Hey everyone,
If you’re experiencing SI joint dysfunction, the pubic symphysis is another important joint to be aware of.
The pubic symphysis is actually the third major joint that makes up what is often referred to as the pelvic ring, or pelvic circle.
Everything is connected.
Like the SI joints, the pubic symphysis isn’t intended to move very much. In fact, it’s one of those joints that people aren’t normally aware of unless they’ve had an injury.
However, the bones of the pelvis are all connected. The two SI joints and pubic symphysis are meant to work as a system.
So if you have a problem in one area– for example, if your SI joints aren’t functioning properly– this can put too much wear and tear on the pubic symphysis as it tries to compensate.
Like the SI joints, the pubic symphysis is vulnerable to abnormal forces that can weaken the ligaments that are intended to hold it in place. When the surfaces of each of the two pubis bones in the front are not lined up in the way they’re intended to be, this can cause pain and inflammation.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is also a common cause of pubic symphysis dysfunction.
This is due to the nature of the hormonal changes during pregnancy, and how the pelvis expands in preparation for childbirth.
Many women find they begin experiencing pubic symphysis pain and misalignment during or following pregnancy (similar to SI joint dysfunction).
However, there is definitely reason to hope, as things can get a lot better with treatment!
How I stabilized my pubic symphysis
Personally, I’d been experiencing SI joint dysfunction for a little over a year before my chiropractor first mentioned that my pubic symphysis was slightly out of alignment. He was the first person to explain to me how SI joint and pubic symphysis dysfunction can be related.
I’m going to be honest, the thing about having someone else adjust your pubic symphysis is that it is, well, awkward. If you don’t know what I mean, look again at the diagram and consider where adjusting that point would require someone to put his or her hands. But Dr. K. and I got through it and both pretended it wasn’t awkward, and everything was fine.
Physical therapy and healing
As many of you know, later on I switched to physical therapy. Now I’ve come to believe it’s a much better treatment approach, once you find someone with the right knowledge and experience. (Read my reasons why here).
My therapist was not only able to assess the pubic symphysis, she also taught me how to realign it using the Muscle Energy Technique, as well.
Eventually, as my SI joints and pelvis stabilized, my pubic symphysis also stopped going out of alignment. I stopped having to think about it, or readjust it— once my SI joints had stabilized, everything else calmed down.
Treatment
Treatment for pubic symphysis dysfunction, conceptually, is fairly similar to treatment for the SI joint. Basically, you need to stabilize the area by increasing strength in the muscles that support the pelvis.
In the short term, it’s important to correct the alignment of the joint (in my perspective, the best way is, of course, by using the Muscle Energy Technique!).
But ultimately, it’s building muscle strength as well as changing your movement patterns and habits that are going to make sure it stays in place.
And if SI joint dysfunction is the driving force behind your pubic symphysis dysfunction, the most important long-term factor will be to stabilize the SI joints as well.
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Important Note:
I tend to refer to this joint as the pubic symphysis, as that’s the first name I learned of it by. However, many people use the term “symphysis pubis” as well– it means the exact same thing. Keep that in mind if you’re researching things– both terms will lead you to useful resources!
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Takeaway:
If you’re dealing with SI joint and/or pubic symphysis dysfunction, things can definitely get better! It’s just a matter of putting together the right treatment plan, and giving your body what it needs in order to become stable.
For more info:
To learn more about the pubic symphysis, check out these links:
Healthline.com: Pubic symphysis
Physio-Pedia: Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction
What to Expect.com: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction
Stay tuned for more!
Photo Credit:
Illustration at top of page (modified) from OpenStax College via Wikipedia
My Sacroiliac Joint Saga 