SYMPHYSIS PUBIS DYSFUNCTION SPD / PELVIC GIRDLE PAIN PGP

SPD/PGP

SPD (Symphysis pubis dysfunction) Or PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain) is a very common and painful condition affecting millions of pregnant women.

A condition affecting the joints, muscles and ligaments of the pelvic girdle, namely the sacroiliac joints, the symphysis pubis and also the hips joints. SPD/PGP is a very complex biomechanical dysfunction of the lumbar spine and pelvis as it distributes the weight bearing forces. This is largely due to the hormonal changes taking place, as well as the structural and functional changes being placed upon it.

As pregnancy develops, the weight bearing forces cause great strain on the ligaments and joints, this sometimes causes the pelvic girdle to twist and/or distort. The symphysis pubis can take abnormal amounts of stress, especially 20 weeks onwards.

With SPD/PGP, pain is normally felt in the low back, the hips, around the front of the groin and into the buttocks. Lifting one leg at a time can be very painful. Activities such as getting in and out of the car, taking a bath, turning in bed etc are all very painful.

Sensations of clicking in the hip have been known to be felt, other signs such as bladder dysfunction, body feeling twisted are all signs of SPD/PGP.

Hormonal Influence

During pregnancy a hormone ‘Relaxin’ is released to soften the ligaments in preparation for child birth. The highest levels are in the 1st trimester and begin to level off in the 2nd trimester and remain fairly constant throughout pregnancy. This results in increased joint mobility and the potential for misalignments and instability. Widening and laxity begins at the symphysis pubis and sacroiliac joints at around 10-12 weeks.

The Symphysis pubis can widen unto 9mm in a normal pelvis without any pain or dysfunction. However, if the pelvis was misaligned prior to pregnancy, then there is a greater chance of excess stress on the joint and ligaments causing pain and a weakened base as the pregnancy develops leading to pelvic girdle pain. An unbalanced pelvis can lead to difficulties during labour.

Treatment

Osteopathic treatment for Symphysis pubic dysfunction or pelvic girdle pain is aimed at restoring the natural balanced mechanisms in the body. The use of classical osteopathic techniques to gently adjust tissues and joints back into a more balanced alignment to withstand the increasing demands during pregnancy. Advice on postural patterns and movement will be given to each patient that will ease symptoms of SPD and work to prevent undue stress on the pelvic girdle.

If you are suffering from SPD/PGP, seeking osteopathic treatment can greatly alleviate your symptoms. Please call The Aark Clinic on 01322 788 049 to book a consultation.