Pelvic pain, symphysis pubis dysfunction
Our patients often ask – why do I get pelvic pain in pregnancy? Pelvis is formed by the sacrum and coccyx at the back and hip bones on the sides and front. The hip bone is further divided into three parts ilium, ischium and pubis.
At the front of your pelvis, the hip bones join to form a junction called pubic symphysis. Because of pregnancy hormones and additional pressure from the increasing weight, your hip bones can misalign or stiffen. This can cause significant pain (symphysis pubis dysfunction). The discomfort when walking can be so debilitating that we have women coming in on crutches.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve stems from your lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Commonly, this condition affects one side of your body only.
Pregnancy sciatica is rare. Only 1% of women will experience this. Most of the women who come to us diagnosed with pregnancy sciatica, are actually suffering from sacroiliac injury.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJ Pain)
Sacrum is a bone at the very base of your lumbar spine. It forms a joint with pelvic bone – sacroiliac joint.
Now, this sacroiliac joint is one of the most common suspects when we see patients with pregnancy back pain. Although technically sacroiliac joint dysfunction is not back pain. It’s part of your pelvis. But you would feel discomfort in your lower back area. However, SIJ pain sometimes can refer to the inside of your thigh and into your leg and often is misdiagnosed as pregnancy sciatica. We have plentiful experience, and sacroiliac joint pain responds well to acupuncture.
Acupuncture relieves pelvic pain
The good news is acupuncture has been shown to be effective at relieving the pelvic pain. Most importantly, without side effects for you or your baby.
It is especially good news because there are few effective pelvic pain treatment options available. Most of the doctors will prescribe pain killers that don’t work or if you can’t walk they will offer a wheelchair.