Pelvic Pain & Menstrual Cramping
The Trigger Points that Cause Pelvic Pain and PMS Cramping
Pelvic Pain & PMS Cramping
Causes
The fact that pelvic pain could be caused by trigger points astonishes most people. There exists a stubborn belief that pelvic and abdominal pain (and cramping) is always related to a problem with the body's internal organs. Menstrual cramping, in particular, is always blamed on "natural" hormonal changes, or if severe enough, blamed on endometriosis or ovarian disease. The hormone changes associated with a woman's cycle, frequently activate trigger points by changing the fluid balance and mineral concentration of the body. While this affects all the muscle groups of the body, it seems to activate the trigger points in the abdomen and neck regions to a greater degree.
Pelvic pain associated with sexual intercourse typically occurs due to an overloading of the abdominal and thigh muscles. The trigger points that are activated by this muscular overload, refer pain deep in the pelvis and abdomen for hours and even days afterward.
The Muscles and Trigger Points that cause Pelvic Pain
The following two muscle groups can contain trigger points that produce pain and cramping in the pelvis and abdomen:
The fact that pelvic pain could be caused by trigger points astonishes most people. There exists a stubborn belief that pelvic and abdominal pain (and cramping) is always related to a problem with the body's internal organs. Menstrual cramping, in particular, is always blamed on "natural" hormonal changes, or if severe enough, blamed on endometriosis or ovarian disease. The hormone changes associated with a woman's cycle, frequently activate trigger points by changing the fluid balance and mineral concentration of the body. While this affects all the muscle groups of the body, it seems to activate the trigger points in the abdomen and neck regions to a greater degree.
Pelvic pain associated with sexual intercourse typically occurs due to an overloading of the abdominal and thigh muscles. The trigger points that are activated by this muscular overload, refer pain deep in the pelvis and abdomen for hours and even days afterward.
The Muscles and Trigger Points that cause Pelvic Pain
The following two muscle groups can contain trigger points that produce pain and cramping in the pelvis and abdomen:
- The Adductor Magnus
- The Lateral Abdominals
The
Adductor Magnus
is a large muscle group found deep in the inner
thigh region. This muscle attaches to the pelvis
and runs downward to attach at several places along
the large thigh bone (the femur). This muscle
contracts to rotate and swing the thigh inwardly
(towards the other leg). Trigger points in this
muscle can refer pain to the groin or inner thigh
region. One particular trigger point may also refer
pain that is felt inside the pelvis, genitalia, or
rectum.The referred pain associated with this
trigger point is unlike most trigger point referred
pain in that it may manifest as a sharp, lightening
bolt-like type of pain. In women, this trigger
point is frequently active during times of severe
menstrual cramping, and during and/or after sexual
intercourse.
The
Lateral Abdominal
muscles form the outer abdominal wall in the
stomach region. They attach to the ribs, pelvis,
and to other abdominal muscles via a large sheet of
connective tissue. This muscle group contracts to
stabilize the trunk, and to flex and/or rotate the
trunk to either side. Trigger points in this muscle
group can refer pain to the lower abdomen, groin,
and genitalia. They may also produce diverse
symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal bloating,
belching, and diarrhea.
Important:
The following content is provided for information
purposes only. A proper diagnosis of any condition
requires a physical examination by a licensed
doctor.