Lifestyle Tips

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1. A Combination of Therapies Works Best

   Don't rely solely on over-the-counter or prescription analgesics to relieve pain. They may be more effective if combined with other drugs such as antidepressants. Complementing drug therapy with one or more alternative therapies, including physical therapy, massage, and psychological counseling, also improves pain relief.

2. Pay Attention to Posture

   Bad posture, lumbar spine disorders, and hip problems can all contribute to pelvic pain. So can muscle strength and length imbalances, leg length discrepancy, and foot problems. If you have chronic pelvic pain, be sure to get a complete evaluation of your musculoskeletal system from a doctor or physical therapist. If problems are detected, they will recommend solutions, perhaps range of motion exercises to increase flexibility of the spine, strengthening exercises for certain muscle groups, or an orthotic for your shoe. These "solutions" should then be practiced at home on a regular basis; they may reduce your pain by relieving one of its underlying causes.

3. Relax to Reduce Stress

   Stress appears to be a contributor to many recurrent and chronic conditions, including chronic pelvic pain. Stress can increase blood pressure, reduce the immune system's ability to fight infection, and affects our hormone production, including turning on cortisone production in the adrenal glands and upsetting the balance between estrogen and progesterone. Research has shown that fibroids grow during times of stress and many women report that when they are stressed, their periods are more painful. Managing stress, learning to relax, at home on a daily basis, is an important part of any pain relief program. There are many relaxation techniques you can easily learn and practice at home, including focusing (what women in labor are advised to do), meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation. Learning biofeedback techniques takes much more training, but can help you learn to recognize which muscles are tense and how to relax them. Listening to classical music or relaxation CDs of nature sounds will also help you calm down.

4. Heat and Hot Water Relaxes Muscles

   Any kind of heat will improve blood flow and relax tense muscles. A heating pad or hot water bottle applied to the lower abdomen can help relieve menstrual cramps or pain associated with trigger points; use one on your lower back if that is where your pain originates. Treat yourself to a warm bath with relaxing ingredients added to it.

5. Exercise and Eat Right

   Regular exercise improves circulation and increases the production of natural pain-relieving substances (endorphins) in your body. By staying fit and active, you will also reduce your chances of increasing pain due to tight muscles. It may also help you to stay positive and ward off depression. Good nutrition and getting enough rest also help you manage pain better.