What is the symphysis pubis?
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).
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.
What causes pubic symphysis separation?
With a separation or diastasis, the pubic joint dislocates without a fracture. The causes of this separation can be due to the pressure and hormonal changes of pregnancy, trauma from childbirth, falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or horseback riding incidents.
What type of joint is symphysis pubis?
cartilaginous joint
The pubic symphysis or symphysis pubis is the midline cartilaginous joint (secondary cartilaginous) uniting the superior rami of the left and right pubic bones. It is a nonsynovial amphiarthrodial joint connected by fibrocartilage, and may contain a fluid-filled cavity.
Does pubic symphysis open during labor?
In rare cases, a pubic symphysis disruption can occur during the labor, causing severe pain and functional limitations. The early recognition of this injury is crucial to prevent complications and improve clinical and functional outcomes.
How do you treat pubic symphysis pain?
Some options include:
- Taking NSAIDs.
- Wearing comfortable shoes.
- Placing an ice pack on your pelvic area.
- Sleeping with a pillow between your legs.
- Wearing a pregnancy belt (pelvic support belt).
- Squeezing your legs together when you’re getting out of your car.
How do you know if you have pubic symphysis?
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction Symptoms These are some of the symptoms of symphysis pubis dysfunction: Shooting pain in the lower pelvis area. Lower back pain that radiates into the abdomen, groin area, thigh, and/or leg. Pain when you make certain movements like putting weight on one leg or when spreading your legs apart.
Why does the pubic symphysis widen before giving birth?
Women have a greater thickness of the fibrocartilaginous disk, which allows more mobility of the pelvic bones, providing for a greater pelvic diameter to facilitate childbirth. During pregnancy, under the influence of hormones, particularly relaxin, the gap in the symphysis pubis can increase by at least 2-3 mm (6).
What causes pubic symphysis pain in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, these ligaments loosen, so that the joint becomes flexible enough for your pelvic bones to widen during delivery. All the additional movement in your pelvis can be painful. The pain usually goes away after you’ve had your baby.
What happens to the pubic symphysis during birth?
The left and right bones of your pelvic girdle are joined at the front by a narrow section of cartilage and ligament. This is called the pubic symphysis, or symphysis pubis. As the pelvic bones loosen during pregnancy, the pubic symphysis can temporarily separate. This is not a dangerous condition.
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?
Diagnosis and Tests Your provider may do a physical exam to check for tenderness, pain, or swelling. Your doctor may test to see how easily you can make certain movements. Your provider may take a closer look at your pelvis joint via ultrasound, CT scan or X-ray.
How can I treat SPD at home?
Here are some SPD treatment methods and home remedies your provider might suggest to give you some relief:
- Wearing a pelvic support belt.
- Resting.
- Applying ice and/or heat.
- Getting a massage.
- Using supportive pillows while you rest or sleep.
- Taking pain relief medications.