Overview
Pelvic instability can present at any age, but tends to decline with aging, due to stiffening of ligamentous tissues.
Our pelvic bones bear the weight of our upper body and distribute it through the hips and legs. The pelvis consists of the hip, sacrum and pubic bones all held together by ligaments. If ligaments are injured or overstretched, the pelvis loses its stability and begins to move excessively with physical activities.
It often presents in young females who are involved in sport that requires a high degree of mobility (such as dance or gymnastics). It can also present during pregnancy or post-partum, especially whilst still breast-feeding as the hormone, relaxin (which relaxes the pelvic ligaments in preparation for childbirth) is still circulating in the system.
What Causes it?
There may or may not be a history of injury that causes the pain. Often pain will commence insidiously and be associated with prolonged postures rather than moving or physical activity.
The underlying cause of pain is deformation of structures in the spine and pelvis (joint and ligaments) due to excessive range of motion without the necessary muscular control. The joints are held at or near their end range of motion, which stresses and stretches the retaining ligaments.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain in the sacral-iliac joints, lower lumbar spine and pubic pain. There may be radiation of pain to the groin or hip. Pain when rolling over in bed, climbing stairs, and getting out of the bath are highly suggestive of the condition.
Diagnosis
A physical examination and a series of provocative tests (physical maneuvers), are used to diagnose pelvic instability.
Treatment
At Metro Pain Group, we assess each patient’s condition individually. As leaders in pain management, we aim to provide advanced, innovative and evidence-based treatments tailored to suit the patient.
Our treatment pathway involves exploring our comprehensive array of available conservative and interventional treatment options. Our goal is to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life, enabling you to Live Better.
Disclaimer
Please note the contents contained in this Patient Fact Sheet are not intended as a substitute for your own independent health professional’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. At Metro Pain Group, we assess every patient’s condition individually. As leaders in pain intervention, we aim to provide advanced, innovative, and evidence-based treatments tailored to suit each patient. As such, recommended treatments and their outcomes will vary from patient to patient. If you would like to find out whether our treatments are suitable for your specific condition, please speak to one of our doctors at the time of your consultation.