What is the pubic symphysis?
The pubic symphysis is a unique joint consisting of a fibrocartilaginous disc sandwiched between the articular surfaces of the pubic bones. It resists tensile, shearing and compressive forces and is capable of a small amount of movement under physiological conditions in most adults (up to 2 mm shift and 1° rotation).
Where is your pubic symphysis?
The pubic symphysis sits between and joins of the left and right superior rami of the pubic bones. #5 is pubic symphysis. The pubic symphysis is a secondary cartilaginous joint between the left and right superior rami of the pubis of the hip bones. It is in front of and below the urinary bladder.
What does pubic symphysis feel like?
Sometimes pubic symphysis pain can feel like a slight pinch or ache. Other times it hurts so much someone will not want to walk. In certain cases, the pain will not be over the pubic symphysis, but in the creases of the groins or along the inner thighs. Occasionally, pain is only felt on one side of the body.
What is pubic symphysis in pregnancy?
The pubic symphysis is a joint that sits centered between your pubic bones, right above your vulva. When you’re pregnant, the ligaments around this joint become more elastic and flexible, so that your baby can pass through during delivery.
How do you treat pubic symphysis?
Treatment for pubic symphysis dysfunction is a combination of stabilization exercises, ice, positioning, and manual therapy. Stabilization exercises reduce stress on the joint and improve stability. Stabilization exercises include strengthening the abdominals, pelvic floor, gluteals, latissimus dorsi and hip adductors.
Does pubic symphysis go away?
A separated pubic symphysis can take 3 to 8 months to heal on its own. For most women with this condition, pain or discomfort lingers for about 2 months after childbirth.
How is pubic symphysis diagnosed?
A diagnosis is often made symptomatically e.g. after pregnancy but imaging is the only way to confirm diastasis of the symphysis pubis. Radiography, like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), x-ray, CT (computerised tomography) or ultrasound, has been used to confirm the separation of the symphysis pubis.
How do you fix pubic symphysis?
Remedies
- placing a pillow between the legs when sleeping.
- avoiding sitting for too long.
- applying an ice pack to the pelvic area.
- staying active but avoiding any activities that cause pain.
- incorporating rest breaks every day.
- wearing supportive shoes.
- keeping the knees together when getting in and out of the car.
How do you sleep with pubic symphysis?
Even just small things such as keeping your knees together when you get up and sit down or sleeping with a pillow between your knees may help as they keep the pelvic in a neutral position, placing less pressure on the joints.
