Tip of the Week: Pelvic floor Dysfunction And Low Back Pain Can Be Connected
This past weekend, Dr. Kate and I participated in the Babies & Bumps Expo in Atlanta. We had the opportunity to connect with a few hundred individuals (new & expecting parents!) and we absolutely loved chatting all things pelvic health! I did a presentation at the event discussing the pelvic floor muscles and the way they are involved in prenatal and postpartum health!
What your pelvic floor muscles do
In discussing the pelvic floor muscles, it's important to think not just about their direct local functions (helping you hold in urine and stool, supporting the organs in the pelvis, and facilitating sexual intimacy), but also, their global functions-- specifically in management of intra-abdominal pressure as well as dynamic lumbopelvic and spinal stabilization.
The role of the pelvic floor muscles in dynamic stability of the pelvis and spine is well-supported. Dr. Paul Hodges, a well-known researcher from Australia, published ground-breaking research in 2007 regarding the postural and respiratory role of the pelvic floor. In his study, he examined movements of many individuals and explored their patterns of muscle activation. What he saw is that the pelvic floor muscles pre-activated when a person went to move their leg or arm, indicating their role in anticipatory control of movement. Later studies also found that in individuals with persistent lumbopelvic pain, this relationship was impacted and the muscles often demonstrated an altered motor activation pattern.
Pelvic Floor Muscles Work With Other Muscles
As time has gone on, we've learned that the pelvic floor muscles work in coordination with the deep low back muscles, respiratory diaphragm, and lower abdominal muscles to provide support to the spine and the pelvis during movements. We also know that the pelvic floor can be more active and develop tension when someone has been under significant stress, or has experienced traumatic events. We also have had many studies indicating that pelvic floor dysfunction often co-exists in individuals with persistent low back and pelvic pain:
This study found that pregnant individuals with low back or pelvic girdle pain were more likely to have pelvic floor dysfunction than other individuals.
In a group of 225 individuals with low back pain, 43% experienced symptoms of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
In this study of 187 individuals with low back pain, over 90% experienced pelvic floor dysfunction, and 71% experienced pelvic floor muscle tenderness.
If you've been dealing with low back pain that hasn't responded to some of the typical interventions, it may be time to have a fresh look! We're grateful at SPH to have several clinicians who have strong Orthopedic backgrounds-- so we can look at the spine while also considering the involvement of the pelvic floor muscles. To get a consultation, reach out here! We're always happy to help!
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Recommended Blog Post:
"6 Reasons the Diaphragm is the Coolest Muscle in the Body"
Weekly Tips Pelvic Health Tips By Dr. Jessica Reale PT, DPT, WCS