Six ways to deal with chronic pelvic pain
Are you suffering from chronic pelvic pain? Find out what can be causing it, and how to treat it.
The pelvis is the area below your belly and consists of various organs, including blood vessels, bladder, reproductive structures, urinary structures, rectum, bowel, and nerves.
Chronic pelvic pain is a discomfort in the pelvis that has lasted for more than six months. It varies from person to person. In some women, chronic pelvic pain may be so severe that it makes it hard to work or sleep, while in others, it is a mild ache that comes and disappears.
Common causes of pelvic pain
Pelvic pain could be caused by a number of digestive, urinary, and reproductive conditions. Here are three of the most common.
1) Constipation
Constipation can lead to pelvic pain, especially when it affects the lower colon. However, this type of pain goes away when you have a bowel movement. Other intestinal issues that can lead to pelvic pain include ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and diverticulitis.
2) Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus and can result in lower back pain and pelvic pain.
3) Endometriosis
This is a disorder in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus develops outside the uterus. It leads to excessive bleeding during menstruation. The tissue can also stick to other organs such as ovaries and fallopian tubes, resulting in pain and other symptoms.
Other causes of chronic pelvic pain
Other common causes of chronic pelvic pain include:
- Menstruation cramps
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pregnancy loss
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Six tips to relieve chronic pelvic pain
If you’re suffering from chronic pelvic pain, here are six tips to help you relieve it.
1) Over-the-counter painkillers
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help to relieve chronic pelvic pain. They also help to stop swelling which can result in chronic pelvic pain.
2) See a pain management specialist
A pain management specialist such as Seattle Pain Relief has undergone specialized training and experience in diagnosing different kinds of pain. With accurate diagnosis and early intervention, a pain specialist can reduce the severity of chronic pelvic pain and improve the quality of your life.
3) Get moving
Exercising when in pain is probably the last thing on your mind, but it is necessary. Exercising increases blood flow in your body. It also helps the body to release feel-good chemicals, which are considered natural painkillers. Set aside 30 minutes daily for moderate exercises like walking.
4) Use a heating pad or hot showers to ease the pain
Heat increases blood flow, which can help to reduce pain. Using heating pads, hot showers, or sitting in a bathtub can help to relieve pain during flare-ups.
5) Spinal cord stimulation
This is a form of treatment that involves implanting a device in the spinal cord to block pain signals from reaching the brain. It is an effective treatment depending on the cause of chronic pelvic pain.
6) Psychotherapy
Sometimes chronic pelvic pain may be intertwined with a personality disorder, sexual abuse, family crisis, depression, or a troubled marriage. In that case, it would be helpful to talk to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you develop strategies to cope with chronic pelvic pain.
Find the approach that works for you
Chronic pelvic pain can really affect the quality of your life. The above tips can help you deal with it. It is advisable to try different approaches to see what works best for you.
