What causes muscle spasms in the pelvic area?
Most of us are well aware that muscle spasms anywhere in the body are at best annoying and at worst painful. For example, neck or shoulder spasms not only hurt a lot. they can also create tension headaches, but these can be relieved by massage. Muscle spasms in the pelvic area are another matter entirely, as it is not always easy to access the area and manipulate the muscles. Spasms in this area can lead to genital pain and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
The pelvic floor is a complex area made up of layers of muscle and other tissues. The muscle layers extend lengthwise from the pubic bone to the coccyx. In women, the pelvic floor muscles support the uterus, bowel and bladder. If you’re wondering if pelvic floor muscle spasms are the reason for your discomfort, read on for more information and treatment options…
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What are pelvic muscle spasms like?
When your pelvic floor muscles tear, it can feel like tight muscle bands. If you’ve ever had a massage, you’ll remember what trigger points are like – small, hard nodules under the skin that are painful to the touch. When pressed firmly, it hurts, but they can then release, providing relief soon after.
Symptoms of pelvic floor muscle spasms are generally as follows:
- Pain or pressure in the vagina or rectum
- Frequent urges to urinate (or pain when urinating)
- Apparent muscle spasms (similar sensation to other areas of the body)
- Bowel dysfunction
- Feeling “heavy” in the pelvic area
If you have pelvic muscle spasms, you may find that you also have interstitial cystitis or dyspareunia (painful sex). In men, there is a possibility of pain after ejaculation, or erectile dysfunction.
What causes pelvic muscle spasms?
Generally the cause will be a weakened pelvic floor. This can happen because of:
- Childbirth (risk increases with number of births)
- Lifting heavy objects
- Straining from constipation
- Portliness
- Weakness due to injury
- Connective tissue disorder
Levator syndrome is another possible cause. It is the name for abnormal spasms of the pelvic floor muscles in the rectum (the levator ani muscle). Sometimes the cause of this is unknown, but cramping often occurs after a bowel movement and can be worse when sitting or lying down.
This type of pelvic floor muscle spasm usually results in a feeling of pressure or dull, aching pain high up in the rectum. The pain can come and go quickly or continue for hours at a time.
What can you do to relax your pelvic floor muscles?
Some of the main treatments for pelvic muscle spasm relief are pelvic floor physical therapy, which includes myofascial release, improving posture, and stretching the pelvic floor muscles. In this case, the goal is to relax the muscles rather than strengthen them.
When experiencing spasms, it’s also a good idea to do some breathing exercises, like this:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent
- As you inhale, imagine the belly filling with air
- Relax the pelvic floor by moving the breath down and lowering the pelvic floor
- Repeat the process without pausing between breaths
In the case of elevator syndrome, treatment consists of retraining the pelvic muscles and the nervous system. The goal is to calm the pelvic floor area and minimize nervous system stimulation at the same time. This can be done through pelvic floor physical therapy and, if so, will include biofeedback and daily relaxation techniques.
You may also want to consider using pelvic rods at home if you can access the muscles that are breaking, as these can put pressure on the muscles for myofascial release. Pelvic floor muscle spasms don’t have to be the bane of your life. With a little know-how and patience, they can be overcome. Don’t forget to check out our other blogs for lots of pelvic health tips!
Is intercourse painful too? Learn more about VuVa vaginal dilator treatment and dyspareunia here.
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Useful VuVa Links:
How do neodymium vaginal dilators work?
7 reasons for a tight vagina and how to relax
How to use vaginal dilators
How to relax vaginal muscles, vagina and sex
Vaginal Stretching – Keeping in shape with dilators
Do dilators really work? Yes, and they can improve your sex life!
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