Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

            The Pubic Symphysis is a cartilaginous joint in the middle of your pubic bones, it unites the superior rami of the right and left pubic bones. Normally, the joint has a small amount of movement, but this increases during pregnancy and childbirth.
            Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction happens when there is an excessive amount of movement of the pubic symphysis and pain due to either a misalignment of the pelvis and/or hormonal changes in your body loosening the joints around the pelvic area.  Very rarely, you can have a diastasis of the symphysis pubis, which is a separation that can cause intense pain in the hips, pelvis, groin, and buttocks, and can affect vaginal delivery.

Expand for symptoms and treatments

Symptoms include:
-Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
            *Pain can range from mild to severe (wrenching/ tearing pain)
-Pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, hips, groin, upper thighs
-Clicking noises/ sensation around pubic area when walking
​-Pain when walking
-Pain when lifting one leg
            *climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, getting up from a seated position
 
Treatments include:
-A Physical Therapist that specializes in women’s health can determine the cause of your pain and assist with pain relief through prescribing appropriate exercises and administering manual techniques
-Exercise to help strengthen the core and pelvis in order to avoid misalignment and separation
            *finding your neutral spine, kegels and pelvic tilts
-Pelvic support bands can help stabilize the pelvis and decrease risk of separation
-Proper body alignment and bracing can help avoid injury
-Avoid heavy lifting and pushing in order to reduce strain on your pelvis