Prolonged Symptom Relief From Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (aka Lightning Crotch) With Chiropractic Treatment for Low Back Pain

Introduction/Background:

This case study details chiropractic treatment resulting in long-term improvement for pubic symphysis dysfunction in a female patient.

Description:

A 35-year-old female with pelvic girdle and low back pain, worsened by running and driving, and a history of unresolved post-partum pubis symphysis dysfunction of 10-year duration, diagnosed by a gynecologist as Lightning Crotch, was referred for chiropractic evaluation. Initial examination revealed right-sided pain provoked when performing Yeomans, Kemp’s, and Nachla’s and a positive sacral apex test. Palpatory findings were point tenderness of the right gluteus medius, right piriformis, and right hamstring. Chiropractic treatment including pin and stretch of the hypertonic muscles, side posture manipulation, and supine lumbar long-axis distraction to address lumbar, sacral, and pelvic somatic dysfunction along with a home exercise program was initiated. Pubic symphysis dysfunction and low back pain were resolved after 9 visits and patient was discharged following 12 visits, having adhered consistently to the care plan.

Discussion:

Unintended relief of chronic pubis symphysis dysfunction and correlating pain via chiropractic management of low back pain, which continued to be resolved at 7-month follow-up, noted in this case warrants further exploration in patient populations with this condition.