Pelvic Pain when Sneezing

Sneezing is a regular activity that shouldn't cause pain. However, the pressure it generates can cause pain, especially in your pelvic region. If you experience pelvic pain when sneezing, do not dismiss it. Getting medical help if this situation happens frequently is advisable.

Please read further to learn why sneezing can cause pelvic pain and how physical therapy in San Ramon, CA, can help. 

Why Does Sneezing Cause Pelvic Pain?

When you sneeze, your abdominal muscles suddenly and forcefully contract. This creates significant pressure in your abdomen, which then transmits to your pelvic region. If you have pelvic floor dysfunction or muscle strain, you are more likely to feel pelvic pain when you sneeze.

Common Causes of Pelvic Pain When Sneezing

Understanding why you’re experiencing pelvic pain when sneezing can help you seek treatment. Here are some common causes of pelvic pain when sneezing;

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Your pelvic floor muscles support your pelvic organs. These muscles might not function properly if they are too weak or tight. Weak or tight pelvic muscles can cause significant pain when you sneeze or perform other sudden movements. 

Pelvic floor dysfunction can result from childbirth, surgery, or from not exercising these muscles regularly.

Muscle Strain

Overexerting yourself or increasing your activity level can strain your abdominal or pelvic muscles. Muscle strain can be painful, especially during activities that increase pressure in your abdomen, such as sneezing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the female reproductive organs. This disease usually results from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia. PID causes inflammation in your pelvic area, leading to pain when you sneeze. You may also experience other symptoms, such as fever, unusual discharge, and pain during intercourse.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is where tissue similar to your uterus's inner lining (endometrium) grows outside of it. This can lead to scar tissue formation and pain, especially when your abdominal muscles contract. If you have endometriosis, sneezing might trigger pelvic pain due to the pressure it exerts on this tissue.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy affects the joints and muscles in the pelvic region and can cause pain, which can worsen whenever you sneeze. 

When Should You Seek Help for Pelvic Pain When Sneezing?

Sometimes, pelvic pain when sneezing may go away on its own. However, in some instances, the pain may persist, worsen, or be accompanied by other symptoms like urinary incontinence, severe abdominal pain, or pain during intercourse. You should visit your physical therapist if you notice any of these symptoms. 

During pelvic floor rehab in San Ramon, your therapist will monitor your symptoms and ask about your medical history to make a proper diagnosis. They'll then create a tailored treatment plan to address your needs. 

How Physical Therapy Can Help with Pelvic Pain When Sneezing?

Physical therapy is a drug-free treatment that can address the underlying cause of your pelvic pain whenever you sneeze. Some of the ways this treatment can help include;

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strong pelvic floor muscles can help prevent or reduce pain when sneezing.  Your physical therapist can create an exercise plan that includes exercises like Kegels. These exercises target your muscles, helping them to support your pelvic organs better and manage pressure. Over time, you'll experience less pain and improved stability.

Core Stabilization Exercises

Improving your core strength can help manage pelvic pain. A stronger core helps distribute pressure more evenly across your abdomen and pelvis, reducing the strain sneezing places on your pelvic area.

Your physical therapist will create an exercise program, including core stabilizing exercises.  They'll also work with you and show you how to carry out these exercises in the proper form to prevent injury. 

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on technique for relieving tension in your pelvic floor and the surrounding muscles. Your physical therapist will use soft tissue mobilization and massage therapy to ease pain and improve muscle function, making sneezing and other activities more comfortable.

Breathing Techniques

Proper breathing techniques can reduce pressure on your abdomen when you sneeze. Learning to control your breathing can help you manage the pressure more effectively, reducing the impact on your pelvic region.

Modalities

Biofeedback and electrical stimulation are physical therapy modalities for addressing pelvic pain. Your physical therapist will use biofeedback to notice how your pelvic floor contracts and expands during treatment to ensure you are targeting the right muscles. 

On the other hand, electrical stimulation requires administering a mild electric current to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles and relieve pain.

Conclusion

If you experience pelvic pain when sneezing, it may be mild or due to an underlying medical condition. Regardless, you don't have to live with this pain. If your symptoms persist, you can visit Ironhorse Physical Therapy & Pilates for a diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. Your therapist will also work with you to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain when sneezing, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with a physical therapist today. Getting prompt treatment can provide pain relief and improve your quality of life.