Why My back pain when in period
Many individuals are curious if back discomfort might occur during your period.
Lower back pain brought on by menstruation may worsen if an underlying ailment is the source of the pain.
One of the signs of dysmenorrhea, the name for especially painful periods, is lower back pain.
Causes
Several distinct factors can contribute to pain during menstruation, including lower back pain.
Dysmenorrhea, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, is the most frequently reported menstruation disorder. In almost half of those who menstruate, pain lasts at least one or two days per cycle.
Primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea are the two types of period pain.
Primary dysmenorrhea
Cramping is the primary cause of dysmenorrhea. Pain is frequently present when persons with primary dysmenorrhea begin their period.
The uterus contracts during menstruation in order to separate the tissue that lines the uterus. The uterus muscles contract more as a result of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers with hormone-like properties.
More pain results from higher prostaglandin levels.
dependable source Stomach cramps may result from these contractions. In addition to stomach pains, lower back pain that travels down the legs is possible.
Secondary dysmenorrhea
Secondary dysmenorrhea frequently develops in later life. Other bodily problems than cramping are the source of the pain or make it worse.
Despite this, prostaglandins might still contribute to secondary dysmenorrhea sufferers experiencing more pain. Lower back pain is a common symptom of endometriosis, for instance.
Other underlying disorders that influence the lower back and abdomen include the following:
- infections
- growths
- fibroids
many ailments that impact the reproductive system
To find out if you have an underlying disease, it is important to see a doctor if your lower back discomfort is severe.
Other Symptoms
If you have dysmenorrhea, you might experience a range of other symptoms along with back pain. These symptoms include:
- stomach cramps and pain
- fatigue
- diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- leg pain
- headaches
- fainting
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 period
- pain during sex
- heavy bleeding during your period
- infertility
- fainting
- difficulty 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:
- fever
- pain during sex and urination
- irregular bleeding
- foul-smelling discharge or an increased amount of discharge
- fatigue
- vomiting
- fainting
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.
Underlying Condition
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 exam
- an ultrasound
- an 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.
Home Treatment
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 StrokeTrusted Source has found that acupuncture can be moderately effective at treating lower back pain.
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking
Treatment
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.
When To See The Doctor
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.
Note
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.