Effects of Pubic Symphysis Manipulation in Patients With Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is a degenerative condition that is considered a major cause of low back pain. It has been resulting from abnormal motion of the joint known as SIJ dysfunction (SIJD). During pregnancy, heightened levels of estrogen and relaxin, coupled with the pressure exerted by a growing fetus, may induce excessive mobility in the SIJs. Conversely, pelvic fractures and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to decreased mobility and fixation of the joints. Life time prevalence of low back pain is 85%. Among these patients 10% to 25% of, sacroiliac joint is the cause of pain. In Pakistan, female undergraduate students have a higher prevalence of low back pain compared to males. Individuals with SIJD often present with unilateral pain below L5. The pain is often localized distal and medial to the PSIS. It is described as sharp, dull, or shooting and is often misdiagnosed as radicular pain, as it can extend down the posterior thigh to the S1 dermatome. Factors contributing to SIJD include high velocity trauma, degenerative arthritis, inflammatory arthropathy etc. The ability to rise from a chair is a basic functional task that is frequently compromised in individuals diagnosed with SIJD. This condition has been associated with up to 14-20% of patients affected by limiting the overall quality of life.

The pubic symphysis plays a vital role in stabilizing the anterior pelvis while allowing for a limited range of movement. Pubic symphysis dysfunction is characterized by discomfort in the pubic bone region that intensifies during activities such as walking, lifting, or stair climbing, hip abduction, rolling over in bed. Patients often report tenderness over the pubic symphysis. Symptoms include burning, stabbing, or shooting pain that radiates towards the abdomen, back, leg, and perineum. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) occurs where the joint becomes sufficiently relaxed to allow instability in the pelvic girdle. In severe cases of SPD the symphysis pubis may partially or completely rupture.

Literature review: A study by Aghalar Javadov et al. in 2021 aims to assess the effects of manual therapy for sacroiliac joints in comparison with lumbar exercises. Result of this study shows long term effects of manual therapy in sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Another study conducted by Shokri E et al. in which effectiveness of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) manipulation alone was compared with a combination of SIJ and lumbar manipulation for treating SIJ dysfunction. The study results indicated that a single session of SIJ and lumbar manipulation is more effective in reducing functional disability compared to SIJ manipulation alone.

A study conducted by S. Becker et al. investigates whether sacroiliac joint pain is linked to alterations in the pubic symphysis. The findings of this study indicate that changes in the pubic symphysis, along with low back pain and positive provocative tests, could potentially indicate dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint.

Purpose of the study was to investigate effects of pubic symphysis manipulation in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Inclusion criteria

• Female gender
• Age 25-60 years
• Presence of back pain for ≥6 months
• Postpartum women
• Patient with pubic tenderness
• Patient with pubic symphysis asymmetry
• Unilateral back pain
• Participants had 2 positive test out of four test, Sacroiliac distraction test, Sacroiliac compression test, thigh thrust test, sacral thrust test.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants underwent surgical approaches
• History of fracture
• Patients suffering from pubic neuralgia and osteitis pubis
• SIJ or Hip joint pathology
• Arthritides
• Adductor strain