Recently, I worked with a male client experiencing testicular and urethral pain. During our session, I noticed stiffness in his spine. After performing manual therapy and introducing some targeted exercises, his testicular pain significantly decreased. Let’s explore the connection between the spine and men’s pelvic pain and how we address it with a whole body approach at Pelvic Path.
The Anatomy Connection
The testicular area receives sensory input from nerves originating in the thoracolumbar junction (TLJ)—where the mid-back meets the low back. When the TLJ is stiff or restricted, it can refer pain to the testicles.
Improving Spinal Mobility
To assess my client, I had him perform simple movements like cat/camel and prone press-ups (like the camel yoga stretch), which revealed limited mobility. He also reported feeling stiffness in his back. By manually testing each spinal joint, I identified reduced mobility in the TLJ. I performed joint mobilizations to address the stiffness and then introduced two range-of-motion exercises. These exercises helped him maintain the new mobility—because if you don’t use it, you lose it!
A Whole Body Approach
Beyond improving mobility, preventing stiffness is equally important. My client sits at a desk for long hours, which can worsen joint stiffness. We discussed desk ergonomics to optimize his posture and set reminders to stand up and move around every hour.
Summary
This example highlights how we take a holistic approach to men’s pelvic pain, focusing on the spine’s role in testicular and urethral discomfort. However, other areas of the body may also contribute to pelvic pain. By addressing the whole body, we help our male clients move and feel better.
Curious about how we can help you? Schedule a free consultation to learn more!
Photo credit: Integrative Pelvic Care (IPC)
