Cymraeg
Acute Pelvic pain is a generalised ache or sharp stabbing pain in the lower part of the abdomen (tummy area)/pelvic region.
Pelvic Pain
Where is it felt?
Acute Pelvic pain is a generalised ache or sharp stabbing pain in the lower part of the abdomen (tummy area)/pelvic region. Pelvic pain is more common in high school age children, but can be present in younger ones from the age of 6.
How could it affect me/my child?
- Your child might experience the pain as a dull, sharp or stabbing feeling and it can be there constantly or come and go
- The pain can vary between mild, moderate and severe depending on what is causing the pain and the duration of the pain
- Acute pelvis pain is present for less than 3 months
- Chronic pain also called persistent pain is present for 6 months or longer
- When the pain is persistent or getting worse you will need to seek medical advice, especially when it is disrupting your child’s daily activities
- The pain can be quite distressing for your child and yourself as a parent/carer
Why does it happen?
Common causes of pelvic pain in female adolescents could be menstrual cramps and other frequent gynaecological problems. If your child suffers from this and you are concerned, then contact their GP.
Other causes of pelvic pain might be an urinary tract infection (UTI/bladder infection), constipation, appendicitis and abdominal muscle pain from over exercising.
Also muscle tightness/imbalance can cause problems such as:
- Irritation/inflammation of the growth plate on the point where the muscles are attached. The long thigh bone growing faster than the surrounding muscles can pull on the plate causing a dull pain in the groin or front of the hip that worsens on activity and can cause some swelling. It is most common between the age 14-18
- If there is a sudden muscle force during high intensity sport activities a small piece of the bone where the muscle is attached can break off. If your child is not able to weight bear and has sudden pain seek medical help
Is it serious?
Pain should always be fully investigated to ensure there are no underlying condition causing the pain. Pelvis pain that develops sudden with a high intensity can be a medical emergency and help will be required. Seek medical advice from their GP or contact the NHS helpline 111.
Also contact their GP if your child:
- Has unremitting/constant pain
- Have night pains that don’t respond to simple painkillers such as Calpol, paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Sudden severe lower abdominal pain on the right hand side
- Reduced weight bearing, walking pattern suddenly changed
- Differences between right and left leg
- Changes in sensation
- Redness or swelling around the area
- Has had a large change in behaviour such as difficulty sleeping or being more irritable
- Are feeling unwell, sick or have a fever with pelvic pain
- Changes in bladder or bowel habits
- Fallen on the tail bone
Will it get better?
Pelvic pain should always be fully investigated to ensure there are no underlying condition causing the pain. When these have been ruled out, it is important to get the problems assessed by the relevant health professional and manage the pelvic pain to avoid these symptoms from becoming chronic.
What can I do to help myself/my child?
If your child’s pain has been assessed and there is no condition diagnosed then there are some things that may help.
Some of the most important things you can do to help your child’s pain are related to your lifestyle choices and general health. We have provided some useful links to help guide you through.
Changing the type and amount of exercise and activities your child is doing can help. High impact activities such as running and jumping in high amounts can increase pain.
Exercise:
Try to get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. This can help build up strength in your lower back and tummy muscles, increase movement, preventing muscles tightening and keeping a healthy weight. Exercise also helps boost the “happy hormones” (endorphins), which reduces pain.
Posture:
Sitting in one position for too long may cause pain in your child’s tailbone. When using technology, aim to get up and move every 30 minutes to avoid staying in one position for too long. Sitting on a softer chair or cushion can also help reduce the pain.
Pain relief:
Try a hot bath or warm pack on the painful area to help relax the muscles and ease the pain. Some people also find ice packs can reduce pain.
Speak to your GP for advice on taking pain relief.
The information in Step Two explains the factors that can affect the severity and impact of muscle joint and bone symptoms.
Step Three explains self-management advice on what you can do to help yourself.
Learn more about:
The Bloody Brilliant website has lots of information for girls and young people who have periods about how people can be affected by pain and ideas to help.
What can be done to help me/my child?
An assessment of your problem and treatment may be necessary if the self-management advice in Step Three does not help. Consider seeking further help.
If you continue to be concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing and are unsure what to do contact your GP practice or ring NHS Wales 111.
