Is Your Back Pain Actually a Pelvic Floor Problem
01
Apr

Is Your Back Pain Actually a Pelvic Floor Problem?

Dr. Kelly Frank pelvic floor physical therapist Orlando Florida"

Back pain is one of those things we tend to chalk up to sleeping wrong, sitting too long, or just “getting older.” And while those things play a role, there’s a piece of the puzzle that gets missed far too often — your pelvic floor.

know what you’re thinking. Pelvic floor? I came here about my back. Stay with me, because this connection might be exactly what’s been standing between you and real, lasting relief.

Your Spine and Pelvic Floor Are More Connected Than You Think

Think of your core as a canister. The diaphragm sits on top, your deep abdominals wrap around the sides, and your pelvic floor forms the entire bottom. This system manages pressure within the body and creates stability from your center to support movement. When any component isn’t working properly, it can result in altered movement patterns and pain.

When your pelvic floor is weak, tight, or out of coordination, your back picks up the slack — leading to the kind of persistent pain that won’t quit no matter how many stretches or adjustments you try.

This connection runs all the way up to your mid-back too. When the thoracic spine becomes stiff or rounded from desk posture, it affects your breathing mechanics — and your pelvic floor moves in rhythm with every breath. A tight thoracic spine limits rib movement, which can negatively impact pelvic floor function and conditions like diastasis recti and constipation.

Signs Your Back Pain May Have a Pelvic Floor Component

  • Back pain that hasn’t improved with typical treatments
  • Core weakness or feeling like your core doesn’t “fire” properly
  • Urinary leaking, urgency, or constipation alongside your back pain
  • Postpartum back pain that lingers past your 6-week clearance
  • Pain that travels into your hips, tailbone, or groin

How We Look at It Differently

At Frankly Pelvic, our approach to lumbar and thoracic spine pain starts with a head-to-toe assessment. We look at your posture, breathing, core activation, and whether your pelvic floor is contributing to your pain — because the answer is rarely in just one place.

A 2018 study in Musculoskeletal Science & Practice found that 95.3% of women presenting with lumbopelvic pain had some form of pelvic floor dysfunction. PubMed That’s a number worth paying attention to.

If you’ve been living with back pain that just won’t budge, it may be time to look at the full picture. Learn more about how we treat lumbar and thoracic spine pain at Frankly Pelvic, or schedule a free discovery call — I’d love to help.

Phone:
407-801-7407
Instagram:
@franklypelvic

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Dr. Kelly Frank is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic health specialist serving Winter Park and Altamonte Springs, FL — in-office, mobile, and virtually.

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