It’s not a subject for dinner parties, toddler groups or anywhere else for that matter- the mere mention of the word “pelvis” or even worse “pubic” causes even the most seasoned campaigner to rapidly divert the subject. Yet, this condition, which is most commonly associated with pregnancy, affects literally thousands of women in Scotland each year. Many suffer in silence as it is not a subject that is easily discussed or understood by either health professionals or the general public.It is also a condition in which myths abound – headlines such as “pregnancy left me in a wheelchair and “my pelvis cracked like a wish bone when giving birth” cry out from the tabloids leaving women with even the slightest hint of pelvic pain in a state of anxiety and distress about how they are going to cope with the pregnancy and more specifically about how they are going to manage to give birth.
So what is known about Pelvic Girdle Pain?
Firstly, it is common. Research has shown that pelvic girdle pain affects 1 in 5 pregnant women to some degree with around 1 in 20 having serious problems with pain and/or mobility. Studies on postnatal women have shown that if the condition is untreated an estimated 1 in 14 of the women affected can have symptoms which may in some cases persist for years.
Secondly, the symptoms vary widely. Not all women will have the classically described pain in the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis. Others report pain in the lower back, groin, hips or inner thighs. Pain climbing stairs, turning over in bed or getting in and out of a car are commonly reported symptoms. The pain can be mild or in some cases severe enough to merit the use of crutches or a wheelchair to get around. The pain can vary greatly from day to day and is often not felt during a particular activity but becomes apparent later. Activites of daily living can become extremely difficult especially if there are young children to care for.
Seek early referral if you have symptoms
If you experience symptoms of pelvic girdle pain, don’t assume that this is a normal pregnancy symptom – ask for a referral to a physiotherapist experienced in managing this condition. Physiotherapy may include hands on treatment to realign the pelvis or get stiff joints moving properly again along with an individualised programme of exercises to strengthen the muscles which support the lower back, pelvis and hips. Advice will also be given on things you can do yourself to make day to day activities easier to cope with.
The majority of women recover in the first few months after giving birth with some noticing an immediate improvement but if you have persistent problems or have developed new symptoms, don’t delay in seeking help.
Other options for treatment include osteopathy and chiropractic and it is important, if exploring this option, to ensure that the practioner you see has expertise in managing pelvic girdle pain and is fully registered with the appropriate regulatory body.
New Scottish Charity
Pelvic Instability Network Scotland (PINS) is a registered Scottish charity set up in 2007 to provide support and information to people affected by Pelvic Girdle Pain and to raise awareness of this condition amongst health professionals and the general public. In its first year the charity has launched its website www.pelvicinstability.org.uk, which is packed full of information about pelvic girdle pain and is regularly updated with new material.
Moira Finlayson, who set up the charity with the help of two neighbours after her own battles with pelvic girdle pain says “We have been encouraged by the response from the website so far but are concerned from the letters, phone calls and emails received, that the treatment offered does appear to vary significantly depending on where you live.
In 2009 we plan to talk to midwives, physiotherapists and GPs about how we might best work together to achieve our objectives, which are to get good clear accurate information and effective timely treatment to all those affected”,
Membership of PINS is free and for this you will receive a copy of the latest physiotherapy guidelines, a quarterly newsletter and if you wish can be put in touch with others who have pelvic girdle pain.
PINS are compiling a list of practitioners with knowledge and experience of treating pelvic girdle pain and plan to set up local support networks as their membership develops.
Further information
Pelvic Instability Network Scotland (PINS) Suilven Southend Argyll PA28 6RF www.pelvicinstability.org.uk Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel 01586 830323
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health
Guidelines for the Management of Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain – Mums to be and New Mothers www.acpwh.org.uk
