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Pelvic Floor Muscle Pain and Dysfunction

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Pain in Women

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Abstract

The pelvic floor provides anatomic support and coordinates the essential functions of defecation, micturition, and reproduction. The nerves and muscles of the pelvic floor act as an integrated unit, and when a component is compromised, dysfunction and pain can result. One type of dysfunction is the development of hypertonic muscles. The increased tone can lead to multiple problems seen by physicians including bladder or bowel pain, elimination disorders, vaginismus, vulvodynia, as well as chronic pelvic pain.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Sharon Silveira M.D., M.S.

  2. Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Founders 540C, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Samantha J. Pulliam M.D.

Authors
  1. Sharon Silveira M.D., M.S.
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  2. Samantha J. Pulliam M.D.
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Spaulding Rehabiliation Hospital, Nashua Street 125, Boston, 02114, Massachusetts, USA

    Allison Bailey

  2. , Departments of Anesthesia, Neurology, Cr, Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center, H, One Brookline Place, Suite 105, Brookline, 02445-7294, USA

    Carolyn Bernstein

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© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Silveira, S., Pulliam, S.J. (2013). Pelvic Floor Muscle Pain and Dysfunction. In: Bailey, A., Bernstein, C. (eds) Pain in Women. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7113-5_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7113-5_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-7112-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-7113-5

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