Pelvic Pain

Overview
Pelvic pain is a common ailment that causes moderate to severe discomfort in the lower abdomen and groin area. This condition can affect men and women, although it is generally more common in women. It’s important patients see a doctor for their pelvic pain because pelvic pain could indicate anything from a minor ailment to a serious, life-threatening condition, such as cancer. Patients experiencing sudden, lower right-sided pelvic pain that causes nausea, vomiting, and fever should visit an emergency room as soon as possible, as this could indicate an infection of the appendix, also known as appendicitis.

Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic pelvic pain will vary depending on the cause of the condition. Generally speaking, patients who suffer from a pelvic condition may experience symptoms such as muscle cramps, pain during or after sex, painful and difficult bowel movements, lower back pain, rectal bleeding, pain during or after urination, infertility, bloating or swelling around the lower abdomen, feelings of pressure around the bladder and rectum, and more. Pain that accompanies symptoms affecting your urinary system may indicate the presence of a urinary tract infection while muscle-related pain could signify a chronic condition called endometriosis. Having said that, it’s imperative patients visit with their SWSP physician to determine the cause of their condition.

Causes
As we mentioned previously, there are many possible causes of chronic pelvic pain. Causes specific to the female reproductive system include endometriosis, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, ectopic pregnancy, adenomyosis, and vulvodynia. Conditions that can arise in both men and women include appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, diverticulitis, kidney stones, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, prostatitis, ulcerative colitis, inguinal hernia, intestinal obstruction, interstitial cystitis, and much more. No matter the cause, pain relief is possible once the cause has been identified and treated. If chronic pelvic pain occurs as a result of prolonged treatment, the team at Southwest Spine & Pain Center can provide interventional therapies to help patients find and experience complete pain relief.

Treatments
Treatment for chronic pelvic pain varies depending on the cause and the severity of the patient’s symptoms. For example, patients may benefit from a nerve block if they suffer from a chronic condition that causes severe pelvic pain. An SWSP physician may also recommend prescription pain relievers, hormone treatments, antibiotics (if necessary), and antidepressants. Other therapies may include neurostimulation, trigger point injections, psychotherapy, and physical therapy. In severe cases, laparoscopic surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem. Talk to the specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center to learn more about treatment options available for patients who suffer from chronic pelvic pain.