Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain During Pregnancy
The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) to the ilium (the upper part of your pelvis). These joints can become painful during pregnancy due to a variety of factors, including hormonal, physical, and biomechanical changes.
What Causes SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy?
- Hormonal Changes
- Increased levels of the hormone relaxin cause ligaments to become more flexible.
- This increased laxity can lead to instability in the SI joints.
- Weight Gain
- The added weight of the growing baby places extra stress and pressure on the SI joints.
- Postural Changes
- A shifting center of gravity due to a growing belly alters posture.
- These changes can strain the SI joints further.
- Biomechanical Changes
- Alterations in gait and movement patterns during pregnancy create additional stress on the SI joints.
- Previous SI Joint Dysfunction
- Pre-existing SI joint issues may worsen due to pregnancy-related physical changes.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor therapy offers effective solutions for managing SI joint pain during pregnancy:
- Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles
- Provides better support for pelvic organs.
- Stabilizes the pelvis, reducing stress on the SI joints.
- Improving Posture
- Therapists can guide posture correction to alleviate SI joint strain.
- Manual Therapy
- Techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release can relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Exercise Prescription
- Tailored exercises focus on:
- Core stability.
- Pelvic alignment.
- Muscle balance.
- These exercises help reduce pain and prevent further issues.
- Tailored exercises focus on:
- Education and Ergonomics
- Learn proper body mechanics and safe lifting techniques.
- Receive guidance for performing daily activities safely.
- A pelvic floor therapist may recommend and fit an SI joint belt to provide additional support.
- Breathing Techniques
- Proper breathing engages and relaxes pelvic floor muscles.
- Improved breathing contributes to overall pelvic stability.
Summary
SI joint pain during pregnancy is common and can result from hormonal changes, weight gain, posture shifts, and biomechanical adjustments. Pelvic floor therapy can offer significant relief by:
- Strengthening pelvic floor muscles.
- Improving posture.
- Providing manual therapy.
- Prescribing targeted exercises.
- Educating on proper ergonomics and breathing techniques.
Are you pregnant and experiencing low back or SI joint pain?
Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to schedule an evaluation and treatment!
Call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.