Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRG)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. Pelvic and Perineal Pain
1:52
7. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. CRPS I
1:57
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
3. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Pelvic and Perineal Pain
1746884896
Pelvic and perineal pain, known medically as chronic pelvic pain, is a condition where there is discomfort in the lower belly area without a clear cause. It's more common in women but can affect anyone. It can feel like a constant ache, a sharp pain, or a series of cramps. This type of pain sometimes lasts for 6 months or more and could impact daily activities like walking, exercising, or even sitting comfortably.
Several things can lead to pelvic pain, such as past infections, injuries, surgeries in the area or conditions like endometriosis where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain. Stress and mental health issues can sometimes make the pain feel worse.
When you visit the provider team, they'll ask about your medical history, physical symptoms, and might use tests like MRIs or ultrasound to get a clearer picture. Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Options include medicines to reduce pain, physical therapy to strengthen pelvic muscles, and in some cases, counseling to help manage stress and improve mental health. Additional options include sympathetic nerve blocks, such as superior hypogastric and ganglion empar approaches. If needed, last-resort treatments may involve radiofrequency ablation of targeted nerves or long term, medication-sparing solutions like spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulation. In cases where all other treatments prove ineffective, intrathecal pump therapy may be considered.
For ongoing symptoms potentially connected to joint or connective tissues, methods like steroid injections or regenerative medicine using your body’s own platelets or bone marrow may be considered.
Take the time to discuss your symptoms with the healthcare team to develop a coordinated care plan.
FAQs
How is pelvic and perineal pain diagnosed?
To diagnose pelvic and perineal pain, healthcare providers will review your medical history and physical symptoms, and may employ imaging tests such as MRIs or ultrasounds to gain a better understanding of the underlying issues. A comprehensive diagnostic approach helps tailor an appropriate treatment plan.
What are the possible causes of pelvic and perineal pain?
Several factors can contribute to pelvic and perineal pain, including past infections, injuries, surgeries in the pelvic area, and conditions like endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus. Stress and mental health issues can also exacerbate the pain.
What is chronic pelvic pain and who can it affect?
Chronic pelvic pain, or pelvic and perineal pain, is discomfort in the lower abdominal area that persists for six months or more without a clear cause. While it is more common in women, it can affect anyone. The pain may present as a constant ache, sharp pain, or cramps, and can significantly impact daily activities such as walking or sitting.
What treatment options are available for managing pelvic and perineal pain?
Treatment for pelvic and perineal pain is personalized, often involving a combination of medications for pain relief, physical therapy for strengthening pelvic muscles, and counseling for stress and mental health management. Additional therapies such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, or spinal cord stimulation might be considered, depending on the case severity.
Why is a multidisciplinary approach important in managing pelvic and perineal pain?
A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effectively managing pelvic and perineal pain as it addresses both physical and psychological aspects of the condition. By collaborating, healthcare practitioners can create a coordinated care plan that encompasses various therapies tailored to the individual's needs, thereby improving outcomes and enhancing quality of life.