Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a persistent pain in the pelvic region, lasting for at least six months. While the exact cause is not known there are a few potential causes to consider. In this blog, we will touch on some of the common causes but the focus is on the physical rehabilitation of the pelvis and its impact on CPPS.
What Are Common Causes of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?
Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation can cause pain and discomfort in the pelvic region. CPPS may be caused by chronic inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), bladder (interstitial cystitis), or pelvic muscles (myofascial pain syndrome). In some cases, the cause of the inflammation may not be apparent.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage or irritation can cause chronic pelvic pain. Conditions such as nerve entrapment, pudendal neuralgia, or spinal cord injuries can cause nerve-related pelvic pain.
Muscle Tension
Pelvic floor muscles support movement and the internal organs inside such as the bladder, rectum, prostate, and uterus. If these muscles become tense or tight, it can cause chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic floor dysfunction, myofascial pain syndrome, or other muscular disorders can cause CPPS.
Psychological Factors
Emotional stress and anxiety can contribute to CPPS. Studies have found that individuals with CPPS are more likely to have a history of psychological trauma, depression, and anxiety. The exact relationship between psychological factors and CPPS is still unclear, but it is believed that psychological factors can exacerbate pelvic pain.
Structural Abnormalities
Structural abnormalities in the pelvic region, such as adhesions, hernias, or tumors, can cause CPPS. These conditions may compress nerves or cause inflammation, leading to chronic pelvic pain.
Chronic Prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the prostate gland and can lead to CPPS. The exact cause of chronic prostatitis is not always clear, but it may be caused by bacterial infection, autoimmune disorders, or nerve damage.
Treatments for CPPS
The treatment for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) depends on the underlying cause of the pain.
Medication:
Pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may help relieve the pain associated with CPPS. In some cases, muscle relaxants or antidepressants may also be prescribed to help with muscle tension or psychological symptoms. Of course, meds don’t fix a problem so this is a good opportunity to look into the cause and the feeders of the cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.
Physical Medicine and Rehab.
In my clinic, this is when we work on muscle tension and its impact on how the person moves. This is extremely important because regardless of other factors being present, the tension and alternation in movement as a result of other potential issues are unavoidable. When it comes to the world of Rehab. there are physical therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, nurses, and other physicians who are trained in the field of pelvic floor dysfunction who take on the rehabilitation process.
Behavioral Therapy:
Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals manage the psychological factors that may contribute to CPPS, such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
Nerve Blocks:
In some cases, nerve blocks or injections of local anesthetics or corticosteroids may be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the pelvic region.
Surgery:
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat CPPS caused by structural abnormalities or nerve damage. This is always reserved as the last resort/
Lifestyle Modifications:
Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and avoiding sitting for long periods of time may help manage CPPS symptoms.
Regardless of what is causing CPPS, it is important to understand that unless the movement, breathing, and functionality of the movement are addressed, the downward spiral effect is unavoidable. Unfortunately, most often the subtle signs are disregarded or mistaken as separate issues by themselves which then leads to more complicated pain and dysfunction.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
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