The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. They play a crucial role in maintaining urinary and fecal continence, sexual function, and overall body stability.
Pelvic floor muscle spasms occur when these muscles contract involuntarily and do not relax properly. These spasms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing discomfort and pain, and disrupting normal activities such as using the bathroom or having sexual intercourse. Severe pelvic floor muscle spasms may lead to urinary or fecal incontinence.
The constant tension and tightness in the pelvic floor muscles can also cause referred pain in other areas of the body, such as the lower back, hips, and thighs. At NextPain Care, we can treat chronic pain and inflammation associated with pelvic floor muscle spasms.
Sensations When Having Pelvic Floor Muscle Spasms
The symptoms of pelvic muscle spasms may vary from person to person. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that can help identify if someone is experiencing pelvic floor muscle spasms:
- Pain and discomfort: The most common symptom is pain in the pelvic region, which may be sharp, dull, or achy, ranging from mild to severe. This pain can occur during or after activities such as sitting, standing, walking, and sexual intercourse.
- Burning sensation while urinating: The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for controlling the bladder, and when they are tight and spasming, it can cause a burning sensation while urinating.
- Frequent urge to urinate: Pelvic muscle spasms can also cause an increased urge to urinate, even when the bladder is not full, which can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily activities.
- Bowel dysfunction: The pelvic floor muscles also control bowel movements, and spasms can cause constipation or difficulty passing stools.
Factors That Cause Spasms In The Pelvic Floor Muscles
Several factors can contribute to the development of pelvic floor muscle spasms, including:
- Injury: An injury to the pelvic area, such as a fall or complications from surgery, can lead to muscle spasms.
- Trauma: Physical or emotional trauma can cause the pelvic muscles to tighten and spasm as a protective response. For instance, childbirth can sometimes cause trauma to the pelvic area, resulting in muscle spasms.
- Nerve damage: Nerve damage in the pelvic region can disrupt the signals being sent to and from the muscles, causing spasms.
Conditions Linked To Discomfort In The Pelvic Floor
Sometimes, pelvic floor muscle spasms result from an underlying health condition, including the following:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms can include bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. People with IBS may also experience pelvic muscle spasms due to the interconnected nature of the muscles in the pelvic floor and the digestive tract.
Endometriosis
The condition of endometriosis involves the tissue lining the inside of the uterus growing outside of it, typically on other pelvic organs, such as the ovaries. The pressure and irritation from the excess tissue can cause surrounding muscles to tighten and spasm, leading to pain and discomfort.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
This is a type of pelvic pain that lasts more than six months and may not have a known cause. Pelvic floor muscle spasms can contribute to this condition, making the pain worse due to the constant tension and spasms in the muscles.
Seeking A Professional Diagnosis
If you are suffering from pelvic floor muscle spasms and any of the above symptoms, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam, review your medical history, and possibly conduct imaging tests (such as an MRI) to determine if any underlying conditions are causing the muscle spasms.
It’s important not to ignore chronic pain in the pelvic area as it can greatly affect your well-being and quality of life. The symptoms you’re experiencing may indicate an underlying health condition, and seeking medical attention can help identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment, including pelvic floor physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Common Treatment Options Used
Most doctors will recommend one or more of the following conventional treatment options depending on the diagnosis and the severity of the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications are often recommended to help ease the pain and discomfort associated with pelvic muscle spasms. The following are some medications that can be used to temporarily relieve pelvic floor muscle spasms and pain.
- Muscle relaxants: Prescribed to help reduce muscle spasms and relieve pain. Commonly prescribed muscle relaxants include cyclobenzaprine, baclofen, and diazepam.
- Anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with pelvic muscle spasms.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain medications can help manage the discomfort associated with pelvic floor muscle spasms. Common options include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin.
- Antidepressants: In some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed to help relax the pelvic muscles and alleviate pain due to their serotonin content, which can help regulate muscle contractions.
Pelvic Floor Injections
Another conventional treatment option involves injecting medications directly into the affected muscles. This can help reduce pain and inflammation but may also carry some risks, such as infection or allergic reactions.
One of the most common medications used in pelvic floor injections is Botox, which temporarily paralyzes the muscles and prevents muscle spasms. Another option is steroid injections, which can reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area.
Nerve Stimulation
Electrical nerve stimulation involves placing small electrodes on the skin near the affected muscles and using electrical pulses to stimulate them. This can help relax tight or spasming muscles and provide relief from pain by disrupting the pain signals sent to the brain. It’s a non-invasive and relatively safe treatment option.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and SNS (sacral nerve stimulation) are two types of nerve stimulation commonly used to treat pelvic floor muscle spasms. However, some of these treatments are administered at low pulse rates, which means that they’re better suited for short-term relief.
How NextPain Care Approaches Pelvic Floor Discomfort
NextPain Care integrates multidisciplinary treatment options into our innovative three-level system. Our methods are based on evidence and data, ensuring our treatments are both effective and scientifically validated.
We prioritize starting with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication management to effectively manage your pain. For conditions like pelvic floor muscle spasms, we utilize specialized physical therapy techniques to alleviate discomfort and improve function.
When conservative methods are insufficient, we explore advanced options to provide more comprehensive pain relief. This unique approach allows us to offer holistic care that addresses the diverse needs of our patients.
Manage Pain From Conditions Causing Pelvic Floor Muscle Spasms At NextPain Care
Our comprehensive care model focuses on providing relief from chronic pain using a multi-level approach with continuous support. With an emphasis on true fundamental care that can be adjusted based on each patient’s unique needs, our treatment options can provide relief for various conditions that can cause pelvic floor muscle spasms, including:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Spasm-Induced Pain Treatment
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pain Treatment
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Endometriosis Treatment
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Interstitial Cystitis Treatment
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic medical condition characterized by enduring bladder and pelvic pain. At NextPain Care, we offer a comprehensive approach in managing IC...
Ease Your Struggles With Pelvic Floor Pain
Chronic pelvic floor pain can be challenging to manage, but our integrated treatment approach at NextPain Care is designed to help by addressing the factors contributing to pelvic floor muscle spasms and discomfort. Learn more about how we can support your pain management journey today.
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