Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is a common condition that affects both men and women. It is a type of pain that occurs in the lower abdomen, pelvis, and genital areas. The pain can be acute or chronic, and can range from mild to severe. At Olympus Spine and Pain, triple board-certified pain management specialist Keith Warner, MD, offers evidence-based, multifaceted pelvic pain treatment to patients in and around Murray, Utah. For help with pelvic pain, call the office or book your appointment online today.

Pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, structural abnormalities, and muscular or nerve-related issues. Here are some of the common causes of pelvic pain and how it can be treated.

Causes of Pelvic Pain:
1. Gynecological Conditions: Pelvic pain in women is often associated with gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. These conditions can cause inflammation, pain, and discomfort in the pelvic area.
2. Urinary Tract Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also a common cause of pelvic pain. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause inflammation, which can lead to pain and discomfort in the pelvic area.
3. Musculoskeletal Conditions: Musculoskeletal conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction, hernias, and sciatica can also cause pelvic pain. These conditions affect the muscles, bones, and nerves in the pelvic area, which can cause pain and discomfort.
4. Digestive Issues: Digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation can also cause pelvic pain. These conditions can lead to bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, which can radiate to the pelvic area.
5. Chronic Pain Conditions: Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome can also cause pelvic pain. These conditions affect the nervous system, which can cause pain and discomfort throughout the body, including the pelvic
area.

Treatment of Pelvic Pain:
6. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help to relieve pelvic pain. Prescription medications such as muscle relaxants and antidepressants may also be prescribed to help manage pain.
7. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help to relieve pelvic pain by strengthening the muscles in the pelvic area. Exercises such as Kegels can also help to improve pelvic muscle function.
8. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in some cases to treat underlying conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts. Surgery can help to remove the source of the pain and improve overall pelvic health.

9. Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods that can trigger pelvic pain (such as spicy foods), reducing stress, and staying hydrated can also help to relieve pelvic pain.

When do I need pain management for pelvic pain?
If your pelvic pain lingers long past when you expected it to go away, it’s time to seek help. Pelvic pain that causes sleepless nights, schedule disruptions, or emotional distress requires an urgent evaluation. You could have a serious condition that may worsen without help.

How do you treat chronic pelvic pain?
Approaches to chronic pelvic pain treatment vary with the underlying condition, how the pain affects your life, and your personal preferences. At Olympus Spine and Pain, Dr. Warner performs a comprehensive diagnostic review to determine the best treatment approaches, and he explains all of your options.
He may recommend:
• Medication tailored to the condition
• Sympathetic blocks: Nerve block injection
• Intrathecal pain pump: Implanted drug pump
• Ketamine infusions*: In-office infusions of a unique anesthetic medication
• Peripheral nerve stimulation: Implanted device that stops pain signals
• Spinal cord stimulation: Implanted device to mask pain signals
In addition to your interventional pain management treatments, Dr. Warner may recommend physical therapy to improve the strength and resilience of the muscles and other tissues supporting your pelvis. You may benefit from counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well.

If pelvic pain drags you down, Olympus Spine and Pain is ready to guide you back to living pain-free. Call the office or book your appointment online now.