Understanding Sacral Pain and Its Treatment
Sacral pain can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. Located at the base of the spine, the sacrum is a crucial bone in the structure of the pelvis and lower back. Sacral pain often radiates to the lower back, hips, and even the legs, making it challenging to sit, stand, or walk comfortably.
In this blog post, we will explore:
- The anatomy of the sacrum
- Its relationship to surrounding bones and muscles
- How pelvic floor physical therapy can treat sacral pain
Anatomy of the Sacrum
The sacrum is a triangular-shaped bone located at the base of the spine, between the lumbar spine and the tailbone (coccyx). It consists of five fused vertebrae and forms the back part of the pelvic girdle. The sacrum connects to the iliac bones on each side, forming the sacroiliac joints, which are critical for:
- Weight-bearing
- Movement
The sacrum acts as a keystone, providing stability for the pelvis and transferring the weight of the upper body to the lower limbs. Surrounding the sacrum are important muscles and ligaments that support its function, including:
Gluteal Muscles
- Gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus: Essential for hip movement, stability, and power.
- These muscles attach to the pelvis and support the sacrum during weight-bearing activities.
Hip Rotators
- Key muscles: Piriformis, obturator internus, and gemellus.
- These muscles rotate and stabilize the hip joint.
- The piriformis, in particular, originates from the sacrum and can cause sacral pain if irritated.
Pelvic Floor Muscles
- These muscles form the base of the pelvis, supporting pelvic organs and assisting in bladder and bowel control.
- Key pelvic floor muscles include:
- Pubococcygeus
- Iliococcygeus
- Puborectalis
- Coccygeus
- These muscles attach to the sacrum and coccyx, playing a direct role in sacral stability and function.
Causes of Sacral Pain
Sacral pain can result from various factors, including:
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Irritation or misalignment of the sacroiliac joints.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles that increase stress on the sacrum.
- Muscle imbalances: Tension or weakness in surrounding muscles like the glutes or hip rotators.
- Trauma or injury: Falls, accidents, or sports-related impacts.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: Postural shifts and changes in the pelvis can lead to sacral pain.
- Postural issues: Prolonged sitting or poor posture can put stress on the sacrum.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective treatment for sacral pain. Here’s how it works:
Comprehensive Assessment
A pelvic floor physical therapist will evaluate:
- Posture and alignment
- Muscle strength and flexibility
- Relationships between the sacrum, pelvis, and surrounding structures
Manual Therapy
Techniques include:
- Myofascial release
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Joint mobilization
These methods alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore alignment.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
If pelvic floor dysfunction is contributing to sacral pain, therapy will include targeted exercises to:
- Strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles
- Relax tight pelvic floor muscles
- Restore balance and stability
Postural and Movement Education
Guidance is provided to:
- Improve posture during sitting, standing, and movement.
- Teach body mechanics to avoid strain on the sacrum.
Neuromuscular Re-Education
This technique retrains the pelvic floor, glutes, and hip rotators to work efficiently, reducing stress on the sacrum.
Exercise Prescription
A tailored exercise program strengthens:
- Core muscles
- Pelvic floor
- Hip muscles
Regain Comfort and Stability
Sacral pain can profoundly impact your ability to move and enjoy life. Pelvic floor therapy provides targeted treatment to restore balance, stability, and mobility in the pelvis and lower back.
Take the first step toward relief today!
- Call 908-443-9880
- Email receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com
Let Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ help you get back to a pain-free and active lifestyle!