Understanding Girdle Pelvic Pain: Diagnosis

Girdle pelvic pain, often referred to as pelvic girdle pain (PGP), is a type of discomfort or pain that occurs in your pelvic region. It typically involves the joints and ligaments that make up the pelvic girdle, including your sacroiliac joints, symphysis pubis, and the surrounding muscles and tissues.

If you are looking for the best gynecologist in the Brooklyn area, for your pelvic pain, then you should visit Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center. You can talk to our Gyn specialist and discuss your condition with us.

Diagnosing pelvic girdle pain (PGP) involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and sometimes imaging studies. Here’s a detailed approach typically used by healthcare providers:

  • Medical history – Your medical provider will take a detailed history, asking about the onset, duration, and characteristics of your pain. They may inquire about any related factors, such as pregnancy, previous injuries, medical conditions, and activities that may worsen or improve your pain.
  • Physical examination – Your medical provider will conduct a thorough physical examination, including:
    • Palpation – By gently pressing on specific areas of your pelvis to identify tenderness and pinpoint the location of your pain.
    • Range of motion tests -By assessing the mobility of your hips and lower back to identify any limitations or pain during movement.
    • Functional tests – By observing your ability to perform certain activities, such as walking, standing on one leg, climbing stairs, or rolling over. Specific tests may include the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) or the Pelvic Girdle Pain Provocation tests.
  • Symphysis pubis stress test – By applying gentle pressure to your symphysis pubis to check for tenderness or pain, which may indicate symphysis pubis dysfunction.
  • Sacroiliac joint tests – By performing maneuvers to stress your sacroiliac joints and check for pain or discomfort, such as the FABER test (Flexion, Abduction, and External Rotation) or the Gaenslen’s test.
  • Observation of gait and posture – By analyzing your gait (walking pattern) and posture to identify any abnormalities or compensatory movements that may contribute to PGP.
  • Imaging studies – In some cases, imaging may be necessary to rule out other conditions or to further investigate the cause of PGP. These may include:
    • X-rays – To check for any structural abnormalities or changes in your pelvic bones and joints.
    • MRI – To provide detailed images of your soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and joints, which can help identify inflammation or other issues.
    • Ultrasound – Sometimes used to assess the symphysis pubis and surrounding soft tissues.
  • Referral to specialists – If the cause of your pain is unclear or if specialized treatment is needed, your medical provider may refer you to a specialist, such as a physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, or rheumatologist.

 

Diagnosis of PGP is often clinical, based on your history and physical examination findings. Imaging studies are usually reserved for cases where there is uncertainty about the diagnosis or when a more serious underlying condition is suspected.

Remember, your medical provider can help you get the care you need. If you are looking for a gynecologist that you can trust, you can book your appointment at Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center. At Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, we provide women with quality health care services. Our specialists aim to deliver the highest quality of healthcare. We work with our patients in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans for their condition. To book an appointment, you can visit us 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 or call us at 1-347-955-3465. You can also visit our website at http://www.gynecologistbrooklyn.com/.