Do You Have Excruciating Bum Pain With Every Step You Make?

You might be suffering from pelvic instability. Pelvis is the two hip bones connect the spine with the lower limbs. Pelvic Instability is when there is a high degree of movement or weakening of the pelvis causing pain around the pelvis, hip and buttocks.

Pelvic instability is a common discomfort during pregnancy or shortly after delivery. About 50%-60% of pregnant women experience this ranging from minor complaints to severe pelvic pain. The hormone “Relaxin” ensures that the pelvic joints become more flexible in preparation for childbirth. However, in some women, the pelvis becomes too flexible, causing the straps to become overextended and sometimes damaged when excessive force is applied to the pelvis. This pelvic instability can develop and gradually deteriorate from the 14th week of pregnancy. The age at which a woman has her first child may influence the development of pelvic instability. The risk of developing pelvic instability increases with age.

 Pelvic instability can also occur in non-pregnant women and men. When the transverse and oblique abdominal muscles become weak, it can develop into pelvic complaints. A sports injury or accident can also lead to strained or torn pelvic ligaments. For example, a fall with a bicycle or from a horseback, or due to a strain while running long distance. The discomfort that is experienced in such cases is comparable to the complaints during or after pregnancy. Pelvic asymmetry or an unexpected, rapid change in normal movement can also cause pelvic instability. Another cause is misalignment in the pelvic

Common symptoms that can identify pelvic instability:

• Low back pain, around the coccyx
• Pain in the back or front of the pelvis in the area of the pubic bone
• Radiating pain in the buttock, hip, groin or pubis, towards the leg (knee or hamstring)
• Stiffened muscles (in the buttock or low back)
• Start-up pain when beginning to walk after sitting for a long time, climbing stairs, getting up and turning over in bed
• Difficulty standing on one leg
• Pain during menstruation or sexual intercourse
• Fatigue

The most common cause of pelvic pain include:

• Pregnancy
• Irritation to the SI-joints
• Poor posture or movement pattern
• Asymmetry in the pelvis (tilt and / or leg length difference)
• Relaxation in the abdominal muscles

Diagnosis

A physiotherapist will perform a series of test to rule out coccydynia, joint arthritis and bursitis.

An MRI or ultrasound can be done to rule out the same.

Treatment

Correct Alignment of Skeletal Structure

Pelvic binder to relief pain

Improve the Function of Core Stabilizing Muscles

Prevention

Strengthen your core stabilizing muscles

Adapt proper posture and movement patterns

Visit your physiotherapist throughout your pregnancy