The musculoskeletal contribution to the evolution of chronic lumbopelvic pain: 1. The lumbar spine and pelvis

Author(s): R. C. Jones, W. Taylor & L. Chaitow - Pages: 5–23

Abstract

Where there is no proven infection or obvious local pathology, the occurrence of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) may involve contributions from the musculoskeletal, neurological, urological, gynaecological and immune systems. In the first part of this article, the potential musculoskeletal contributions of the lumbar spine and pelvis to CPPS are described. This provides the practitioner with a systematic assessment to identify the postural alignment strategies, habitual movement patterns and interactions of the lumbopelvic cylinder that may be contributing to an individual’s presenting condition. However, persistent pain is also associated with changes in the central nervous and immune systems, and therefore, we need to be reminded that the purely structural-pathology-based model for explaining CPPS is outdated. Furthermore, since CPPS is often associated with negative cognitive, sexual and emotional consequences, these may also need to be addressed in order to provide optimum care for the patient.

Keywords: chronic pelvic pain syndrome, movement, musculoskeletal pain.