Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction / Pelvic Girdle Pain

Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction is also known as pelvic girdle pain (or “lightning crotch”). This occurs during pregnancy when there is increased joint mobility and ligament relaxation, leading to increased pain in the pelvis.

The pain can radiate from the front to the back of the pelvis. The pain may manifest in the pubic area, lower back, hips, groin, thighs and even knees.

What does the research say about Acupuncture?

One study found that Acupuncture combined with stabilising exercises was effective in alleviating Pelvic girdle pain. The study went on to find that Acupuncture was superior to some exercises also (Elden et al, 2005).

Another study used Auricular Acupuncture (acupuncture performed on the ear) on pregnant women with lower back and pelvic girdle pain. They found that after the treatment protocol was applied alongside general obstetric care, there was a significant reduction in lumbar and pelvic pain in the pregnant women (Vas et al, 2019).

References

Elden et al (2005), “Effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomised single blind controlled trial”, BMJ, 330: 7494.

Vas et al, (2019), “Effect of ear acupuncture on pregnancy related pain and posterior pelvic girdle pain: a multicentre randomised clinical trial”, Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 98: 1307-1317.