Low Back Pain? It might just be your pelvic floor asking for attention.
"Low Back Pain? It Might Just Be Your Pelvic Floor Asking for Attention"
Ladies, let’s talk about something many of us have experienced: low back pain. You bend over to pick up a sock, sneeze, or just exist, and suddenly, your back’s doing a full-on protest. What if I told you that your low back pain might not actually be about your back at all? Cue dramatic music. Nope, the real culprit could be much lower than you think.
I know—mind blown. But stick with me for a moment.
The Sneaky Culprit: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
When most people think of the pelvic floor, they think of Kegels (or maybe they don’t think of it at all). But the pelvic floor is like that quiet but incredibly important friend who does so much for you without getting any credit. It holds up your organs, controls bladder and bowel function, plays a starring role in childbirth, and yes, can even be the secret agent behind that persistent low back pain you’ve been ignoring.
The pelvic floor is often overlooked as a root cause of low back pain, but let me spill the tea—it’s underdiagnosed. Doctors, therapists, and even we, ourselves, don’t always connect the dots between pelvic floor dysfunction and that aching back. And yet, the pelvic floor is directly connected to your lower back through muscles, ligaments, and nerves. If it’s not working right, your lower back will feel the heat (literally, sometimes).
Why Is This Underdiagnosed?
One reason pelvic floor dysfunction flies under the radar is because it's, well, awkward to talk about. People feel weird discussing "down there," and often don’t know how to explain what's going on in that region. If you’ve been quietly ignoring those bladder leaks when you laugh too hard or pretending that postpartum pelvic heaviness is “just a phase,” you’re not alone. But ignoring it can lead to bigger problems down the road.
This is especially true for us women, who are often told that bladder leakage, prolapse, or pelvic discomfort are "normal" parts of aging or childbirth. Spoiler alert: They aren’t. They are common, but common doesn't mean normal. You don't have to put up with it. More importantly, addressing your pelvic floor can ease the strain on your lower back and prevent future discomfort.
How Does Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Lead to Back Pain?
Alright, so here's where things get a little anatomical. Imagine your pelvic floor as a hammock, holding everything in place. When that hammock becomes too tight, weak, or overstretched, it starts pulling on its neighbors—your hips, core, and yes, your back. This misalignment creates compensations in your posture, and before you know it, you’re popping ibuprofen for that "mystery" lower back pain.
The lower back and the pelvic floor are in a constant tango, communicating through the body’s musculoskeletal system. So, when one goes rogue, the other suffers. Think of it as a neighborhood feud—you may not have invited the drama, but you’re certainly feeling the effects. Addressing the root cause, the pelvic floor, can alleviate low back pain, and bonus: improve your core stability, bladder control, and even sexual function.
Now, aren’t you intrigued?
So, What Can You Do? Enter: The Kegel
Okay, okay, before you start Kegeling at your desk, let’s clear something up. A lot of people think that Kegels are just about tightening the pelvic floor, but that’s only half the equation. The real magic happens when you learn not only how to contract your pelvic floor, but also how to relax and lengthen it.
Think of it like your favorite yoga stretch—if all you ever did was flex and never stretch, you’d end up stiff and probably injured. The same applies to your pelvic floor. It needs both strength and flexibility to function well. Tension in the pelvic floor can be just as problematic as weakness.
And here’s where I come in.
Introducing: My “How to Kegel” Workshop
Cue the confetti.
This isn’t just your grandma’s Kegel guide. My workshop is a mini-series dedicated to teaching you the basics of female anatomy, how to assess your own pelvic floor (yes, you can!), and how to strengthen and lengthen it so it actually works for you—not against you.
I know, I know, you’ve heard of Kegels before, but trust me, you’ve probably been doing them wrong. Most women have! The beauty of this workshop is that it’s practical, quick, and gives you the tools to really get to know your body.
By the end of this mini-series, you’ll know:
The ins and outs of your pelvic floor (pun intended).
How to properly contract AND release those muscles.
How to assess your pelvic floor for dysfunction—so you can address any issues early on.
Techniques that make Kegels not just a chore, but an empowering routine.
You’ll walk away not just with less low back pain, but with a better understanding of your body’s most intimate and essential functions.
The Bottom Line: You Deserve to Feel Better
Here’s the deal: low back pain might be common, but you don’t have to live with it. If you’re tired of slapping a bandaid on the symptoms and ready to address the root cause, this is your moment.
Learning how to connect with and care for your pelvic floor could be the key to alleviating more than just your back pain. It’s about reclaiming your body, getting stronger, and feeling more in control—whether it’s in the gym, the bedroom, or just day-to-day life.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to learn more about your body (and let's be honest, who hasn’t?), now is the perfect time. Your pelvic floor—and your back—will thank you.
Ready to get started? Sign up for my How to Kegel Workshop and let’s give that pelvic floor the love and attention it deserves.
