If you suffer from pain in the pubic bone area, especially after your pregnancy, it is most likely symphysis pain. You can find out what causes the pain and what you can do about it in this article. You can also find selected specialists for the treatment of symphysis pains here.
The symphysis refers to a connection between two bones through fibrous cartilage. In humans, the pubic symphysis is a symphysis, the anterior connection of the pelvic halves.
It enables a certain degree of pelvic mobility and is therefore involved in most movements such as walking, lying down, sitting and climbing stairs.
If the symphysisloosens, overstretches or tears, this leads to pain in the pelvic area during movement.
The symptoms often occurduring and after pregnancy. It is usually triggered by hormonal changes and overloading or incorrect loading of the pelvis. Symphysis pain can usually be treated well with targeted exercises and special therapies.
The symphysis (pubic symphysis) is a joint made up of cartilage in the front center of the pelvic ring @ pikovit /AdobeStock
A symphysis loosening manifests itself as stabbing, dull pain in the region of the pubic bone. Usually on the left and right at the front of the pelvis.
While occasional pulling in this area is nothing unusual for pregnant women, others suffer greatly from symphysis pain.
The discomfort can spread from the hips to the legs. It can also lead to pain in the lower back.
The pain is more noticeable with the following movements:
90 percent of all those affected are pregnant women or women who have just had a pregnancy. This is mainly due to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy.
To prepare the pelvis for the upcoming birth, the hormone relaxin increases in the body. This ensures that the pelvis opens wide enough for the newborn's head to fit through.
Ligaments, tendons and cartilage in the pelvis become more flexible due to the hormone relaxin . If relaxin is released too much or too early, the symphysis loosens painfully before the birth. After the birth, the symptoms usually relax again and the pain subsides.
Sometimes, however, the symptoms do not subside and permanent pain or instability occurs.
Accidents also sometimes trigger symphysis pain.
These include above all
Prolonged incorrect loading of the pelvis can also loosen or overstretch the symphysis. People with physically demanding jobs, horse riders, runners and cyclists are also among those who suffer from symphysis pain.
After taking a medical history, the doctor will first examine the patient thoroughly for mobility and pain sensation. This often involves tests in which the patient has to stand on one leg, for example.
If the doctor is still unable to make a diagnosis in this way, imaging procedures are used in the next step.
These are
As problems with the symphysis in the pelvis occur during and after pregnancy or an accident, there are no preventative measures.
However, heavy physical activity, obesity and smoking increase the likelihood of symphysis loosening.
In the case of symphysis pain during pregnancy, the symptoms usually disappear again after the birth.
If the pelvic pain persists after pregnancy or is caused by an accident, there are various treatment options.
They aim to stabilize the pelvic muscles, which helps to relieve the symphysis. The most suitable therapy depends on the individual symptoms and the results of the imaging examinations.
Depending on the patient, a doctor may recommend the following therapeutic measures:
Heat and infrared applications as well as massages help with symphysis pain @ WavebreakMediaMicro /AdobeStockIf you have a symphysis loosening, make sure that you do not move too jerkily. Also avoid twisting your legs and jumping.
To stabilize your pelvis at night, it is best to place a pillow between your knees. You can also do exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles during pregnancy. Ask your midwife for advice.
If you suffer from a symphysis rupture, the focus is on immobilizing the pelvis. A medical belt (orthosis) stabilizes the pelvis so that the symphysis can grow back together. In some cases, surgery is also necessary.
Althoughsymphysis loosening and overstretching are sometimes very painful, they can be treated well with exercises and symptomatic treatment.
You can therefore assume that there will be no lasting pain. Only if the symphysis is severely damaged due to a tear is longer-term treatment sometimes necessary.
Symphysis pain is caused by loosening or overstretching of the symphysis, a joint in the anterior pelvis and/or inflammation of the pubic bone.
The typical stabbing pain in the pelvis or legs is a side effect of pregnancy in 90 percent of cases.
The pain often subsides after the birth, but not in every case. Pelvic floor exercises and other measures to stabilize the pelvis relieve the symphysis and alleviate the pain.
If the symptoms are severe or there is no improvement, a special belt helps to stabilize the pelvis. Long-term complaints should definitely be clarified.
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