Vulvodynia related to spine

[mabg]

I was recently diagnosed with vulvodynia by my gynecologist, after other diagnoses for vaginal pain.  Then, I had a screening by a chiropractor that said my L1 disc was not right and that this could be affecting various organs including my vagina.  Does anyone know of any research connecting these two thing?  Has anyone been through a similar situation and can offer advice?  Thanks!

[MCNP]

Recently a doctor tried to inject cortisone in my spine at L1 - L2 to treat my thigh pain & weakness.  In the process he encountered problems (stenosis) & pain shot through my left labia like a strong electric current.  He immediately stopped & performed the injection at S1 - L1 instead.  I'm retired now but used to be an adult nurse practitioner.  I also use chiropractic adjustments to help my back.  I definitely believe that vulvar pain can come from the spine in some cases.  Good luck!  I hope your pain has been resolved.

[Zedok]

Good morning,
I have just seen an interesting case in my monrning chiropractic clinic. A 23 year old female presented with vulvadynia which started 8 months before. Investigations with various specialists (including a vluvar biopsy) were inconclusive. She was told by an acupunturist that her problem might be coming from her back and she decided to explore that possibility.
Although I agreed to examine her, I doubted there could be a direct link. The interesting part is that palpation of the lower spine reproduced the vulvar pain. I have referred the patient for a lumbar and pelvic MRI and will report back to this forum once I receive the results.
Best wishes,
G

[lisa_r]

Your chiropractor may have been talking about either the ilioinguinal nerve or the genitofemoral nerve. Both of those come out near L1, and both can affect the vaginal area. Please ask your doctors about these nerves; perhaps if they thoroughly check that L1-L2 area (MRI?), they can further characterize the abnormality that the chiropractor found and see if it relates. Contrary to what other posters have said, it is possible.
I've been through a lot with my spine, chronic pain that increased for years without relief, without answers, without help from doctors. Finally was diagnosed, had big surgery, am doing better now. It was a different problem than yours, but I have empathy, having suffered with chronic pain for many years before getting answers. I currently have a daughter with a mysterious chronic pain problem, and was just reading about the nerves listed above. I don't have answers yet for her, but I'd be glad if my research for her problem ends up helping you. Good luck!

[Zedok]

Good evening,

Here is an update on my previous post.

There were no significant findings on the lumbar and pelvic MRI scan notwithstanding a tiny cyst seen posterior to the right lateral aspect of the vagina unlikely to be of any clinical significance.  We therefore proceeded with manual therapy to the lumbar spine.  After four treatments, the patient reported a decrease in symptoms from 8/10 to 2/10 on a visual analogue pain scale with the occasional period of total absence of vulvodynia. This is quite an interesting development and we will continue care for an additional four treatments before reassessing the management plan.

Although, the patient reported a significant decrease in symptoms, one must be cautious in attributing the changes solely to manual therapy. Other factors occurring during this period could just as well have produced the change or contributed to the improvement of symptoms (ex.: natural history, psychosocial factors, etc). Nonetheless, the patient is reporting an improvement in a relatively short time and at the end of the day, this really is what matters.
We will definitely write a case report and submit the manuscript for publication.

I would give a word of caution to women suffering from vulvodynia seeking help from a chiropractor: if in your case there appears to be a link between the lumbar spine and your symptoms, manual therapy may help but be wary of chiropractors suggesting a long course of treatment. A trial of less than six treatments should be sufficient to determine if manual therapy is a solution for you.

Regards,
Z

[sarah513]

I also have Volvodynia, its awful. I have delt with it for over 2 years now and had to find it with the help of an old friend that is a retired nurse, she pointed me in the right direction and I researched it on line, I took the info to my doctor and he sent me to a Volvodynia clinic that they opened in town.  I was diagnosed.  They say that they do not know the cause or a cure but tried to put me on a medication to help, the side effects sounded terrible so I passed and took a natural route, I researched and found that Magnesium and B vitamins are very helpful, it stopped the burning after 2 days and I have not had the burning in 2 months. I hope this helps. I also stumbled across by accident a class action suite against Leviquin, My problems started after taking leviquin a few years ago, I'm wondering it this is what caused it, the suite is over nerve damage.  You may want to check into it.

[francesmharris123]

I will try the magnesium and B vitamins. I have been to 10 doctors and today my GYN said no medications have worked so far so we need to go in another direction. He told me to get an inversion table to stretch out my back because I may have spinal stenosis. I was so disappointed. I am post menopausal and got the pain in my vulva 4 years ago. I am lost. Where do you live and what is the name of the Vulvodynia clinic. I will take medications but I will not have an operation because at this point I don’t have much faith in doctors but I will try anything other than surgery.

[jojoga]

Really? I have this conditon too, I've never heard any diet connection, but have wondered about it. I don't think my diet is high in oxalates, but I will have to look into it.
Thanks for posting this info!

I have some lower back pain from time to time...but have don't think it's related to the Volvodynia. I just wish I could get rid of the Volvodynia!!! I have had it for about 5 years or so and finally found a doc that is taking it seriously and treating me with Neurontin.
Have you taken it or other meds for it?
Thanks

[francesmharris123]

I have Vulvodynia and have had it for 5 years. I understand your pain. How much pain do you have since you are taking neurotin. Are you younger? I am post menopausal and don’t Have as much estrogen as I use to. My pain started post menopause. Today my GYN said I need to get another MRI. Then he said I needed to use my husband’s inversion table to see if that helps. He said possibly the vulvar pain is due to spinal stenosis.  I was hoping he would give me more estrogen. I guess people of all ages can get Vulvodynia. Thanks for what you wrote.

[azbyc]

I was reading about vulvadynia and it's caused by high oxalates in the diet.
You should switch to a low oxalyte diet.

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community.  The members are here to provide assistance and support to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the cervical and/or lumbar spine.  The advice given is non-professional and is primarily based on personal experiences.

Volvodynia is primarily a disorder that is confined to the genital area and surrounding parts such as the perineum and pelvic floor.  It is considered to be a neuromuscular disorder and does not appear to be related to any conditions of the spine.  The severity of the volvodynia could be increased by activities which put more pressure on these areas, such as prolonged sitting, bicycle riding, etc.  
Your L1 disc is much higher up on your vertebral column.  If you were experiencing pain or the chiropractor had informed you of abnormalities of your lower level lumbar discs or the sacrum and coccyx, it might be related, but I do not know of any clinical studies that have shown any connection.
Your post indicates that you had a "screening" by a chiropractor.  Did you seek this screening due to any symptoms of low back pain?  Was the screening offered as part of a Health Fair?
Keep in mind that our spines age along with us and simple wear and tear as we age can produce changes in the discs themselves or affect the normal curvature of the spine, which can be assessed easily and does not require radiologic testing to provide a provisional diagnosis.  That being said, all of us generally have some degree of changes in our spines, but the symptoms of spine disorders in the lumbar area usually include low back pain, radiation of pain down the leg and associated tingling and numbness of the leg/foot.  I do not see a direct relationship with your vagina, but perhaps a followup examination with your doctor (in treating your vulvodynia), can explore this in more depth.
Best wishes ----