In early 2006, I was diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or prostatodynia. The diagnosis was just a label without a cause, a hope of treatment, or a cure. I had continual, sometimes intense pain in my thighs, hips, pelvic floor, genitals, buttocks, and low back, and I had a urinary dribbling problem. I could not sit in a car for more than 10 or 20 minutes. I rode the bus standing up. At work, I propped my keyboard and mouse atop printer toner boxes so I didn't have to sit.

Now, I'm relatively pain free and have no urological annoyances. When pain does flare up, I'm confident that I now have the tools to deal with it.  Like every case of chronic pain, mine is unique, but I'm also pretty sure that I am not entirely atypical.  So, it's likely that others who have chronic pain might be able to benefit from my experience.  If you suffer from chronic pain, I hope that something that has helped me will also help you.  Here is what I would recommend to treat chronic pelvic pain.

First, See Your Doctor

Then, Begin the Primary Therapies

Self-Administered Trigger Point Massage

Meditation and Mindfulness

Movement Therapy and Ergonomics

Finally, Explore Other Helpful Tools

Physical Therapy

Release-Oriented Stretching

Muscle Activation Exercises

Professional Massage

Tai Chi and Yoga

Pain-Relieving Therapies

Social, Emotional and Spiritual Support

Dental Examination

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Clinics

Links

Credits