Pain
Our team leads the field in the treatment of pelvic pain, including menstrual pains, and we help many women with lower back or stomach discomfort, headaches and more. Discomfort may arise from your uterus and ovaries, from your bowel, it may stem from your muscles, ligaments or bones. It may be influenced by your hormones, and there may be a strong emotional component. When we diagnose and treat your pain, we’ll take a bird’s eye view of your needs.
You begin by meeting your medical consultant , to discuss your symptoms and for an examination.
Medical diagnostic tests include ultrasound scans, which are useful to detect endometriosis, fibroids, and to monitor ovarian activity and breast tissue. MRI and x-rays may also be used.
Less commonly surgical tests are needed, e.g. hysteroscopy and laparoscopy to visualise the pelvic organs, or gastroscopy and colonoscopy for bowel investigations.
Blood and stool analysis, infection and allergy checks are useful to exclude other causes of pain such as infection, allergy or bowel inflammation.
Complementary therapists are highly trained and they often provide a further hlepful assessment of the reasons for your pain. This may be useful when you are deciding on treatment.
Medical treatment depends on the cause and extent of your pain. You may consider analgesics (pain relievers) or other medication specific to the cause and to your needs. Surgical treatment is only needed when there are conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis or adhesions. The latest surgical techniques are minimally invasive and we offer you support to help a speedy recovery.
Complementary therapies often help to relieve pain and address the root cause. Osteopathy is particularly powerful to reduce muscle and ligament tension and to relax spasm in the uterus, bowel and bladder. Acupuncture and homeopathy can have immensley benificial effects on bowel or ovary function, energy and emotions. Your doctor will help you if you would like guidance about what might suit you.
A lifestyle approach is incredibly effective for many women. Exercise, pilates and yoga are examples of techniques that build core muscle strength. Stomach, bowel and ovarian pain often responds to changes in eating habits - you may want to visit a nutritionist for personal advice. Stopping alcohol and nicotine and increasing rest and relaxation can be amazingly effective.
Pain often has an emotional element and Viveka's 'Emo' team includes a highly experienced personal and family therapist, a hypnotherapist, a psychotherapist and a life coach. Pain can reflect or be exacerbated by feelings of pressure, anxiety, anger, sadness or fear, or relationship difficulties. Our team has a reputation for helping women to identify where emotions and discomfort are linked, and to learn to deal effectively with pain when it arises, using medical support where appropriate.
