Pelvic pain can signify a problem with a woman’s reproductive organs. The team at Samwell Institute for Pain Management asserts that this condition is not limited to women as men can also experience pelvic pain due to an infection in non-reproductive organs. Most people with pelvic pain may not be able to point to a single spot where the pain originates. However, when asked to locate the source of pain, patients usually direct their hand over the entire pelvic region. Pelvic pain can be due to multiple causes and sometimes caused by medical conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, musculoskeletal problems, and irritable bowel syndrome.
What treatments are there for pelvic pain?
Each treatment method for pelvic pain has one aim, which is to minimize the symptoms and improve patients’ life quality. Pinpointing the cause and source of pain is challenging and usually involves elimination since different disorders can result in pelvic pain. If the doctor can single out the cause of your pain, treatment focuses on addressing the identified problem. However, when a cause is yet to be established, treatment focuses on managing pain and other symptoms. For most women, a combination of different methods is needed for effective results. The treatment methods for pelvic pain include:
Medication
The type of drugs your specialist prescribed depends on what is causing your pelvic pain.
- Anti-inflammatory Pain Relievers. These are over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin and may provide temporary relief from pain. If the pain persists, a prescription pain reliever may be needed. While pain killers offer partial relief from discomfort, they do not address the underlying problem or cause of the pain.
- Antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants may be an option for patients with chronic pelvic pain. Although used to manage depression disorder, medicines such as amitriptyline have pain-relieving effects. However, they do not work immediately and may take a week or more to experience the effects.
- Antibiotics. Sometimes the pain is a result of an infection in your reproductive organs or other abdominal areas. In such cases, your doctor prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection. Antibiotics can be taken orally or through intravenous injections.
- Hormone Treatments. Hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle can result in pelvic pain. It may be the case if your pelvic pain coincides with a specific phase of your menstrual cycle. In such cases, hormonal medications such as birth control pills can help balance the hormones and relieve pelvic pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may include relaxation techniques to reduce your chronic pain. It is usually combined with medication for effective results. A physical therapist may guide you through stretching exercises and massage to relax your muscles. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can also be used to deliver small electrical pulses near the nerve pathways. TEN targets specific pain points and stimulates the production of endorphins and other substances that stop pain signals to your brain. Therapists sometimes use a psychology technique called biofeedback that helps you identify tight muscles to learn how to relax those specific areas.
The first step toward pain relief is a consultation session with your specialist. Ensure to book yours today.