Symphysis pubis dysfunction

Symphysis pubis dysfunction
Symphysis pubis dysfunction
	Location of pubic symphysis
Specialty	OB/Gyn

Last updated June 11, 2024

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), commonly known as pubic symphysis dysfunction or lightning crotch,^[1] is a condition that causes excessive movement of the pubic symphysis, either anterior or lateral, as well as associated pain, possibly because of a misalignment of the pelvis. Most commonly associated with pregnancy and childbirth,^{[ citation needed ]} it is diagnosed in approximately 1 in 300 pregnancies, although some estimates of incidence are as high as 1 in 50.^[2]

Symptoms

The main symptom is usually pain or discomfort in the pelvic region, usually centered on the joint at the front of the pelvis (the pubic symphysis). Some sufferers report being able to hear and feel the pubic symphysis and/or sacroiliac, clicking or popping in and out as they walk or change position. Sufferers frequently also experience pain in the lower back, hips, groin, lower abdomen, and legs. The severity of the pain can range from mild discomfort to extreme pain that interferes with routine activities, family, social and professional life, and sleep.^[3] There have been links between SPD and depression due to the associated physical discomfort.^[4]^[5] Sufferers may walk with a characteristic side-to-side gait and have difficulty climbing stairs, problems with leg abduction and adduction, pain when carrying out weight bearing activities, difficulties carrying out everyday activities, and difficulties standing.^[4]

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is usually made from the symptoms, history, and physical exam alone. After pregnancy, MRI scans, X-rays and ultrasound scanning are sometimes used. Patients typically initially report symptoms to a midwife, chiropractor, obstetrician, general practitioner, physiotherapist or an osteopath. On seeing a health professional, patients should expect to receive a thorough physical examination to rule out other lumbar spine problems, such as a prolapsed disc or pelvic and or pubis joint misalignment, or other conditions such as iliopsoas muscle spasms, urinary tract infections and Braxton Hicks contractions.

Unnecessary radiation from medical imaging is avoided during pregnancy, so in most cases a physical examination and history are considered sufficient to refer to physical therapy.

Treatment

A promising treatment for chronic or post natal dysfunction is prolotherapy.^[6] Other treatments include the use of elbow crutches, pelvic support devices and prescribed pain relief. The majority of problems will resolve spontaneously after delivery.^[7] There are two case studies that show reduction of pain and dysfunction with conservative chiropractic care.^[8]

Physical therapists—especially those specializing in pelvic floor physical therapy—can assist with pain relief techniques, provide manual therapy to alleviate related muscle spasms, and manage exercise protocols.

While most pregnancy-related cases are reported to resolve postpartum, definitive diagnosis and treatment are still appropriate in order to optimize comfort and function and ensure a good course of recovery.

Long-term complications can develop without proper care. Postpartum follow-up in cases of pregnancy-related SPD may include radiologic imaging, evaluation by a specialist such as an orthopedist or physiatrist, ongoing pelvic floor physical therapy, and assessment for any underlying or related musculoskeletal issues.

In extreme cases that do not resolve with conservative management, surgery is considered after pregnancy to stabilise the pelvis, but success rates are very poor.^[4]

Everyday living

Typical advice usually given to people with SPD includes avoiding strenuous exercise, prolonged standing, repetitive reaching movements, lunges, stretching exercises and squatting. Patients are also frequently advised to:

Brace the transverse abdominis (lower abdominal muscles) before performing any activity which might cause pain
Rest the pelvis
Sit down for tasks where possible (e.g. dressing, workplace discussions, teaching, repetitive manual tasks)
Avoid lifting and carrying
Avoid stepping over things
Avoid straddle movements especially when weight bearing
Bend the knees and keep the legs 'glued together' when turning in bed and getting in and out of bed, while engaging transverse abdominis
Place a pillow between the legs when in bed or resting
Avoid twisting movements of the body

If the pain is very severe, using a walker or crutches will help take the weight off the pelvis and assist with mobility. Alternatively, for more extreme cases a wheelchair may be considered advisable.

Pharmacological interventions

It is not usually considered advisable to take anti-inflammatory medication in pregnancy, which makes SPD a particularly difficult condition to manage. Acetaminophen may be a safer option. Of note, opiates are considered high risk with a more addictive nature, and carry a risk of depressed respiration in the newborn baby if taken near the time of birth, if taken at all. Therefore, it is considered advisable to discuss any pain relief medications with a physician, and cease taking any opiates 2–4 weeks before the estimated due date, as advised by a medical professional.

Related Research Articles

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The levator ani is a broad, thin muscle group, situated on either side of the pelvis. It is formed from three muscle components: the pubococcygeus, the iliococcygeus, and the puborectalis.

The acetabulum, also called the cotyloid cavity, is a concave surface of the pelvis. The head of the femur meets with the pelvis at the acetabulum, forming the hip joint.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pubic symphysis</span> Cartilaginous joint between the front of the left and right hip bones

The pubic symphysis is a secondary cartilaginous joint between the left and right superior rami of the pubis of the hip bones. It is in front of and below the urinary bladder. In males, the suspensory ligament of the penis attaches to the pubic symphysis. In females, the pubic symphysis is attached to the suspensory ligament of the clitoris. In most adults, it can be moved roughly 2 mm and with 1 degree rotation. This increases for women at the time of childbirth.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a term used for a variety of disorders that occur when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments are impaired. The condition affects up to 50 percent of women who have given birth. Although this condition predominantly affects women, up to 16 percent of men are affected as well. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, pressure, pain during sex, urinary incontinence (UI), overactive bladder, bowel incontinence, incomplete emptying of feces, constipation, myofascial pelvic pain and pelvic organ prolapse. When pelvic organ prolapse occurs, there may be visible organ protrusion or a lump felt in the vagina or anus. Research carried out in the UK has shown that symptoms can restrict everyday life for women. However, many people found it difficult to talk about it and to seek care, as they experienced embarrassment and stigma.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shoulder dystocia</span> Birthing obstruction complication

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In vertebrates, the pubis or pubic bone forms the lower and anterior part of each side of the hip bone. The pubis is the most forward-facing of the three bones that make up the hip bone. The left and right pubic bones are each made up of three sections; a superior ramus, an inferior ramus, and a body.

$<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pelvic fracture</span> Broken bone in nonacetabular portions of pelvis$

A pelvic fracture is a break of the bony structure of the pelvis. This includes any break of the sacrum, hip bones, or tailbone. Symptoms include pain, particularly with movement. Complications may include internal bleeding, injury to the bladder, or vaginal trauma.

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The affection appears to consist of relaxation of the pelvic articulations, becoming apparent suddenly after parturition or gradually during pregnancy and permitting a degree of mobility of the pelvic bones which effectively hinders locomotion and gives rise to the most peculiar and alarming sensations.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to obstetrics:

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The term sacroiliac joint dysfunction refers to abnormal motion in the sacroiliac joint, either too much motion or too little motion, that causes pain in this region.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hard flaccid syndrome</span> Medical condition

Hard flaccid syndrome (HFS), also known as hard flaccid (HF), is a chronic painful condition characterized by a semi-rigid penis at the flaccid state, a soft glans at the erect state (cold glans syndrome), pelvic pain, low libido, erectile dysfunction, erectile pain, pain on ejaculation, penile sensory changes (numbness or coldness), lower urinary tract symptoms, contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, and psychological distress. Other complaints include rectal and perineal discomfort, cold hands and feet, and a hollow or detached feeling inside the penile shaft. The majority of HFS patients are in their 20s–30s and symptoms significantly affect one's quality of life.

References

↑ Murkoff, Heidi (31 May 2016). What to Expect when You're Expecting. Workman. ISBN 9780761187486.
↑ "Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) in Pregnancy".
↑ "The Pelvic Partnership". www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk. Archived from the original on 2002-09-29.
1 2 3 Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain For mothers to be and new mothers. Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy. 2018.
↑ Jain, Smita; Eedarapalli, Padma; Jamjute, Pradumna; Sawdy, Robert (July 2006). "Symphysis pubis dysfunction: a practical approach to management". The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist. 8 (3): 153–158. doi: 10.1576/toag.8.3.153.27250 . S2CID 72701799.
↑ Hauser, Ross A.; Lackner, Johanna B.; Steilen-Matias, Danielle; Harris, David K. (7 July 2016). "A Systematic Review of Dextrose Prolotherapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain". Clinical Medicine Insights. Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders. 9: 139–159. doi:10.4137/CMAMD.S39160. PMC 4938120 . PMID 27429562.
↑ "Antenatal care (NICE clinical guideline 62)". Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists.
↑ Howell, Emily R (June 2012). "Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports". The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 56 (2): 102–11. PMC 3364059 . PMID 22675223.