Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD / PSD) or Pelvic Girdle Pain.

(SPD) is most commonly associated with pregnancy and childbirth. It is a condition that causes excessive movement of the symphysis pubis, either anterior or lateral,as well as associated pain, possibly because of a misalignment of the pelvis.
SPD is a dysfunction that is associated with pelvic girdle pain and the names are often used interchangeably. It is thought to affect up to one in four pregnant women to varying degrees, with 7% of sufferers continuing to experience serious symptoms postpartum. Although the condition was recognised by Hippocrates, incidences of SPD appear to have increased in recent years; it in unclear whether this is because the average maternal age is increasing, or because the condition is being diagnosed more frequently.

Symptoms - some or all of the following:

• Pain locally over the pubic symphysis,
• Pain in the sacroiliac joints,
• Lower back, hip, groin pain,
• Pain radiating down the inside of the legs.
• The severity of the pain varies from mild to severe.

TREATMENT AND DIAGNOSIS – Treatment throughout pregnancy is completely safe after the 1st trimester. Quentin will assess your spine and pelvis to gain a diagnosis.

What is the cause of S.P.D?

Is it a reoccurring problem?
Has it remained after the birth?
Has there been any surgical stabilisation?

1. It may be due to your posture and instability within the pelvis due to the ligaments relaxing. This will often ease off after the birth when the hormones return to normal – In this case Quentin can help while you are pregnant by aligning your spine and pelvis to reduce this strain and also give you advice on correcting your posture.
2. Shear of the pubic symphysis.

1. In many cases there is an underlying problem / twist within the pelvis and spine due to an old injury which hasn’t been treated. The pressure of the pregnancy accompanied with the ligament instability can cause pain at the front and or back of the pelvis and the groin.
2. Treatment is based on aligning the spine and pelvis to reduce the strain and in most cases can be managed very effectively.
3. There may be some work that needs to be done on your spine and pelvis after you have had the baby if the problem is chronic, this will also prevent it form returning in future pregnancies.

Diastasis symphysis pubis (Separation of the joint), with or without surgical stabilisation.
This can also be successfully treated with osteopathic care and additional supportive strategies to enable the pregnancy period to be managed comfortably and a natural birth to be successful.