4 Ways the Nervous System and Pelvic Floor Are Connected
Taking care of your pelvic floor doesn’t just benefit one area of your body; it benefits your entire body. What many women don’t know is that there is a relationship between the nervous system and pelvic floor. This relationship has a direct impact on each area of your body, which can be a good thing. However, if not taken care of, this connection can create lasting consequences on your body, potentially leading to discomfort.
Your pelvic floor communicates with the nervous system, which allows your pelvic floor to react. If your body is holding onto trauma, this can directly impact your pelvic floor health. This is why it is important to see a pelvic floor therapist to help you understand your body and where it may be holding tension that you can heal from to experience lasting relief.
At Pillar Physio- Georgetown, Texas, we help each woman who comes through our doors to experience life free from pelvic floor pain. Contact us today to schedule your assessment and begin a journey of healing.
Related: Pelvic Floor Tension Triggers: 5 Reasons for Your Pain
4 Facts About the Nervous System and Pelvic Floor Connection
Discover four interesting facts about the nervous system and pelvic floor relationship. This connection can benefit many aspects of your life.
Pudendal Nerve
You have a pudendal nerve for each side of your body (right and left). These nerves are important in the pelvic floor. They provide the most movement and sensations in your pelvis. The pudendal nerve begins at the lowest part of your spine, runs through the pelvis and glutes, and exits the glutes through the lesser sciatic foramen.
If the pudendal nerve were to become damaged or experience trauma, this could impact your sex life and your ability to pass urine or stool. This nerve can become damaged during difficult labor and delivery. You can protect this nerve by seeing a pelvic floor therapist during pregnancy or engaging in pelvic floor therapy postpartum to help you heal.
Related: How to Properly Heal From Birth: Quick Fixes Don’t Work
Stress Events
Stress and anxiety play a huge role in your pelvic floor health. When you experience stressful events, your body reacts with increased tension. in the pelvic floor muscles. Stress and anxiety are activated through your nervous system, which then requires action from your pelvis.
If you experience stress and anxiety frequently, it could be beneficial to speak to a professional to help you address the root cause. This will benefit your pelvic floor and overall health.
Vagus Nerve
The Vagus nerve is part of the nervous system. It is responsible for helping you relax but can be impacted by stress. When it becomes activated during a stressful event, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, which increases pressure on your pelvic floor. This is just one of the ways the nervous system and pelvic floor are connected.
Trauma
Nerve damage can happen at any age. If you experienced a trauma that caused nerve damage, this can directly inhibit the pelvic floor’s function. In order to understand how the trauma affected your body, it’s important to see a pelvic floor therapist for an evaluation.
Questions Others Are Asking About the Nervous System and Pelvic Floor Connection
Learn more about the nervous system and pelvic floor relationship. Read what others are asking regarding this relationship and how you can help your body heal.
Is pelvic floor dysfunction neurological?
Some consider pelvic floor dysfunction to be neurological because of the nervous system and pelvic floor relationship. Medical conditions that impact the nerves can lead to incontinence and difficulty performing bowel movements.
What emotions are connected to the pelvic floor?
Stress and anxiety are the major emotions connected to the pelvic floor. In addition, emotional trauma can be considered another emotion that impacts the pelvic floor.
How do you help a traumatized pelvic floor?
The best way to help a traumatized pelvic floor is by seeing a physical therapist. Your therapist will be able to assess your pelvic floor and create a personalized treatment plan to help you heal.
At Pillar Physio- Georgetown, Texas, we offer an individualized approach. No blanket treatment plan works for everyone. You are unique and deserve to be treated based on your needs and goals. Pillar Physio’s treatment plans include hands-on care as well as a whole-body approach because you are more than just your pelvis.
The Nervous System and Pelvic Floor Are Deeply Connected
Your body is more connected than you might believe. What affects one part has a ripple effect on the rest of your body. This is the same concept for the nervous system and the pelvic floor. You might not be physically able to see the connection, but your body feels it.
Take the time to listen to your body, note what it is trying to tell you, and get a pelvic floor evaluation. You might be surprised to learn that some of your pain can be relieved in pelvic floor therapy.
If you are experiencing pelvic floor pain and discomfort, it’s time to get seen by a trusted pelvic floor therapist. Contact Pillar Physio- Georgetown, Texas to schedule your assessment. The first step to healing is to call us today. Your family and your community need you.
