Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is described as pain that lasts in the pelvis for more than 6 months. Also, it can occur as episodes lasting more than 3 months. It affects up to 15% to 26% of females, but effects 10-15% of males. Chronic pelvic pain is rarely caused by just one issue. It is multifactorial and involves many conditions. Indeed, Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a difficult condition that adversely affects patients’ health and quality of life. Read on to find out how you can find Relief from Chronic Pelvic Pain with Acupuncture.
What are Some Symptoms and What Causes Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP)?
It presents as pelvic pain, abdominal pain, or low back and hip pain. The pain may be described as burning, stabbing pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower abdomen, hip and groin.
Other common symptoms include:
-Persistent or recurring dull ache, pressure, or sharp pain below the belly button
-Pain or discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse
-Urinary urgency, frequency, or bowel irregularities
The etiology (cause) of CPP is unknown and unclear. CPP overlaps with gynecologic, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and psychosocial/central problems. And it could be a combination of the following:
Musculoskeletal/ Neurological: Pelvic floor muscle spasms, tension, neuropathy or pelvic girdle pain.
Gynecologic: Endometriosis, uterine fibroids, dyspareunia (persistent or recurrent genital or pelvic pain that happens just before, during, or after sexual intercourse) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods or severe menstrual cramps)
Urologic: Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis) or recurrent urinary tract issues.
Gastrointestinal: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease.
Psychosocial/Central: Central nervous system hypersensitivity, chronic stress, depression, or a history of trauma/abuse.
How Can Acupuncture Help Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP)?
Firstly, treating CPP with Alternative or complementary therapies have been used increasingly worldwide. This is especially true for musculoskeletal related CPP. And acupuncture has been shown to be well-tolerated and safe.
Secondly, CPP requires a multidisciplinary approach. This requires many specialists (e.g. primary care, gynecology, urology, acupuncture). Indeed, there are many causes of CPP, including anatomical, functional, degenerative, organic and other different causes. Therefore, many specialists may be required. However, many studies reveal that acupuncture treatments can typically alleviate the pain of CPP with different etiologies.
Third, research suggests acupuncture works by improving blood circulation and stimulating the nervous system. And release of natural analgesics (e.g. endorphins) are released following acupuncture. Additionally, acupuncture helps regulate pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and immune/inflammatory factors.
Myofascial Pelvis Pain and Acupuncture Research Studies
In one study, the efficacy of acupuncture for Chronic Pelvic Pain due to abdominal myofascial pain syndrome was assessed. Furthermore, the participants in the study were unresponsive to treatment with trigger-point injection. Subsequently, acupuncture treatments were targeted at abdominal-wall trigger points once per week. And following acupuncture treatment for 10 consecutive weeks, the participants found relief.
In another Chronic Pelvic Pain paper, the author looked at myofascial pelvic pain and its treatment using a “Western acupuncture ” rather than a traditional Chinese medicine approach. Specifically, the deactivation of trigger points within the abdominal wall, pelvic basin and hip were explored. Acupuncture from the traditional Chinese approach classifies trigger points as ashi points. The author stated, many studies have shown that acupuncture can be beneficial in this process of releasing ashi points. For instance, Travell et al (1952) reported that needling tender Trigger points resulted in significant pain relief.
West Palm Beach Chiropractic: Relief from Chronic Pelvic Pain with Acupuncture
In another study, the researchers concluded, acupuncture effectively helped Chronic pelvic pain patients on their pain management. Interestingly, this included various methods of acupuncture (e.g., moxibustion, abdominal acupuncture, ear acupuncture). The study actually found acupuncture alone was more effective. They concluded, Acupuncture may be especially advantageous for patients who are intolerant to conventional drugs. Also, many patients have a Comorbidity (e.g. coexisting condition) that keeps them from utilizing standard medical interventions.
West Palm Beach Chiropractic: Relief from Chronic Pelvic Pain with Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years. Acupuncture effects what the ancient chinese practitioners called Meridians (energy channels) in your body under the skin. Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”, flows through the body in these channels called meridians.
Today, Researchers believe when an acupuncture stimulates the nerves. This sends a message to your brain and nervous system. Ultimately, Acupuncture improves blood flow and calms the nervous system. This triggers nerve signaling that affects the function of other parts of the body, including organs.
Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience. Call 561-253-8984 today! Ask to make an appointment or find out more about: West Palm Beach Chiropractic: Relief from Chronic Pelvic Pain with Acupuncture.
References:
J Pain Res. 2023 Nov 30;16:4049–4069. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S434333
Research Trends of Acupuncture Therapy on Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome from 2000 to 2022: A Bibliometric Analysis
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5733650/
Med Acupunct. 2017 Dec 1;29(6):397–404. doi: 10.1089/acu.2017.1248
Effect of Acupuncture on Chronic Pelvic Pain Secondary to Abdominal Myofascial Syndrome. Not Responsive to Local Anesthetic Block: A Pilot Study
3. https://www.journalofchinesemedicine.com/the-treatment-of-pelvic-pain-with-acupuncture-part-1.html
The Treatment of Pelvic Pain with Acupuncture: Part 1 By Jennie Longbottom