How To Relieve Back Pain During Periods
Secondary dysmenorrhea – Secondary dysmenorrhea often starts later in life. The pain is caused or exacerbated by physical issues other than cramps. That said, prostaglandins can still play a role in increasing the pain levels of those with secondary dysmenorrhea.
infectionsgrowthsfibroidsother conditions that affect the reproductive organs
If your lower back pain is severe, it’s best to see a doctor to determine whether you have an underlying condition. If you have dysmenorrhea, you might experience a range of other symptoms along with back pain. These symptoms include:
stomach cramps and painfatiguediarrhea, nausea, and vomitingleg painheadachesfainting
Endometriosis is a common cause of lower back pain during menstruation. In addition to those listed above, symptoms of endometriosis include:
extreme pain during your periodpain during sexheavy bleeding during your periodinfertilityfaintingdifficulty with bowel movements
It’s important to remember that endometriosis can also have very few or no noticeable symptoms. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can also cause lower back pain, has the following symptoms in addition to dysmenorrhea:
feverpain during sex and urinationirregular bleedingfoul-smelling discharge or an increased amount of dischargefatigue vomitingfainting
PID is often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. The bacteria from the infection can spread into the reproductive organs. It can also be caused by tampon use. If you think you have an STI or PID, contact your doctor. There are a number of underlying conditions that could contribute to back pain during your period. These include:
Endometriosis. A condition where the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, is found outside of the uterus. Adenomyosis. A condition where the lining of the uterus grows into the uterus muscles. PID. An infection caused by bacteria that starts in the uterus and spreads. Uterine fibroids. These are benign tumors. Abnormal pregnancy. This includes ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage.
If you suspect you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor. To diagnose these conditions, or to discover the cause, you might need to undergo a number of different tests. These can include:
a pelvic examan ultrasoundan MRI, which takes an image of the internal organs laparoscopy, which involves inserting a thin tube with a lens and light into the abdominal wall. This allows the healthcare provider to find abdominal growths in the pelvic and abdominal area. hysteroscopy, which involves inserting a viewing instrument through the vagina and into the cervical canal. This is used to view the inside of the uterus.
Lower back pain can be very painful for many people who experience it. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies that reduce back pain. These remedies include:
Heat. Using heating pads or hot water bottles can soothe the pain. Hot showers and baths can have the same effect. Back massages. Rubbing the affected area can relieve the pain. Exercise. This could including gentle stretching, walking, or yoga. Sleep. Try resting in a position that eases lower back pain, Acupuncture. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has found that acupuncture can be moderately effective at treating lower back pain. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking. These can worsen painful periods.
Depending on the exact cause of your lower back pain, your doctor might prescribe certain treatments. These include:
Birth control pills, particularly those that contain estrogen and progestin, can reduce pain. These include the pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring. Progesterone, which also reduces pain.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, soothe pain by reducing the amount of prostaglandins made by the body.
If lower back pain is caused by endometriosis, medication might be an option. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists can help reduce the pain. It might also be necessary to have certain procedures. These include:
Endometrial ablation. A procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus, Endometrial resection. The lining of the uterus is removed. Laparoscopy. This allows the healthcare provider to see and remove endometrial tissue. Hysterectomy. This is a surgery to remove the uterus,
If you have very severe lower back pain that directly affects your quality of life, it’s best to see a healthcare provider. It’s also a good idea to contact your doctor if you suspect you have endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or dysmenorrhea.
- If you tend to experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms during your period, it could indicate there’s an underlying cause.
- Menstruation can cause lower back pain.
- This lower back pain might be particularly severe if you have a health condition such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids.
If your symptoms are severe, it’s best to talk to a doctor. They can help you figure out the cause and treat your pain.
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How can I stop my period back pain at home?
Many people report having abdominal or pelvic pain at the beginning of their menstrual cycle. In some cases, home remedies can help provide relief from menstrual cramps. During a period, the uterus contracts to squeeze the lining away from the uterine wall and allow it to exit the body through the vagina.
These contractions can cause pain or discomfort. Many people refer to them as cramps. During menstruation, most people experience cramps in the lower abdomen, although the pain can also radiate to the lower back, groin, or upper thighs. Menstrual cramps tend to be worst at the beginning of a period and become less uncomfortable as the days go on.
Many home remedies can help relieve menstrual cramps, including the following: Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad against the abdomen can relax the muscles and relieve cramps. Heat helps the uterine muscle and those around it relax, which may ease cramping and discomfort.
A person can also place a heating pad on the lower back to get rid of back pain, Another option is to soak in a warm bath, which can help relax the muscles in the abdomen, back, and legs. Read about five heating pads to consider here. Although exercise might be the last thing many people feel like doing when they have cramps, it may provide pain relief.
Strenuous exercise might not be beneficial if a person is in pain, but gentle stretching, going for a walk, or doing yoga may help. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are nature’s natural pain relievers. A Taiwanese study found that 12 weeks of twice-weekly yoga classes reduced menstrual cramps in study participants.
Learn more about some of the top workout mats here. An orgasm may help alleviate menstrual cramps. During orgasm, the uterus contracts but then releases. This may help lessen the impact of menstrual contractions. Like exercise, having an orgasm also releases endorphins and other hormones that relieve pain, helping a person feel good.
Learn more about sex during menstruation here. Research has shown that acupuncture can relieve menstrual cramps. This treatment may reduce inflammation, in addition to releasing endorphins and helping people relax. A person is more likely to benefit from an ongoing course of acupuncture than a single session.
- Making some changes to the diet may reduce menstrual cramping.
- Eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins, and whole grains helps the body stay healthy.
- Shop for omega-3 supplements here.
- Increasing the intake of fluids will help the body stay hydrated.
- Dehydration is a common cause of muscle cramps.
Herbal teas are warm and soothing, and in some cases, the herbs themselves can be beneficial as well. Some manufacturers suggest that specific teas, such as chamomile, dandelion, red raspberry, and fennel teas, provide relief from menstrual cramps. However, there is little evidence to support this.
Shop 10 of the best teas for menopause symptoms here. Hormonal changes that affect a person’s digestive tract can cause menstrual cramps. Short-term dietary changes can often alleviate these symptoms. Prioritizing a diet rich in fiber and low in oils and refined sugars can help improve digestion and lessen abdominal discomfort.
Learn more about how periods affect the digestive system. If natural home remedies do not relieve pain, a person can try using an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These medications can relieve inflammation, pain, and menstrual cramps.
- It is essential to follow the dosage directions on the bottle and speak with a doctor if the recommended dose is insufficient to relieve menstrual cramps.
- During menstruation, the muscular walls of the womb contract and relax to help the womb shed its internal lining.
- This results in discomfort that can range from mild to severe in some people.
These pains typically last 48–72 hours and may become milder as a person grows older. Learn more about menstrual cramps here. A person may wish to speak with a doctor if home remedies do not help reduce cramps or if they are experiencing very severe cramping.
very heavy bleeding cramps that get worse over time or with agesevere pain or discomfortcramps that interfere with daily life
These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition, for which a doctor will be able to suggest an effective treatment. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home remedies for menstrual cramps.
How should I sit with period back pain?
When sitting in a chair – Doctor of physical therapy Laurence Agénor specializes in orthopedics, pelvic health, and dance medicine. She recommends using a lumbar support pillow on your chair to decrease low-back pressure. Keeping your spine as neutral as possible is key, according to Agénor.
What position stops period pains?
What sleeping position is best for period pain? – Sleeping in the foetal position can help ease cramps and period pain, by reducing pressure on the abdominal muscles. Sleeping on your back or on your side, such as in the recovery position can also be helpful. However, sleeping your stomach is not recommended.
Does ice help period back pain?
Apply Heat or Cold Therapy for Menstrual Cramps Relief – Cramps can wreak havoc on your abdomen and even your lower back. The right heating pad or hot water bottle can alleviate period pain and make things that little bit more bearable. Heat is known to ease the contraction of the muscles and increase blood flow.
Is standing better for period cramps?
Here are 6 yoga poses that can help you reducing the pain you experience due to menstrual cramps: – 1. Child’s pose Child pose is an extremely relaxing pose which can help to relieve the menstrual pains, It is one of the most active poses with any yoga exercise. Child pose helps in the alignment on your back Photo Credit: iStock Also read: International Yoga Day 2018: Top Ways Yoga Can Help You Have Flawless Skin 2. Reclining twist pose The reclining twist is supposed to stimulate, detox and sooth the body. For this pose, start by laying down on your back with your arms stretched outwards beside your body.
Now pull one leg over and across your body. Slightly bend your knee to avoid any muscle tension. Then bend your body slightly towards the bent leg while keeping your arm stretched out in the same position as it was. Look towards your arm opposite to the leg.3. Knees-to-chest pose The knees-to-chest pose is also helpful when it comes to menstrual cramps.
This pose can help you relax the muscle in your lower back region and the abdominal muscles. To practice this pose, you can lie on your back and pull your knees together towards your abdominal region. The knees-to-chest pose can also increase blood flow in your abdominal region. The knees-to-chest pose decreases pain in the lower back 4. The camel pose The camel pose might get a little difficult to perform during your periods. But it is extremely helpful when it comes to ease menstrual cramps. A little strength and flexibility is required to perform the camel pose.
For the camel pose, you should start with sitting on your knees with your back completely straight. Then stretch towards your back and try to hold your heels. You might use a chair or some form of back support for maintaining balance. The camel pose causes stretching in your abdominal region. The pull in your stomach signals your uterine muscles which brings an end to the contractions, thus easing the menstrual cramps.
The camel pose also stretches the spine which relieves mild lower back pain. Also read: 5 Best Yoga Asanas To Prevent Hair Fall 5. Forward fold It may be difficult getting up from your bed during your periods. But it is important to do so. Staying continuously in the bed can make your muscles stiff.
- Standing up can ease the blood circulation your body.
- For the forward fold pose, you need to stand up and bend your upper body towards your toes.
- You can hold your elbows by your hands.6.
- Resting corpse pose More commonly known as the shav asana, the resting corpse pose is the most relaxing pose.
- It is usually performed at the end of all yoga exercises.
Even though the resting corpse pose the simplest form of yoga, it has a lot of benefits. This pose requires you to lie down comfortable on your back without causing any twist and turns to your body. The resting corpse pose relaxes your body and mind. It evens your breathing and helps your mind get distracted from the menstrual pain thus, relieving you of the menstrual cramps, A simple resting corpse pose can relax your body and calm your mind Photo Credit: iStock Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Is it good to sleep without a pillow?
Side sleepers – Side sleepers should choose a firm pillow with extra depth to help support the head and bridge the distance between the ear and the shoulder. Sleeping with a pillow between the knees can also help align the spine more effectively. Learn more about side sleeping here. General tips to improve sleep include:
waking up and going to sleep at the same time every day, including at weekendshaving a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as having a warm bath or reading a bookavoiding napping during the dayexercising dailymaking sure that the bedroom is cool, quiet, and darkusing a comfortable mattressavoiding cigarettes and alcohol avoiding heavy meals before bedtime
Learn more tips for improving sleep here. Sleeping without a pillow may help some people who sleep on their front. It can help keep the spine and the neck in alignment during sleep, easing neck and back pain. It is not a good idea for everyone, though. People who sleep on their back or side might find that sleeping without a pillow causes neck or back pain.
Shop for memory foam pillows. Shop for thin pillows. Shop for body pillows.