Author: Alyssa Boyer, DC, DNCert
Pelvic floor dysfunction is something that has been a topic of conversation in recent years. More and more people, typically (but not exclusively) women, have become more and more educated about pelvic floor health and how that can impact a plethora of other things in the body. Research shows that one in three women will experience some sort of pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetimes. Most women experience this and don’t even realize they are experiencing it and continue to live with it. We think about the pelvic floor a lot as it relates to pregnancy and postpartum most commonly, but that’s not the only reason to be concerned about it. Childbirth, traumatic injury to the pelvic region, obesity, pelvic surgery, and nerve damage can all contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
What is your pelvic floor?
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that attach the pelvic bones to the sacrum. It acts as a “hammock” that supports the internal organs in the pelvis. It is the only horizontal, weight-bearing group of muscles in the entire body. These muscles are the nice, reliable foundation that the rest of the body “rests” on. Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when these muscles become weak, tight, or impaired. Coordinated contracting and relaxing of the pelvic floor muscles allows for control of bowel and bladder functions. With that being said, the pelvic floor has to relax to allow for urination, bowel movements, and, in women, sexual intercourse. Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when there is either too much tension on the pelvic floor muscles (hypertonicity) or not enough (weakness) contributing to urinary incontinence, constipation, pain during intercourse, pain in the lower back, pelvic region, genitals and/or rectum.
So how do we go about treating and addressing these symptoms?
To truly access the dysfunction and where it’s coming from, sometimes an internal and external exam are required, but not in every case depending on severity. Every muscle in the body is controlled by your brain. Your brain sends signals to tell the muscles to contract or relax. For example, when you sit down to pee, in order for your urethra to release the urine, the urinary tract has to vasodilate (become wider) to allow the flow to come through. This means the muscles have to relax. Well, imagine if they can’t. Or imagine if they relax too much. You can see how this becomes quite the issue and also, can be really uncomfortable. There are several different exercises that can help strengthen the pelvic floor, but it’s important to discuss this with your chiropractor or PT and make sure these exercises are personalized to your individual symptoms. There are also physical therapists who specifically specialize in pelvic floor therapy and in some cases, some chiropractors will refer to these PT’s when the patient needs more internal therapy.
How does Chiropractic Support Your Pelvic Floor?
Chiropractic care has a positive effect on the neurological functions of the lumbar and sacral nerves which contribute to the overall function of the pelvic floor muscles. It works by restoring proper alignment to the pelvis, releasing muscular/ligament tension, improves posture, provides instruction on proper breathing techniques, and also provides education on strengthening surrounding musculature.
