Can Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Cause Back Pain? Understanding the Connection
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, and while many people attribute it to muscle strain, posture, or spinal issues, there’s another contributor that often gets overlooked: the pelvic floor. Yes, pelvic floor dysfunction can absolutely lead to back pain, and understanding why can help you get relief sooner.
How the Pelvic Floor and Back Are Connected
The pelvic floor isn’t an isolated group of muscles. The pelvic floor muscles are part of your body’s deep core system, along with the:
Abdominal muscles
Diaphragm
Deep spinal stabilizers
These muscles work together to support the pelvis and spine. When the pelvic floor is too tight, weak, or not coordinating properly, the rest of the core has to compensate, which can lead to tension and pain in the lower back.
Ways Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Can Cause Back Pain
1. Weak Muscles Leading to Poor Core Support
If the pelvic floor isn’t providing enough support, the muscles in the back must work harder to stabilize the body. This extra stress can lead to:
Muscle fatigue
Deep aching in the low back
Increased stiffness with activity
2. Tight Muscles Pulling on the Pelvis and Spine
A hypertonic (overly tight) pelvic floor can create imbalance in the hips and lower back. This tension often contributes to:
Localized back pain
Radiating discomfort into the hips or tailbone
Pain with sitting or standing for long periods
3. Changes in Breathing Patterns
Pelvic floor issues can affect how the diaphragm functions. When the diaphragm and pelvic floor aren’t coordinating, the deep core becomes less efficient and again shifting more workload to the back.
Common Signs Pelvic Floor Dysfunction May Be Behind Your Back Pain
You might have a pelvic floor component to your back pain if you also experience:
Pain with intercourse
Constipation or straining with bowel movements
Urinary urgency or leakage
Tailbone pain
Pelvic pressure or heaviness
Not everyone with pelvic floor dysfunction will have these symptoms but if back pain coexists with pelvic concerns, it’s worth exploring.
How Physical Therapy Helps
A pelvic floor physical therapist can evaluate the muscles in and around the pelvis to determine whether they are weak, tight, or not coordinating properly. Treatment may include:
Hands-on pelvic floor release
Deep core and hip strengthening
Postural and breathing training
Relaxation techniques for pelvic floor tension
This holistic approach often leads to long-lasting relief because the cause and not just the symptoms are addressed.
When to Seek Help
If your back pain keeps returning despite stretching, massage, or traditional low-back exercises, pelvic floor dysfunction might be a missing piece. Working with a specialist can provide clarity and a personalized plan for recovery.
Final Thoughts
Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause back pain, and it’s more common than many people realize. Since the pelvis and spine are so closely connected, addressing pelvic floor health can make a significant difference in reducing back pain and restoring strength and stability.
If you’re in the St. Charles, MO area and want support from a pelvic floor specialist, I’d love to help you get back to feeling confident, strong, and pain-free.
