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Myofascial Pelvic Pain: An Overlooked and Treatable Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain
Author(s) -
Ross Vanessa,
Detterman Carly,
Hallisey Anastasia
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of midwifery and women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1542-2011
pISSN - 1526-9523
DOI - 10.1111/jmwh.13224
Subject(s) - medicine , vaginismus , pelvic pain , pelvic floor , endometriosis , physical therapy , myofascial pain , vulvodynia , myofascial pain syndrome , sexual dysfunction , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , gynecology , alternative medicine , pathology
Myofascial pelvic pain is a common, nonarticular musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points in the lower abdominal wall and/or pelvic floor muscles. Myofascial pelvic pain is involved in an estimated 22% to 94% of cases of chronic pelvic pain, which is one of the most common gynecologic conditions in the United States. Myofascial pelvic pain may exist independently or in conjunction with disorders such as vaginismus, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis and is frequently a causative factor in sexual pain or dyspareunia. This article reviews the pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment options for myofascial pelvic pain, with a particular focus on trigger point injections. Increased recognition and treatment of this commonly overlooked diagnosis has the potential to improve care and outcomes for many patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain.