The Pelvic Floor & Low Back Pain

It is important to AVOID abdominal bracing (tightening up the abdominal muscles) because this INCREASES the pressure against the pelvic floor. Keep the stomach, buttocks, and inner leg muscles relaxed, and don’t hold your breath. Try exhaling as you do the exercise. When you sense a sneeze or cough coming, squeeze the pelvic floor to support the bladder.

For patients with tight (hypertonic) pelvic floor muscles, studies recommend manual therapy, scar tissue manipulation, modalities (ultrasound or e-stim), massage, breathing re-training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and meditation.

Both hypotonic and hypertonic PFD may be co-managed with an OB/GYN or the patient’s medical physician with supporting care provided by their doctor of chiropractic. A doctor of chiropractic can address musculoskeletal issues in the pelvic region and lower back with manual therapies (including manipulation and mobilization) to reduce pain and relieve pressure on the pelvic floor. The good news for individuals with PFD is that the condition is manageable, and you don’t have to accept it as a normal consequence of life!