When i sit down my pelvis hurts?

If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of sitting down and feeling a sharp pain in your pelvis, you know just how frustrating it can be. But fear not! We’re here to help shed some light on this pesky problem.

Here are a few possible reasons why your pelvis might be hurting when you sit down (and plenty of jokes along the way, because laughter is always the best medicine).

Could It Be Your SI Joint?

Your sacroiliac (SI) joint connects your sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to each ilium (the uppermost part of each hipbone). This joint doesn’t move much, but it still plays an important role in stabilizing your lower back and allowing for proper rotation during movements like walking and running.

If something goes awry with your SI joint—like if one side becomes too loose or too tight—it can cause a lot of pain. The tricky thing about SI joint dysfunction is that it’s often difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms mimic so many other conditions (Why must everything always mimic something else?).

Regardless: handling with care now…as we delve deeper into what could also be causing that irritating pain.

Are You Sitting Properly?

Think about how you typically sit throughout the day. Are you putting any unnecessary pressure on certain parts of your body? Here are a few common posture problems that can lead to pelvic pain when sitting:

Slouching

When you slouch in a chair (we all do it), gravity pulls down on both ends of your spinal cord – making those already-tight hip flexor muscles work overtime–causing strained muscles—and ultimately leading right back into our original issue….pain!!

Crossing Your Legs

Yes ladies- we love crossing our legs-great feel; however doing this consistently like birds on a tight-wire, can cause two things:

1.) Imbalanced hip flexors (causing that oh so bad, pelvis pain);
2.) putting pressure on your leg and foot nerves (no wonder we’re nuts by the end of the day).

Sitting Too Long

Sitting for prolonged periods leads to stiffness. Physical therapist: Katelyn Maloney says different muscles can get inflammed which then in turn pull harder causing inflammation—over-, time this becomes chronic.

Interesting Fact: The moment you stand up – you put 100% more pressure onto your pelvis than you do sitting(kind of like overcompensation?)…. No worries- just stretch it out!

Could It Be Your Pudendal Nerve?

The pudendal nerve is a major player when it comes to sensation in the perineum (fancy name for ‘taint’). It runs from the lower spinal cord and ends at various points throughout the pelvic floor. Along its path, it passes through some pretty tight spaces that make compression (or irritation) relatively common.

If this happens, well, say hello to excessive urination as well as unpleasent bowel movements…needless to say not sure if anyone wants THAT kind of attention.

What About Endometriosis or Adenomyosis?

For those with ovaries-(most women)-Endo seems all too familiar right? Try throwing adenomyosis into mix– who needs another dirty word anyway! Both conditions cause uterine tissue growth outside of where it should be—which then creates swelling and inflammation leading right back into our beloved pelvis pain.

Trying yoga or cardio could soothe any unwanted painful symptoms down there but speaking with your OBGYN would probabaly alleviate alot more stress ladies and felllow gents alike- we all know guys need help in asking these embarressing questions too.

Conclusion

Whew! That was a lot of information to weigh in on- but keep trying different levels of care that will soothe your pelvic pain and aid you in regaining comfort.

Just remember to sit up straight, take breaks if you’re going to be sitting for long periods of time, don’t cross your legs too often, and contact your physician(s) regarding concerning symptoms or signs as needed.

So what are the best steps again?

1.) Schedule an appointment with a trusted OBGYN;
2.) Take breaks from sitting;
3.) Treat discomfort with stretching/exercise/and other theraputic alternatives based off doctor recommendation;
4.) And try standing up at least once per day ( we won’t judge those who start jumping jacks)