Pelvic girdle pain

Pelvic girdle pain (abbreviated PGP) can be described as a pregnancy discomfort for some women and a severe disability for others. PGP can cause pain, instability and limitation of mobility and functioning in any of the three pelvic joints. PGP has a long history of recognition, mentioned by Hippocrates and later described in medical literature by Snelling. The affection appears to consist of relaxation of the pelvic articulations, becoming apparent suddenly after parturition or gradually during pregnancy and permitting a degree of mobility of the pelvic bones which effectively hinders locomotion and gives rise to the most peculiar and alarming sensations. Prior to the 20th century, specialists of pregnancy-related PGP used varying terminologies. It is now referred to as Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain that may incorporate the following conditions: Diastasis of the symphysis pubis (DSP) Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) Pelvic Joint Syndrome Physiological Pelvic Girdle Relaxation Symptom Giving Pelvic Girdle Relaxation Posterior Pelvic Pain Pelvic Arthropathy Inferior Pubic Shear/ Superior Pubic Shear /Symphyseal Shear Symphysiolysis Osteitis pubis (usually postpartum) Sacroiliitis One-sided Sacroiliac Syndrome /Double Sided Sacroiliac Syndrome Hypermobility "The classification between hormonal and mechanical pelvic girdle instability is no longer used. For treatment and/or prognosis it makes no difference whether the complaints started during pregnancy or after childbirth." Mens (2005) A combination of postural changes, the position and weight of the baby, unstable pelvic joints under the influence of pregnancy hormones, and changes in the centre of gravity can all add to the varying degrees of pain or discomfort. In some cases it can come on suddenly or following a fall, sudden abduction of the thighs (opening too wide too quickly) or an action that has strained the joint. PGP can begin as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. Pain is usually felt low down over the symphyseal joint, and this area may be extremely tender to the touch.