Pelvic Instability & Back Pain
The pelvic girdle is composed of the joints of the pelvis. Women may develop an instability in this area through childbirth or accident that may create lasting problems and pain. Pelvic instability can create a painful condition that makes walking and other activities extremely difficult. Compensation in movement resulting from the pain can lead to other problems moving up into the spine and back.
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Pelvic Instability Causes
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There are three pelvic joints that are relaxed during childbirth: the left and right sacroiliac joints and the symphysis pubis joint. The hormone relaxin increases flexibility of these joints by softening the ligaments during childbirth. In some instances, this softening becomes too much, resulting in the joints being too loose. While this is the predominant cause of pelvic instability, it may occur as a result of a fall if the ligaments become injured and do not heal properly.
Pelvis and Spine
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The pelvis and the spine are integrally related. The base of the spine contains five fused vertebrae in the sacrum and two to four fused vertebrae in the coccyx. These two regions of the spine sit directly in the back of the pelvis. If there is instability in the pelvic region, there will be compensation in posture. Even a millimeter in compensation or postural change can result in pressure traveling up the coccyx and sacrum through the rest of the spine. This is the start of many levels of back pain.
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Sciatica
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Another common back problem resulting from pelvic instability is sciatica. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs through the hips and down into the legs. Instability in the pelvic region, particularly of the sacroiliac joint, may place pressure on the nerve, resulting in agitation and pain. This can cause numbness and radiating pain traveling down into the leg and make walking difficult.
Treatment
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Most women will recover from pelvic instability within a few months of childbirth. Exercise programs that strengthen the area but reduce stress on the joint promote healing. These include pilates, yoga and swimming. It is important to rest periodically with your feet propped up, removing the stress from your pelvis. Your doctor may also recommend abdominal exercises that will help promote bladder and bowel control, as these may be affected. It is important to properly care for your body after childbirth to promote healing. This includes limiting lifting, cleaning and unnecessary exertion.
Back Prognosis
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While it is common to experience back pain as a result of pelvic instability, you can mitigate it. Realize that your posture affects your back, starting with how you position your toes when you stand and walk, all the way to how you hold your head up. Minor misalignment adds stress to your spine and forces your muscles to compensate. If you have been diagnosed with pelvic instability realize you have the ability to prevent many other back pain issues through self-awareness. Maintain proper posture, lift things with your knees and legs, and improve the strength of your abdominal muscles and back muscles. This will not only prevent some of the back pain you may experience from pelvic instability but help improve the strength of the pelvic region as well.
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