The Connection Between Low Back Pain And The Pelvic Floor

Are you experiencing back pain? Is it in the middle or on one side of your lower back? It might even cause pain in your buttock or sciatica. Low back pain can be addressed in many ways, and you can find numerous tips on this channel. One key aspect to consider is the role of your pelvic floor muscles.

The pelvic floor muscles are located inside your pelvis and control functions like bowel movements, urination, and sexual function. They also significantly affect low back pain. When these muscles are tight or dysfunctional, they can cause or exacerbate back and hip pain.

Low back pain often leads to muscle spasms. While muscle relaxers might not address the root cause, the pelvic floor also tightens to support the low back muscles and vertebrae. This persistent tightness can prevent the natural curvature of the spine, leading to chronic pain. Common postures during back pain, such as a tucked pelvis or an exaggerated anterior pelvic tilt, increase tension in the pelvic floor and buttocks, perpetuating the pain.

To alleviate this pain, it’s essential to relax and open up the pelvic floor muscles, rather than performing more contractions like Kegels. Many who suffer from back or hip pain need to reduce pelvic floor tension to relieve back pressure.

Chronic back pain often persists because the pelvic floor muscles remain tight. Addressing these muscles can significantly reduce pain and prevent future issues. Even after back surgeries that don’t alleviate pain, addressing the pelvic floor can make a significant difference.

If you experience low back pain, have your pelvic floor checked. If you’ve had abdominal surgeries, such as a gallbladder removal, appendectomy, or C-section, addressing any scar tissue is also crucial, as it can impact your core muscles and back support. Working with a pelvic expert physical therapist and using treatments like shockwave therapy can help dissolve scar tissue and restore core function.

If you have low back pain, focusing on your pelvic floor might be the key to relief. Consider visiting our clinics in Edmonds and Poulsbo, Washington, or joining us for an intensive therapy week to help cure your back pain.