Many people suffer from low back pain. They seek pain relief from various healthcare providers, such as PCPs, orthopedic specialists, chiropractors, and physical therapists. Numerous factors can cause back pain. The pelvis is an area of the human body that can be the cause of back pain. This article will discuss the pelvis and how it can be related to back conditions.
The pelvis is at the base of the spine. It is not a solid bone, but is made up of three separate bones. The two bones on each side are called the iliac bones (they are the “wings” of the pelvis). The bone in the center is called the sacrum (this is the tailbone). Between both sides of the sacrum and the iliac bones are two large joints called sacroiliac joints. Sacroiliac iliac joints are sliding type joints; for example, they slide back and forth when we walk. The pubic joint is in the front of the pelvis. The pelvis and thigh bones, called femurs, make up the ball joints of our hips.
Many muscles attach to different areas of the pelvis. The abdominal muscles, the gluteal and gluteal muscles, the thigh muscles, and the hamstrings originate from or attach to the pelvic bones.
If the pelvic bones are misaligned or if there is improper movement of the joints, problems can arise. Pain can arise from the joints between the upper part of the sacrum and the lower part of the spine. Discomfort can also occur from affected sacroiliac joints. The hip joints can also be affected.
Any altered mechanical movement pattern of these joints can cause pain and dysfunction. For example, it is very common for women during and just after pregnancy to experience lower back discomfort. Athletes may find that they have back problems with exercising their sports. Anyone doing physical construction, landscaping, or service work can be hampered by pain. Even office workers may find that they cannot sit comfortably for long hours.
If a person has a pelvic imbalance and an altered movement pattern, they may put more weight on one lower limb than the other. If left unattended for many years, this could lead to degeneration of the hip and / or knee joint, which could require surgical replacement with an artificial hip or knee.
Chiropractic physicians are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing structural misalignments, imbalances, and faulty and incorrect movements of the joints associated with the pelvis. Chiropractors can perform a treatment called manipulation that can realign the pelvis, whereby the patient supports the weight evenly in both lower extremities. Chiropractic manipulation can also restore proper movement to the pelvic and hip joints. This will bring relief from pain that may be occurring in the back, pelvis, and hips.
The chiropractic profession has been helping patients with these types of musculoskeletal conditions with conservative treatment to relieve pain and resume normal activities for 125 years.
