Pelvic pain is a common problem among men and is associated with the prostate and its inflammation. However, it can also come from other sources which is the subject of this blog. Trigger points in the pelvis, pelvic floor, lower back, and hip muscles can be culprits to pelvic pain which can radiate towards the penis and pelvis as well.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
Trigger Point Dynamics
Trigger points, characterized by muscle knots or tension spots, can generate referred pain in different body areas. With pelvic pain, trigger points in the pelvic floor, pelvis, lower back, and hips can lead to pain sensations extending to the pelvic region and penis.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Weak or excessively tense pelvic floor muscles can result in pelvic discomfort. Proper muscle function is crucial for pain prevention. I have written a whole blog on this subject and how it is misunderstood. You can read about the subtle presentations of pelvic floor dysfunction that get missed often.
Nerve Irritation
Irritated or compressed pelvic nerves can trigger pain in the pelvic area, possibly extending to the legs. One of the common nerves involved is Pudendal Neuralgia which is another detailed blog topic I have written about.
Poor Posture
Poor posture is a huge player in pelvic pain with/without radiation to the penis or scrotum. This starts as an alteration to the basic, biological breathing and ends in the forward or backward tilt of the pelvis (the house that pelvic floor is the floor of), collapse of the rib cage over the lower back and forward neck. It involves dysfunctional movement patterns of the hips and lower extremities connected to the pelvis. The instability there leads to further instability in the pelvis.
Hernias
In some cases, a hernia in the pelvic region contributes to localized pain and discomfort. The question we should ask is why do people even get hernias? If you said weak abdominal muscles, you are right. So why do they get weak? The answer has to do with, believe it or not, breathing!! Yes, even our breathing patterns change based on our posture but the good news is that we can change that. Here is the video I share with my patients on how to bring that biological breathing back into the picture!
Holistic Treatment For Pelvic Pain
Pelvis Balancing
This is something that is a process and not an event and potentially not something you wish to hear! In order to balance the pelvis, you have to make sure whatever is connected to the pelvis is also not pulling its stability out! That means the hips and lower extremities, the lower back and mid back, and your breathing. That means isolated exercises won’t do it but exercises like those of DNS or Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization where the whole body is worked on at the same time will get you there. You can see examples of that by going to Instagram @irvinespine.
Trigger Point Alleviation
This is not necessarily only done on the muscles INSIDE the pelvis given that the stability of the pelvis has to come BEFORE expecting to see a more balance muscle state inside the pelvis. In fact, in my practice I have seen it over and over that there was improved in the overall pelvic pain without ever doing any internal manual work.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises are great and the best way to do them is doing the breathing correctly. Did you watch the video above? If not, go back and watch. Every breath in is an opportunity for the pelvic floor to relax while breathing out, gets the same area contract and do what is known as the Kegel exercises. To see the list of what I do with my patients to help them improve the condition of their pelvic floor, please see my IG page, @corepelvicfloor.
Improve Posture
Improving posture significantly reduces strain on the pelvis and lower back. This is not just sitting or standing upright but moving functionally! And again, that is a process not an event; here is what a patient shared- not a testimonial but a patient’s rendition of what you may relate to:
Nerve Pain Management
Sometimes pain meds cannot be avoided. The most important thing to remember is while the pain has lessened or is gone, what are you doing to get to the root cause? Because if you don’t attend that, the pain WILL come back.
If you have pelvic pain and on meds but can’t get to the root cause of your pain, contact me.
Dr. Shakib
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