Why Your Back Pain Might Actually Be Your Pelvic Floor Talking

Back pain. It’s the issue we hear about all the time, especially from women juggling work, motherhood, and life on the go. But here’s the kicker: not all back pain is about “bad posture” or too much sitting. Sometimes, the culprit is one you’d never expect.

Your pelvic floor.

Yep, those hidden muscles that you probably only think about when someone mentions childbirth or leaking when you laugh. But your pelvic floor and your back are more connected than you realise.

How the Pelvic Floor and Back Are Linked

Your pelvic floor isn’t just a “down there” issue. Think of it like the foundation of a house. It supports your pelvic organs, works with your core and diaphragm, and stabilises your spine. If the pelvic floor isn’t functioning well, whether it’s too weak, too tight, or out of sync — your back has to pick up the slack. Cue: pain, stiffness, and that frustrating “niggle” that just won’t go away.

Research shows women with pelvic floor dysfunction are more likely to experience lower back pain. And yet, so many women spend years trying Pilates, yoga, or pain meds without ever being told to check their pelvic floor health.

Signs Your Back Pain Could Be Pelvic Floor Related

• You’ve had a baby (even years ago) and still have lingering lower back or pelvic pain.

• Your back pain is worse when you sneeze, cough, or run.

• You also notice bladder leaks, heaviness, or pain during intimacy.

• Core workouts feel impossible, or make your pain flare.

• Nothing else (massage, stretching, painkillers) has truly worked.

If any of these ring a bell, your pelvic floor might be waving a giant red flag.

Why “Generic Fixes” Don’t Work

Here’s the thing: you can stretch your hamstrings and foam roll your back all day long, but if the issue is pelvic floor dysfunction, you’re never addressing the root cause.

Many women also try to return to generic gym classes or “bounce-back” workouts after having kids — often without realising that poor pelvic floor/core coordination can make their back pain worse.

It’s not about doing more exercise. It’s about doing the right exercise, with the right guidance.

How Physiotherapy Helps

At Ivoryrose Physiotherapy in Adelaide, we take a holistic approach. A pelvic health assessment looks beyond your spine and into how your pelvic floor, core, and back muscles are working together.

With tailored treatment, from pelvic floor rehab to exercise physiology, we help women:

• Relieve stubborn back pain

• Rebuild strength and confidence

• Prevent future injuries and flare-ups

• Feel in control of their bodies again

Because let’s be honest: you deserve better than just “put up with it.”