By. Dr. Bren Boston
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common cause for chronic pelvic pain in women. An often-overlooked piece of the puzzle is pain stemming from laxity at the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joints.
The pubic symphysis is a joint at the front of the bony pelvic ring. It consists of a fibrocartilaginous disc wedged between the two pubic bones. There are 4 ligaments that reinforce the pubic symphysis.
These ligaments can become more lax over time. Ligamentous laxity can occur due to athletics, trauma, the hormone relaxin during labor and delivery, or wear and tear from the variety of forces it undergoes on a daily basis, including traction, compression, and shearing.
Hypermobility at the sacroiliac joints often co-occurs with laxity at the pubic symphysis, since the pelvic bones are interconnected. Pelvic instability can cause spasm of the pelvic sling muscles, resulting in chronic pelvic pain.
Prolotherapy injections to the weakened pelvic ring ligaments will cause in increase in blood supply and regenerative cells to the area, stimulating repair of the lax ligaments. New collagen is added to the ligaments, strengthening them. Once stabilized, the pelvic ring resumes its purpose of being a stable base for pelvic floor muscles, reducing muscle spasms and pelvic pain.
Dr. Boston treats patients with chronic pelvic pain at the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine at 520 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401. www.akashacenter.com (310)-451-8880.
