The Overlooked Connection Between Low Back Pain and Pelvic Health

For many women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—whether you’ve had children or not—low back pain is a frustratingly common issue. What’s less often talked about is how closely pelvic health and low back pain are connected. At our fitness forward physical therapy clinic in Minneapolis, we often see women who come in for persistent back pain, only to discover that their pelvic floor plays a huge role in their discomfort and recovery, and vice versa!

Why Low Back Pain and Pelvic Health Are Connected

Your pelvic floor isn’t just about bladder control—it’s a group of muscles that help stabilize your spine, hips, and pelvis. When these muscles are weak, tight, or not coordinating properly, the surrounding areas (like your low back and hips) often pick up the slack. Over time, that imbalance can lead to:

• Chronic low back pain

• Pelvic pain or heaviness

• Hip stiffness or instability

• Core weakness

Women who’ve had children sometimes notice these symptoms sooner, but even women without kids are affected—hormonal changes, posture shifts, and lifestyle demands in midlife all influence pelvic floor function.

Signs Your Pelvic Floor May Be Contributing to Your Back Pain

If you experience any of these alongside low back pain, your pelvic floor might be involved:

• Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercising

• Pain or pressure in the pelvis

• Feeling like your core isn’t as strong as it used to be

• Difficulty activating or relaxing your abdominals during exercise

These are all signals that pelvic floor therapy could help.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps

A pelvic physical therapist in Minneapolis who specializes in pelvic floor therapy can assess how your pelvic floor, hips, and spine work together. Treatment often includes:

• Gentle hands-on techniques to release tension in the pelvic muscles, which may or may not include internal exam and treatment (upon therapist professional opinion and client comfort)

• Exercises to improve pelvic floor strength and coordination

• Core and hip strengthening for better stability

• Breathing and posture strategies that take pressure off your back and pelvis

This approach not only relieves pain but also restores confidence in your movement so you can get back to the activities you love—whether that’s lifting weights, running, or just keeping up with your daily routine.

A Fitness Forward Approach

At our clinic, we take a fitness forward perspective: your recovery isn’t just about pain relief, it’s about building strength and resilience so your back and pelvic floor can handle the real-life demands of work, workouts, and family. By addressing the pelvic health–low back pain connection, we help women move beyond temporary fixes and into long-term solutions.

If you’ve been dealing with low back pain or wondering if your pelvic health may be playing a role, our team of physical therapists in Minneapolis can help. Reach out today to learn more about pelvic floor therapy and how it can improve your back, core, and overall well-being.