Pelvic Pain After Lifting Heavy Objects: What to Know
Are you experiencing pain during or after lifting heavy objects? If so, know that this pain is not normal and you are alone! There are several musculoskeletal reasons why this might happen and we are going to dive into some of those causes.
First it is important to ask yourself if this pain has been felt before or if it’s a new symptom. Has anything changed in your life recently? Lifestyle, activities, sleep, stress, work-related, going through pregnancy, etc? Pain can be helpful in indicating to our bodies that something is not working correctly and we might be adapting in certain ways to compensate. It is not something to ignore!
Role of pelvic floor muscles in lifting
When we lift something heavy, there are several muscles in our trunk that aid with the changes of pressure by making sure that we can handle certain loads to avoid injury and straining. The main muscles that aid in support of the pelvis/trunk include the abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor muscles, and our deep back muscles.
The pelvic floor muscles are important because they are the bottom of this group of muscles and are often referred to as the “floor of the core”. The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs as well as provides inferior support when the abdominals and back muscles direct the intra-abdominal pressure down into the pelvis with certain movements or lifting.
Causes of pain in the pelvic region after lifting
When we lift heavy objects, our pelvic muscles are put under immense pressure and strain. Their job (when trained appropriately) should be to aid the rest of the trunk muscles to support that pressure and prevent injury. When these muscles do not have the strength, endurance, or coordination to do what is asked of them, sudden exertion can lead to muscle tears or strains in the pelvic region. These injuries can cause significant discomfort and pain. This is why it is essential to understand the importance of proper lifting techniques, muscle conditioning, and coordination.
Another potential cause of pelvic pain after lifting heavy objects is pelvic organ prolapse. This condition occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend or bulge into the vaginal canal. Lifting heavy objects can contribute to the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse and subsequent pain if they are not trained to sustain these loads repeatedly.
Who is more at risk for pelvic pain when lifting heavy objects?
Gender and hormonal changes can affect the likelihood of developing pelvic pain after lifting heavy objects.
Women are especially vulnerable due to their distinct pelvic anatomy and the hormonal fluctuations that occur during different stages of life, including pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.
Changes in the pelvic region due to aging, along with an individual's fitness level, can influence their risk of pelvic pain following heavy lifting. Older adults might face reduced muscle tone and flexibility, increasing their likelihood of injury. Similarly, those who are not physically conditioned or lack sufficient strength may also be at greater risk.
Certain jobs and lifestyle choices can raise the risk of pelvic pain from lifting heavy objects. Occupations that require frequent heavy lifting, like construction or manual labor, increase this risk. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and poor posture can also contribute to the likelihood of experiencing pelvic pain.
What can I do if I have pelvic pain after lifting a heavy object?
Getting a proper medical evaluation and diagnosis is essential for effectively managing pelvic pain after lifting heavy objects.
Specialists in pelvic health physical therapy can perform various diagnostic procedures, including physical exams and specialized questionnaires to determine the root causes of the pain. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options can be considered. Additionally, alternative and complementary therapies can offer further relief and support.
Where to get help for your pelvic floor
If you’re looking for personalized, one-on-one sessions to address your pelvic floor concerns, we provide pelvic health physical therapy services to women in the Jacksonville Beach area.
If you’re looking for providers who will listen to you and help you get to the root cause of your pelvic concerns, we’ve got you. We’re here to help you if you’re experiencing pain, heaviness, leaking, or are pregnant/postpartum and want to continue safely working out/running/lifting during your pregnancy and get back to your sport after birth.
Get started today by booking a discovery call.
