Public Symphysis Dysfunction
Self-help tips
If you experience pain in or around your pubic bone at the front of the pelvis you may be suffering from Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction.
- If this type of pain is allowed to flare up, it can take a long time to settle back down again.
- Move little and often. You may not feel the effects of what you are doing until later in the day or after you have gone to bed.
- Avoid heavy lifting or pushing (supermarket trolleys can be particularly painful).
- When dressing, sit down to put on clothing such as underwear or trousers. Pull the clothing over your feet and then stand up to pull them up. Don't try to put your legs into trousers, skirts or underwear whilst standing up.
- Take care when separating your legs and making straddling movements such as when getting in and out of the car or bath.
- Avoid swimming breaststroke if you can and take care with other strokes.
- Performing regular pelvic floor exercisers and lower abdominal exercises can help to reduce the strain of the pregnancy on your back.
What is Public Symphysis Dysfunction?
What are the symptoms?
Treating public symphysis problems
What is Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction?
The two halves of the pelvis are connected at the front at the pubic symphysis. This joint is strengthened by a network of ligaments which means under normal conditions very little movement occurs. The pelvic girdle however will exhibit excessive mobility due to relaxation of the pelvic ligaments during pregnancy.
Once again the hormone relaxin plays a significant role in mobility of the pubic symphysis and pelvic ligaments. The increased motion at the pubic symphysis creates increased shearing forces which results in tissue inflammation and or pain.
Consequently the “locking” mechanism of the pelvic girdle is less effective and increases the strain of both the pubic symphysis and sacro-iliac joints. If one side of the pelvis moves more than the other when you walk or move your legs, this can lead to a strain or injury of the pubic symphysis.
