Welcome To the Pelvic Pain Resource!
You are probably on this website because you or someone you know is suffering from pelvic joint pain related to pregnancy. This was formerly known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), but is now known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). Doctors and therapists call it many other names as well according to a woman's specific diagnosis.
About 1 in 5 women suffer from PGP and this is why it is important for women to understand what it is and how to treat it. Some women complain of soreness and others have severe pain. PGP can be safely treated during and after pregnancy. It is important to find a therapist who is experienced in treating PGP with manual therapy.
There is not a lot of research on PGP in the United States. The UK and other Scandinavian countries are conducting more research as the interest and need is growing. As they find new information I will update this site.
These are some statistics I have found:
For most women PGP resolves in weeks after delivery but for some it can last for years resulting in a reduced tolerance for weight bearing activities. PGP can take from 11 weeks, 6 months or even up to 2 years postpartum to subside. However, some research supports that the average means to complete recovery is 6.25 years, and the more severe the case is, the longer recovery period.
Overall, about 45% of all pregnant women and 25% of all women postpartum suffer from PGP. During pregnancy, serious pain occurs in about 25%, and severe disability in about 8% of patients. After pregnancy, problems are serious in about 7%. There is no correlation between age, culture, nationality and numbers of pregnancies that determine a higher incidence of PGP.
If a woman experiences PGP during one pregnancy she is more likely to experience it in subsequent pregnancies; but the severity cannot be determined.
From other research I have conducted, I have found that women with Scandinavian decent have higher incidences with PGP, hence the research they do. Also, different studies have shown that it gets worse with each pregnancy, but this knowledge and the right treatment it is manageable in most women.
This condition is only recently being taken seriously and has fairly little research, therefore, there is some conflicting information.
I aim to help educate and spread awareness of PGP in the United States, information that I would like to have found when I needed it most, so that you and your loved ones can make informed choices.
Know that you are not alone and there is help!
I am not a medical professional and can not offer medical advise. The Pelvic Pain Resource takes no responsibility for any action that you do or do not take as a result of reading this information.
You are welcome to email me with comments, questions or any information at:
