Pelvic pain develops more commonly in women. Pelvic pain treatment seeks to reduce symptoms and enhance the quality of life. If the doctor can identify a specific cause, the treatment will be centered on that cause.
But in case a cause is not apparent, the treatment will be geared toward the management of pain and other symptoms. The optimal approach, for many women, involves a combination of various treatments. Orthopedic surgery may be required in a few cases.
Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides safe and proven treatments for the hip, knee and shoulder to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding communities.
Medications for Pelvic Pain
Pain relievers: Over the counter pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen may offer the patient some pelvic pain relief. At times, they may require prescription pain medication. However, pain medicines alone usually do not resolve chronic pain.
Hormone treatments: Certain women experience pelvic pain on days that may coincide with a specific phase of their menstrual cycle and the hormonal fluctuations that control ovulation and menstruation. In such cases, birth control pills or other hormonal drugs may help in pelvic pain relief.
Antibiotics: In case the pain occurs due to an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to the patient.
Antidepressants: Some Tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline (Pamelor), amitriptyline, and others have been shown to relieve pain along with antidepressant effects. They may help manage chronic pain even for women who are not experiencing depression.
Other Therapies for Pelvic Pain Management
Physical therapy: Massage, stretching exercises, and other relaxation techniques may help manage chronic pelvic pain. A physical therapist can offer the patient assistance with these treatments and enable them to develop strategies for pain management.
Neurostimulation (spinal cord stimulation): This procedure involves the implantation of a device that obstructs nerve pathways to prohibit the pain signals from reaching the brain and may be beneficial depending on the reason for the pelvic pain.
Trigger point injections: In case the doctor detects certain points which are painful to the patient, they may recommend having a numbing medication injected into those trigger points. This medication which is typically a long-acting local anesthetic can obstruct pain and relieve discomfort.
Psychotherapy: The pain could be related to sexual abuse, depression, a dysfunctional marriage, a personality disorder, or a family crisis. In such cases, consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist may be useful.
Surgery for Pelvic Pain
Laparoscopic surgery: In case the patient has endometriosis, doctors can eliminate adhesions or endometrial tissue via laparoscopic surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon will insert a thin viewing tool (laparoscope) using a tiny incision near the patient’s navel and insert instruments to excise endometrial tissue via one or more small incisions.
Hysterectomy: Rarely, the doctor may recommend the removal of the patient’s fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), uterus (hysterectomy), or ovaries (oophorectomy). This procedure poses vital medical consequences. Before recommending this procedure, the doctor will discuss the risks and advantages in detail with the patient.
Pain Rehabilitation Programs
The patient may need to try various treatment combinations before identifying one that is most suitable for them. They may consider joining a pain rehabilitation program, if appropriate.
Experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for hip, knee, and shoulder treatments.
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Century City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
