouse Spine Center today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards relief.