Causes and treatment of pain in the pubic bone. Pubic bone: structure, functions, causes of pain and injuries, their treatment

The pubic bone is part of a group of paired bones that form the pelvic bone. Both women and men have it, but the structure of the pubic bone differs depending on gender. It consists of a body and two branches located at an angle to each other. Connecting, the pubic bone pair forms the pubic symphysis, which is the anterior wall of the pelvis.

Between the upper and lower branches there is an obturator foramen, closed by a membrane. The apex of the upper corner of the body has an oval surface where the pubic tubercle and crest are located. A groove stretches across the underside of the upper branch, where the obturator vessels and nerves lie. In men, the pubic bone joins to form the subpubic angle. In women, it forms an elevation hanging over the vaginal opening. Even the fact that the bone protrudes slightly does not interfere with the process of intercourse.

Causes of pain

Pain in the pubic bone can be caused by various reasons. Why does the pubic bone hurt?

Other symptoms

Pregnant women with signs of symphysitis experience the following symptoms:

pain on palpation;
radiating pain in the pelvis and tailbone;
increased pain during movement (especially lifting);
"duck" gait.

In case of symphysitis, the woman in labor is prescribed a caesarean section.

It is worth saying that this does not in any way affect the course of pregnancy and the development of the fetus. This disorder in the body is dangerous only during childbirth. In most cases, the woman in labor is prescribed a caesarean section.

The bruise is accompanied by the following symptoms:

swelling in the area of the pubic bones;
pain that makes movement difficult;
pain on palpation;
hematoma.

The following signs are typical for a fracture of the pubic bone:

severe pain in the groin area, aggravated by palpation;
symptom of “stuck heel”;
bruise of the urinary system (difficulty urinating, presence of blood in the discharge);
swelling, hematoma;
damage to other nearby internal organs (with a comminuted fracture of the pelvic bones).

How to get rid of pain

There is no point in waiting for everything to somehow resolve itself. It is imperative to undergo an examination and identify the causes of the resulting disorders. In almost each of these cases, you will need to undergo appropriate treatment. Some of the therapeutic measures are applicable in all cases.

For example, treatment through manual therapy has a gentle effect on the muscles of the hips, pelvis, and back. Great importance is attached to physical therapy and water aerobics. Acupuncture is effective in relieving pain, but the procedure should only be performed by a specialist in this field.

Other types of treatment:

prenatal bandage (recommendation for pregnant women);
percutaneous drainage;
taking medications that replenish calcium deficiency;
local injections of glucocorticoids and other special-purpose drugs;
gynecological, urological treatment;
dry heat;
use of external therapeutic and prophylactic agents for local use;
treatment of a fracture or bruise: pain relief and anti-shock therapy; stopping bleeding; reposition of fragments; solving related issues if internal organs are injured; immobilization; drug treatment during rehabilitation and recovery.

Most of the difficulties in treating any disease among doctors arise because the patient did not want to seek qualified help in time. Therefore, even minor changes in the state of the body are a signal for examination. Note that pregnant women have a higher level of consciousness in this regard, because now they are responsible for at least one more life.

The human skeletal system is very complex in its structure. Our skeleton consists of a huge number of bones of different sizes, which are intricately connected to each other, forming a surprisingly functional mechanism. The structure of the skeletal system somewhat depends on age, since young children have many more bones in their bodies than adults, and then some of them grow together. In addition, there are differences between the male and female skeletons. So one of the bones that looks different in representatives of the opposite sex is the pubic bone.

Structure of the pubic bone

This is one of those bones that is part of the pelvic bone. It is a pair and has a pair of branches: upper and lower, as well as a body. The branches are located at an angle to each other. The vertical formation that connects the pair of upper branches is called the pubic symphysis, also called the pubic symphysis. The body of the pubic bone is the anterior part of the acetabulum; at the place of its union with the branches there is the so-called obturator foramen, covered by the obturator membrane.

It was already mentioned above that the structure of the pubic bone has several differences, depending on gender. The pubic bone in women (provided the correct physique) has the shape of a roll, and its thickness is approximately comparable to the thickness of the thumb on the hand. The pubic bone forms an elevation, like an arc, that hangs over the entrance to the vaginal cavity. But she cannot prevent sexual intercourse.

In men, at the junction of the pubic bones, a subpubic angle is observed.

Why does my pubic bone hurt?

In some cases, representatives of both sexes may come to the doctor with complaints of pain localized in the pubic area. Such pathological phenomena can be explained by various pathological conditions, namely:

Injuries to the pubic bones - one or both;
- stretching of the symphysis pubis, which accompanies pregnancy;
- rupture of the pubic symphysis during labor;
- abnormal development of the pubic bones;
- bladder cancer, the sensation of pain in the pubic bone is reflected;
- infectious lesions of the pubic bones, which may include tuberculosis symphysitis or osteomyelitis of the pubis.

Pain during pregnancy

A fairly common complaint among women expecting the birth of a baby is pain in the pubic bone area. This phenomenon is typical for most expectant mothers in the second half of pregnancy.

Pain of this order is explained by the natural preparation of our body for the imminent birth of a baby. At this time, changes affect all systems and organs that take part in labor. Such processes also affect the pubic bones. A hormone produced called relaxin leads to a softening of the ligaments and cartilage located at the junction of the pubic ossicles.

Thanks to this, the subsequent passage of the baby through the birth canal will be somewhat easier. In certain situations, however, the softening processes are accompanied by some complications, which actually cause pain in the area of the pubic bones. If the unpleasant sensations are not intense and do not greatly disturb expectant mothers, then they are considered as a variant of the norm. But if a woman has severe pain in the pubic bone during pregnancy, there is increased swelling and stretching in the area of the symphysis pubis, and a characteristic “duck walk” is observed, then most likely she has symphysitis.

The reasons for this pathological phenomenon lie in the hereditary parameters and individual characteristics of the female body. In addition, in some cases the disease develops against the background of calcium deficiency.

Excessive pain in the pubic area, which manifests itself during pregnancy, is a serious reason to seek the help of a traumatologist or surgeon.

If the diagnosis of “symphysitis” is confirmed, the patient will be prescribed bed rest or wearing a special design - a bandage with a simultaneous reduction in physical activity. It is also necessary to take special medications that contain calcium.

Does the pubic bone hurt in men or not?

Although men cannot bear a child and there seems to be no reason for pain, they are still susceptible to it. So sometimes, in men, pain in the pubic area, shifted to the right or left side, indicates the presence of an inguinal hernia. And a pain in the central part of the pubic bone in men can signal a chronic form of prostatitis.

Sometimes such symptoms may indicate osteomyelitis, which causes an inflammatory process of the symphysis pubis. This lesion is similar in its manifestations to symphysitis during pregnancy: the patient develops pain in the pubic area, the intensity of which increases significantly if pressure is applied to the pubic bone. In addition, there is a waddling gait and pain on the inside of the thigh. It is worth considering that osteomyelitis sometimes affects the pubic bone when the body is infected with the causative agent of tuberculosis.

Conclusion

We talked about how the pubic bone differs between opposite sexes, pain in women and men, bone structure. If you experience pain in the pubic area, you should not engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication - it is better to consult a doctor. The specialist will make a diagnosis and select the most optimal correction methods.

The pubic bone is one of three bones that form the pelvic bone. It consists of two branches: lower and upper, placed at a certain angle to each other and the body. The vertical formation that unites the two upper branches of the paired bone is called the pubic symphysis or pubic symphysis. The body of the pubis, together with its branches, creates the anterior part of the acetabulum and the obturator foramen, which is covered by the obturator membrane.

The structure of the pubic bone has some differences between the sexes. Thus, the pubic bone in women has the configuration of a roller. Its thickness approximately corresponds to the thickness of the thumb. In women, the pubic bone forms a prominence, a kind of arch, overhanging the vaginal opening. However, it is not an obstacle to sexual intercourse. In men, the pubic bones unite, thus forming the subpubic angle.

Functions of the pubic bones

The pelvic bones, including the pubic bones, due to the presence of red bone marrow in them, participate in the process of hematopoiesis. They also play an important role in maintaining the body's natural balance and movement, helping to evenly distribute the load on the limbs during various movements and while standing. The pubic bones protect the pelvic organs from damage as a result of external influences (bladder, lower parts of the small and large intestines, internal organs of the reproductive system).

Why does the pubic bone hurt?

The appearance of pain in the frontal bone in men and women in most cases is caused by various pathological processes in this area. Most often, the reasons for this phenomenon are:

abnormal development of the pubic bones;
the presence of injury to one or both parts of the pubic bone;
rupture during childbirth of the pubic symphysis - symphysiolysis;
infectious diseases of the pubic bones in men and women (these include osteomyelitis of the pubis, etc.);
stretching of the symphysis pubis that accompanies pregnancy.

Very often the pubic bone hurts due to bladder cancer (in this case, pain in the pubic area becomes “referred” in nature).

Often, women during pregnancy complain of pain in the pubic bone area. Often complaints of this nature are noted in the second half of pregnancy and are common to all women who are expecting a child. The bottom line is that as the birth approaches, the expectant mother’s body increasingly prepares for the birth of the baby. All organs and systems involved in childbirth undergo serious changes. The pubic bones are no exception. Under the influence of the hormone relaxin, cartilage and ligaments soften in the area of the junction of the pubic bones, which subsequently facilitates the passage of the baby through the birth canal.

However, there are cases when the process of softening these bones occurs with complications, which explain why the pubic bone hurts during pregnancy. If its intensity is low, then such pain is usually considered normal. Severe and quite severe pain in the pubic bone, accompanied by the appearance of stretching and swelling in the area of the pubic symphysis, is an obvious symptom of symphysitis. In addition, most often a woman suffering from this disease has a “duck” gait.

In some cases, symphysitis appears due to a lack of calcium in the body. In any case, excessive pain in the pubic bones during pregnancy is a reason to consult a surgeon or traumatologist.

Treatment of pain in the pubic bone area

Measures for the treatment of pain in the pubic bone include several of the following points:

manual therapy (gentle);
wearing a prenatal bandage (applies to pregnant women who experience pain in the pubic bone);
special gymnastic exercises focused on the muscles of the pelvic floor and abdomen;
active physical exercises in water;
percutaneous drainage (prescribed for purulent symphysitis);
taking calcium-containing medications.

The pubic bone may become injured or inflamed. In this case, it is necessary to consult a traumatologist or gynecologist. This pathology requires careful diagnosis. When the pubic bone hurts, the intensity does not matter, it is important to seek help.

The pubic bone is part of the bones that form the pelvic bone. The pubis consists of two branches and a body, forming a closing opening with a membrane.

Women with a normal build have a roll-shaped bone equal in thickness to the thumb. It is curved and is the pubic eminence. The bone hangs like an arch over the entrance to the vagina, fused with the pelvic bones.

The pubic bone is paired, connects with cartilage and forms the symphysis or pubic symphysis, in which pain usually appears.

The distance between the pubic bones is normally no more than 5 mm. During pregnancy, this figure changes by 3 mm upward.

If your pubic bone hurts

Causes of pain

...in men

Men experience pain associated with injury to the pubic bone. These can be bruises, closed or open fractures.

The following situations associated with injuries are distinguished:

…among women

In addition to injury to the pelvic area, women may have gynecological problems, for example:

During pregnancy, in the second half, a softening of the joints between the bones occurs, the so-called symphysiolysis syndrome;
symphysitis or separation of bone tissue up to separation during delivery;
congenital pathologies associated with the structure of the small pelvis.

What does symphysitis mean?

Women after childbirth experience pain in the pubic bone. Most likely, this was influenced by the process of divergence, that is, a violation of the integrity of the symphysis. This is considered a traumatic complication of labor or rupture.

3 degrees of discrepancy are determined:

The degree does not affect the treatment process. It is necessary in any case. The issue is resolved with a gynecologist.

The causes of the disease have not yet been identified. Scientists are divided in opinion. Some consider it a consequence of calcium deficiency in the body, others blame the increased concentration of relaxin.

Pubic pain in pregnant women

Expectant mothers often experience pain in the symphysis pubis, which occurs mainly in the last trimester of pregnancy.

This happens due to softening of the interosseous joint. Pain differs in its characteristics:

it is pronounced, especially during movements - turning the body, climbing stairs or getting out of bed;
worse after lunch;
swelling appears in the symphysis area;
if you press on the pubis, you can hear a click;
a woman cannot lift straight legs from a lying position;
pain when urinating;
duck gait with characteristic small steps.

Not everyone is susceptible to this pathology, and the answer to the question by what criteria the disease selects a victim has not been found.

Several processes play a major role in the development of symphysitis:

After the first half of pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is produced in greater quantities. Every woman needs it to prepare her body for the birth process. Thanks to the hormone, the womb loses rigidity and becomes pliable so that the pelvis can expand during childbirth. But, at the same time, resistance to any loads decreases.
A decrease in calcium in the body, which is used to form the baby’s musculoskeletal system. This process causes symptoms of degenerative bone changes - osteoporosis.
Intrauterine disturbance during the formation of the pubic symphysis or in childhood also leads to symphysitis.

With an acute rupture of symphysitis, the pain is severe.

Where to go if your pubis hurts

In case of injury, regardless of man or woman, it is necessary to visit a traumatologist for consultation.

If it is not possible to move independently or the patient is in serious condition, you should call an ambulance.

If you experience pain during pregnancy, as well as in the postpartum period, you must urgently make an appointment with a gynecologist. It will also help if pain occurs during sexual intercourse.

How is the disease diagnosed in pregnant women?

Diagnosis is an important stage. At the initial appointment, anamnesis is collected and complaints are listened to. You need to try to describe in detail the nature of the pain - when it appears, with what movements it intensifies, etc.

Next, the gynecologist conducts a standard examination, determines the size of the pelvis and the location of the fetus. Laboratory tests are also indicative. Pay attention to the level of calcium in the blood, the amount of estrogen and progesterone.

Among the visual examinations for pregnant women, only ultrasound is available, which can show the pubic symphysis and the condition of the fetus.

When discrepancy appears after childbirth, the patient is referred for an X-ray or CT scan of the pelvis.

Pathologies causing pubic pain

The fair half of humanity experiences pain in the pubic area for other reasons. It could be:

Some women have a flat, saber-shaped pubis. The problem is that the strap, 3 fingers wide, or maybe more, almost half covers the vagina, which affects a full sex life.

Pain occurs when the penis presses on the periosteum and presses the urethra to the edge of the pubis. You need to seek help from a gynecologist and traumatologist.

Treatment of symphysitis

How much the pubic bones have expanded can be judged by the ultrasound result and only then can the treatment method be decided.

1st degree of discrepancy

If the degree of discrepancy is up to 10 mm, then the following is prescribed:

2nd degree of discrepancy

With the second degree of discrepancy, that is, more than 10 mm, it is necessary to use a bandage or corset. This will strengthen the pelvic muscles and reduce pain.

However, natural childbirth is contraindicated for a pregnant woman.

If the pain is severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.

Exercises for any degree of discrepancy

At any stage of discrepancy, it is prescribed to perform a special gymnastic complex. The exercises are aimed at strengthening the pelvic muscles and are not complicated:

Lying on your back, legs bent at the knees and pulled up with your heels towards your buttocks. Then the knees are moved apart very slowly, fixed for 20 seconds and returned to the opposite position.
The woman lies on her back and raises her pelvis to 5 cm from the floor. You need to stay in this position for a short time. The heels should be 30 cm from the body.
The next exercise is called cat. You need to get on all fours, straighten your back. Slowly the back arches and the head rises. The abdominal and thigh muscles work.

Important! During gymnastics, be sure to monitor your sensations. Under no circumstances should exercises be performed when pain occurs.

Relief from pain due to symphysitis

In case of natural divergence of bones during pregnancy, treatment is not carried out. After childbirth, the ligaments should return to their original state. During this time, your doctor may recommend taking No-shpu or drug Menovazin.

When the patient is in the hospital under the supervision of doctors, at 38 weeks of pregnancy, pain can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pregnant women are prescribed ibuprofen or paracetamol.

When pain appears at 32 weeks of pregnancy and after delivery, antibiotics and UV irradiation are prescribed to avoid the formation of an inflammatory process.

Ointments and gels have a big advantage in treatment, since when they come into contact with the skin, they do not penetrate the systemic bloodstream.

If the pain is severe, then after childbirth the doctor may prescribe opioid painkillers - fentanyl, or use epidural anesthesia.

Other therapies

Traditional methods are almost powerless in this case. Their efficiency is low. The emphasis is mainly on consuming more calcium. A very popular recipe is a combination of sesame seeds with honey and goat cheese.

Corvalol may help reduce pain when applied to the pubic area. Manual therapy is a fairly common method of treatment. It gently affects the pelvic and thigh muscles.

- acupuncture, and this method helps to get rid of pain not only for women, but also for men. An effective method and almost painless;
- visit an osteopath or chiropractor;
— drainage, in case of purulent symphysitis;
- injections of glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, if the cause is osteoperiostitis.

Important! Any alternative technique should not replace primary treatment.

What will happen if left untreated?

When the patient does not receive the required treatment or delays seeking help, the discrepancy can cause a severe pain reaction that appears even with the slightest movement, up to a complete loss of mobility.

Rupture of the symphysis is a serious complication. Most often it occurs in the last weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus’s head enters the pelvis and puts pressure on the inflamed and weak ligaments. When a woman ruptures, she experiences severe pain shock.

If the discrepancy is more than 2 cm, then treatment can only be surgical. In the future, long-term recovery and assistance from rehabilitation specialists will be required.

Preventive actions

No special techniques created to avoid symphysitis have yet been invented. But for women with a history of this pathology or abnormal pelvic structure, it is recommended:

In addition, all women carrying a child should:

spend a long time in the fresh air and take sunbathing. This will contribute to the production of vitamin D. Relevant for those living in the northern regions of the planet;
reduce heavy physical activity, walk less on steps and on foot;
perform exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, swim;
Visit your gynecologist regularly.

Childbirth with problems with the pubic bone

If there is a large discrepancy of the symphysis pubis - from 1 cm, doctors may suggest a planned cesarean section.

If the discrepancy is more than 2 cm, then there is no choice, only surgical delivery to avoid complete rupture of the ligaments. Otherwise, it may take 3 months of complete immobilization before the ligaments heal.

With the second degree of symphysitis, childbirth occurs naturally, without consequences.

The only thing is that the woman must remain in bed for 3 days with her pelvis covered with an elastic bandage. It is recommended to use a corset for the next 3 months.