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From the Department of Women's and Child Health, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A. T. Still University, Kirksville, Mo.
Address correspondence to Melicien A. Tettambel, DO, FAAO, FACOOG, Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine of A. T. Still University of Health Sciences, 800 W Jefferson St, Kirksville, MO 63501-1443. E-mail: mtettambel{at}atsu.edu
Chronic pelvic pain is a common gynecologic complaint, affecting about 5% of American women. The differential diagnosis is broad, including many medical diseases, surgical indications, musculoskeletal problems, and somatic dysfunction. Women are more affected than men by pelvic pain because their bodies are subject to more changes. These changes include a cyclic hormonal milieu, major alterations in biomechanics during pregnancy, psychosocial stress, and other modifications during childrearing, and more adjustments during menopause. Both medical and surgical approaches to management exist, but integrative modes of therapy address the body-mind-spirit continuum. Osteopathic manipulative treatment is a valuable option for many affected women from childbirth to menopause.
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