Soma Therapies Blog

 – Could this be the reason why you have back and hip pain?

Did you know that sometimes you can still find ‘Open Birthing Pattern’ of the pelvis even years after delivery?

The pelvis does not always return to its pre-pregnancy state after childbirth, and the extent of changes can vary depending on factors such as the type of birth and the individual’s unique circumstances. More traumatic births, such as those involving significant tearing, forceps, or vacuum extraction, may indeed result in greater chances of residual changes within the pelvic bones that can be observed years later.

Monitoring the alignment of key pelvic bones, including the sacrum, coccyx, and ischial bones, is crucial in cases of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Misalignment or structural changes in these bones can contribute to pelvic floor issues, such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, or pelvic pain. Healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists or pelvic health specialists, may use various assessment techniques, including manual examination, imaging studies, or pelvic floor assessments, to evaluate the pelvic region’s alignment and identify any issues that may be contributing to dysfunction.

Treatment options for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction may include pelvic floor physiotherapy, exercises to improve pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination, and in some cases, interventions or surgeries to address structural issues within the pelvis. Early assessment and intervention are essential to managing and improving pelvic floor health effectively.

Pelvic bones can indeed experience changes in position and alignment over time, and these changes can potentially lead to pelvic floor issues later in life.

The pelvis is a complex structure comprising several bones, including the sacrum, coccyx, ilium, ischium, and pubis, which can be influenced by various factors throughout a person’s life. Here are some key points to consider:

Childbirth: During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic bones can temporarily shift and widen to accommodate the baby’s passage through the birth canal. In some cases, this natural process can lead to changes in the alignment of the pelvic bones, which may contribute to pelvic floor issues, such as pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence, in the years following childbirth.

Aging: As people age, the ligaments and muscles supporting the pelvis can weaken, leading to changes in pelvic bone alignment. This can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction and issues like urinary incontinence or pelvic pain.

Trauma: Traumatic injuries, such as falls or accidents, can affect the alignment and stability of the pelvic bones. These injuries can potentially lead to long-term pelvic floor issues if not properly addressed.

Muscular Imbalances: Muscular imbalances in the pelvic region can also influence the position and stability of the pelvic bones. Weak or tight muscles in the pelvic floor and surrounding areas can contribute to problems like pelvic pain or incontinence.

Postural Changes: Poor posture and movement habits can affect the alignment of the pelvis over time. For example, sitting for extended periods in a slouched position may contribute to pelvic misalignment.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes that occur during menopause can lead to decreased bone density and changes in the pelvic bones’ structural integrity, potentially affecting pelvic floor health.

It’s essential to address pelvic floor issues promptly to prevent them from worsening and affecting your overall quality of life. If you experience symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a women’s Health physiotherapist. They can provide a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatments or exercises to help improve pelvic floor function and alignment.

During childbirth, the pelvic bones play a crucial role in accommodating the baby’s passage from the uterus through the birth canal (vagina) and into the world.

This process involves a series of movements and adjustments in the mother’s pelvis to allow for the safe passage of the baby.

There are several key movements and adaptations that occur:

Engagement: This is when the baby’s head descends into the pelvis and becomes “engaged” in the pelvic inlet. This movement is often referred to as “lightening” because the mother may feel a decrease in pressure on her diaphragm and an increase in pressure in her pelvis.

Descent: As labour progresses, the baby continues to descend through the birth canal. The pelvic bones, particularly the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joints, may shift and separate slightly to accommodate this downward movement.

Rotation: The baby’s head often needs to rotate as it passes through the pelvis. This rotation helps the baby align with the dimensions of the birth canal for a smoother passage.

Flexion and Extension: The baby’s head typically flexes as it descends and then extends as it is born. These movements allow the baby to navigate through the curves of the birth canal.

Crowning and Birth: Finally, the baby’s head crowns, which means it becomes visible at the vaginal opening. The pelvic bones and soft tissues of the perineum continue to stretch to accommodate the baby’s head until it is fully delivered.

The movement and adjustments of the pelvic bones during childbirth are a natural part of the process and are facilitated by the body’s hormonal and biomechanical changes. Obstetricians, midwives, and healthcare providers are trained to monitor and assist with childbirth to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Later on in life the position and alignment of the pelvic bones play a significant role in pelvic floor muscle function as well as in the development of back and hip pain. Here’s how:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Function: The pelvic floor muscles provide support to the organs in the pelvis and play a crucial role in maintaining continence and sexual function. The position of the pelvic bones can affect the length and tension of these muscles. Misalignment or structural issues in the pelvic bones can lead to imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles, potentially causing pelvic floor dysfunction. This dysfunction may manifest as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or other issues related to bladder, bowel, or sexual function.

Back Pain: The pelvis is the foundation of the spine, and its position can influence the alignment and curvature of the spine. When the pelvic bones are not properly aligned, it can create imbalances in the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine. This can lead to back pain, especially in the lower back (lumbar region). Conditions like sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which involves the joint connecting the sacrum to the pelvis, can contribute to lower back pain.

Hip Pain: Hip pain can also result from pelvic bone issues. The hip joint connects to the pelvis, and alterations in pelvic bone alignment can affect the biomechanics of the hip joint. This may lead to hip pain, muscle imbalances, or conditions like hip impingement.

Addressing pelvic bone position and alignment is important for managing these issues. Healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, can provide assessments and treatments to address pelvic bone alignment and associated musculoskeletal issues. Pelvic floor physiotherapy, exercises, and postural correction techniques may also be part of a comprehensive approach to managing pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, back pain, and hip pain related to pelvic bone positioning.