Memorial City is a significant employment hub in Downtown Houston. Thousands of people also reside in the area, some of whom suffer from chronic pelvic pain. If you are one of them, you should see a Memorial City pelvic pain specialist. Pelvic pain can have many causes, and it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the pain.
Some common treatments for pelvic pain include:
Medication
A doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce inflammation and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed for pelvic pain. These medications can help relieve pain and inflammation. Medicines you may take may include :
Anti-diarrheal medication for treating diarrhea and painful bowel movements.
Anti-seizure medications to help calm nerve pain and muscle spasms.
Muscle relaxants, such as methocarbamol, reduce muscle spasms and pain.
Opioid narcotics or opioid painkillers such as Oxycontin, Vicodin, or morphine for severe pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for pelvic pain. A therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Some of the exercises you may do include:
Pelvic floor muscle exercises to help strengthen and tone the muscles in that area.
Stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
Balance exercises to improve coordination and stability.
Water therapy, which can be helpful for those with pelvic pain caused by arthritis or other joint problems.
Heat or Cold Therapies
Heat therapy may help relax muscles and increase blood flow. Some people find heat helps relieve pelvic pain caused by muscle tension or joint problems. Heat can be applied to the skin with hot water bottles, heating pads, warm towels, or a hydrocollator pack (a special pad that remains hot for 30 minutes). It can also be applied using electric heating pads or hot water bottles.
Cold therapy may ease pain caused by muscle spasms and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID). Some find cold therapy helpful for treating abdominal, flank, or back pain. You can apply cold with ice packs or cold compresses. It can also come from a medical device that chills fluid in a tube and delivers it to the treated area.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat pelvic pain. Pelvic floor reconstruction is a common surgery for pelvic pain. This surgery can involve repairing or reconstructing muscles and tissues in the pelvic area. Other surgeries that may be recommended include:
Hysterectomy to remove the uterus.
Oophorectomy to remove one or both ovaries.
Myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids.
Laparoscopy to look at the pelvic organs and surgery to correct problems found.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS therapy can help reduce pelvic pain by stimulating nerve endings with a mild electric current. TENS units come in a range of sizes and shapes, and you can buy a team at a drugstore or online. You then use electrodes to place the device over the painful area. The current from the appliance reduces pain signals sent to your brain, providing temporary relief. TENS therapy is believed to work by blocking pain messages that your brain receives, and it may also promote the release of endorphins (natural painkillers) in your body.
Many treatment options are available if you have chronic or acute pelvic pain. The ones above are some of the most common treatments used. Which treatment option is right for you will depend on your symptoms and diagnosis. It would be best to discuss all your options with your doctor to find the best pelvic pain treatment for you.
