Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as nonmenstrual or noncyclic pelvic pain lasting for at least 6 months, which interferes with habitual activities, and causes a direct impact on relationships and social and professional obligations, and requires clinical or surgical treatment. Its prevalence is estimated at 3.8% among women aged 15–73 years, and at 14–24% among women of reproductive age. Some diagnostic conditions are common; among them endometriosis, adhesions, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal wall myofascial syndrome. There is strong evidence demonstrating that up to 85% of patients with CPP have dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, including postural changes, spasms of the pelvic muscles and abdominal wall myofascial syndrome, among others. In the present review article, we evaluate the main musculoskeletal causes of CPP and its diagnosis and treatment.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.