Post-Childbirth Pain: Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia
According to recent studies, nearly 25% of American women will experience a pelvic floor disorder in their lives. But, despite how common these conditions are, they are still not very well-known or talked about. Pelvic floor tension myalgia is one such condition that can cause post-childbirth pain in many women, acting as a dark cloud over what should be a joyous time.
The good news is that most causes of post-childbirth pain are treatable and you can live a pain-free life by simply consulting a women’s health specialist. Dr. Gary B. Sullivan understands how difficult and impactful dealing with a disorder like pelvic floor tension myalgia can be. That is why he and his team at Statesboro Women’s Health are committed to providing compassionate and expert care to women throughout their lives.
Have you been struggling with chronic pelvic pain and tension in your lower abdomen? Here’s what you need to know about pelvic floor myalgia—and how to treat it!
What is Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia?
Pelvic floor tension myalgia—also known as pelvic floor dysfunction—is a chronic pelvic floor disorder that leads to ongoing pain and discomfort. It stems from the inability to properly coordinate, use, and relax the muscles that compose the pelvic floor.
Since these muscles are responsible for facilitating essential functions such as urinating and passing stools, people affected by pelvic floor tension myalgia might display symptoms like constipation, incontinence, and pain during sex.
While this condition primarily affects women who have experienced a strenuous vaginal birth, it can also affect men and women of all ages.
If you have noticed that your pelvic floor muscles constantly feel contracted or in tension, you might be dealing with pelvic floor myalgia which, if untreated, can lead to long-term damage.
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia
The main and most widespread symptom of pelvic floor tension myalgia is a prolonged feeling of pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen, which lasts for over six months. Other common symptoms include:
Pain during sexual intercourse
Constipation, bloating, and difficulty passing stools
Pain when urinating
Incontinence
Unprovoked lower back pain
Pain that worsens during the day and intensifies with certain movements
The symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can vary from one person to another and can be similar to those of other pelvic floor disorders. That’s why it takes an expert women’s health specialist to listen to your symptoms, perform a thorough examination, and discover the true cause of your pelvic pain.
What Causes Pelvic Floor Myalgia?
There is a lot yet to be discovered about what causes pelvic floor myalgia (muscle tension). Some of the known triggers include:
Pelvic area injuries or traumas
Pregnancy (especially difficult vaginal births or long labors)
Having pelvic surgery
Aging
Overusing the muscles of the pelvis
Being overweight or obese
If you are experiencing pain after childbirth, you might be dealing with a postpartum pelvic floor muscle injury, which can be caused by a strenuous vaginal birth and may affect over 20% of new moms.
While this disorder can affect both men and women of all ages, some factors like holding urine, injury to the pelvic floor, nerve damage, endometriosis, IBS, and poor posture can worsen the risk of developing pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic Floor Myalgia Treatment Options
Today, there are several treatment options that can be tailored to your unique needs. The most common therapies for pelvic floor myalgia include:
Physical therapy - a physical therapist will work with you to regain control of the pelvic floor muscles
Biofeedback- a therapist will use biofeedback, which is a technique used to fine-tune your control over body functions.
Medications - some medications can be used to improve bowel movement and reduce pain
These therapies are more effective when they are deployed in conjunction with relaxation techniques (i.e.: meditation, yoga, and warm baths), a healthy diet, good hygiene, and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Finding a Specialist You Can Trust
Pelvic floor myalgia, post-childbirth pain, and pelvic pain of any kind can negatively affect many aspects of your life, physical wellbeing, and mental health. And, if left untreated, the symptoms of these conditions can significantly worsen over time. The pain is not in your head, and you deserve freedom from it!
Luckily, there is a lot that you can do to regain control over your body—start by getting in touch with a trusted and specialized OB/GYN like Gary B. Sullivan at Statesboro Women's Health Specialists.
Post-Childbirth Pain and Chronic Pelvic Pain Relief in Statesboro, GA
Discovering the root cause of your chronic pelvic pain is a crucial step toward reclaiming your life and enjoying all life has to offer. Dr. Gary B. Sullivan, FACOG, GACS is a renowned OB/GYN who has the experience, knowledge, and latest medical approaches to discover and treat the cause of your pain. Call (912) 871-2000 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sullivan and his team at Statesboro Women’s Health Specialists today.