It is justified if you simply need to creep amid the bed during that time of the month. Yes, we are talking about the menstrual cycle. No matter since when you are getting your periods, you are never really prepared to handle it. Along with the mood swings and stomach ache, lower back pains are also common during this period. But you may think when the work is going on in the uterus why is the back hurting? ‘Referred pain’ is the pain which is not felt in the actual source but in other parts of the body. It is not only the PMS demons who is causing the pain. Primary dysmenorrhoea is the term to define this stage.
During the period the body releases hormones to expand the cervix and let the menstruation happen. The release of relaxin hormone weakens the joints of the pelvis which in turn makes it hard for the back to support our body weight. This is one of the reasons which causes the pain.
On the other hand, our body builds up a thick uterine lining to prepare a fertilized egg. In this situation, the uterus holds the contractions to break through the entangled nerves in the pelvic region. The author of She-ology, Sherry A. Ross says that – “Due to nerve fibres in the pelvis, you can perceive pain in another part of your body.”
Prostaglandins are the hormone that is released to get rid of the outer lining by uterine contraction. If the contraction is too strong, the pressure in the vessels can cut the oxygen supply to the muscles. This is the reason for the pain that generates in the abdomen and spreads to the lower back and even the thighs. The pain is completely normal but if it persists or keeps increasing with time, you must see a pain doctor as soon as possible. As endometriosis, fibroids in the uterus and pelvic inflammation also have similar symptoms.
Endometriosis is a stage when the endometrial tissue grows onto another organ. Such as ovary, bowel or the bladder. This condition can cause severe pain – especially during menstruation. Problems infertility may occur. Fortunately, the disease is treatable.
The dysmenorrhea pain is generally felt in the centre of the lower back. It begins a few days prior to the cycle and stays till a few days after it ends. So ladies, don’t worry because the common lower back pain treatment is easy with the following ways:
- It can easily be comforted with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs available. Ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen etc. are the common drugs available to treat inflammation and also works as a painkiller. Although these can show side effects of use for longer terms.
- Some home remedies can also do the trick such as placing a heating pad over the lower back. If you don’t have a hot pad you can also use a microwaved towel as an alternative. Don’t feel awkward because feeling lazy during the periods are common. Taking a steam bath may also act as a reliever. You can even custom make your heating pad by filling it with mustard seeds. But you have to keep in mind that the mustard pad cannot be kept more than 10 minutes.
- To help with the pain opting health becomes essential. The food must contain nutritional supplements rich in essential vitamins. For a healthy diet choose the unsaturated fats over the saturated one which is obtained from the animals. If you want to have dairy products go for the low-fat or fat-free ones. Deficiency of potassium, calcium, and magnesium leads to the cramps. At this time you should get all the vitamins you need.
- Excessive caffeine and salt must be avoided. Alcohol and smoking should not be encouraged during this time. Of course, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- It has been proven that women who exercise regularly experience fewer cramps and pains during menstruation. Yoga can bring fruitful results in treating the body ache. The last thing on your mind during this period should be exercising- but little effort made can make you feel lively again.
- Acupressure or acupuncture can also be considered as a treatment for dysmenorrhea. These days people prefer natural ways over the traditional medical treatment. The pressure made at certain points in the body activates the blood flow naturally and helps reduce the pain.
- A tightly made bed or the positions while sleeping also affects the frequency of muscle cramps and back pain. Thus during this time, loosen the sheets of the bed and blankets. Sleeping on your side with knees slightly bent can help to minimize the pain. Keeping the blankets loose will constrict the movements during sleep.
- You can consult a doctor and get the birth control pills to reduce the pain you are going through. These pills contain hormones that control the cycle. Hence taking them may help to reduce the pain.
- There are different herbs to treat the pain. The white willow bark is very effective for lower back pain. A certain dose of 240 mg is recommended. Another common kind of herb name Arnica can be found in gel, pill or lotion form. It is also helpful to ease muscle pain. Chamomile tea is considered to calm muscle contractions. Also, pineapple extracts are used to treat pain because of its inflammatory properties. Belladonna flower is also an effective natural remedy for treating menstrual problems.
- A good massage can also help in reducing the pain. Several aromatic oils containing terpenes like lavender oil, Clary sage oil, marjoram essential oil etc can cure the cramp pain. From the end of one period to the beginning of the other use the oil for regular massage. It will make the periods less painful. Just be sure to use the oils carefully in its diluted form.
In the past, we always had trouble explaining about the pain women go through during periods. We had no rights to talk in front of the world about the way we bleed every month. Fortunately, people are growing more and more aware and science has cleared many doubts on this topic. So, ladies, it’s no more a taboo, it’s simply nature doing a very important task.
Author Bio
Jessica is an avid reader who enjoys getting lost in the world of books. Holding on to her passion for fitness, she is also curious about unconventional medicine.