Period FAQs

why does my lower back hurt on my period

by Elna Morissette Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Lower back pain during your period is a common symptom of period-related conditions, such as PMS. The pain may be more severe with certain conditions like PMDD, dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea

Pain during menstruation.

, or endometriosis. Treatments for severe lower back period pain may include birth control, NSAIDs, alternative therapies, and surgery.

What Causes Low Back Pain During Menstruation? Low back pain during menstruation is typically muscular in nature and thought to be caused by hormone changes. Prostaglandins (hormones released during a menstrual cycle to promote uterine contraction to shed the uterine lining) can affect the lower back muscles.May 4, 2016

Full Answer

How to treat severe lower back pain during your period?

Tips to reduce painful cramping and low back pain:

  • Some women benefit from starting over-the-counter acetaminophen or anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, a couple of days prior to menstruation.
  • Exercise regularly. ...
  • Maintain a healthy diet and take nutritional supplements with vitamin B and magnesium
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Apply heat or take warm baths.

More items...

What causes lower back pain on your period?

What causes lower back pain during a period?

  • Primary dysmenorrhea. Many people experience lower back pain during a period. ...
  • Secondary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to back pain during a period because of a medical condition or injury.
  • Endometriosis. ...
  • Uterine fibroids. ...
  • Adenomyosis. ...
  • Back conditions and injuries. ...
  • Treatments and home remedies. ...
  • When to see a doctor. ...
  • Summary. ...

Why do you experience Butt pain during periods?

You may experience sharp pain in your butt during your period as a result of muscle contractions in the rectum.

What causes pain on both sides of lower back?

What are some common causes of lower back pain?

  • Arthritis of the Spine. Arthritis of the spine — the slow degeneration of the spinal joints — is the most frequent cause of lower back pain.
  • Back Injuries. A bad fall or a car accident can cause a lower back injury. ...
  • Herniated Discs. A herniated, or bulging, disc is a disc that has “spilled out” of its lining. ...

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Why does my back hurt so much on my period?

Back pain and lower pelvic pain during menstruation is very common. The culprit is prostaglandins. These are substances that the uterus makes that help the body heal from injury or stress. They also regulate contraction and relaxation of the muscles.

What helps lower back pain during period?

These remedies include:Heat. Using heating pads or hot water bottles can soothe the pain. ... Back massages. Rubbing the affected area can relieve the pain.Exercise. This could including gentle stretching, walking, or yoga.Sleep. ... Acupuncture. ... Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.

Where is period back pain located?

The pain experienced is typically located along the center portion of the low back. Back pain for most women will begin a few days prior to a menstrual cycle and usually subside after. The good news is that low back pain during menstruation is usually not serious and will subside for the most part.

Do you gain weight on period?

It's normal to gain about three to five pounds during your period. Generally, it will go away a few days after your period starts. Period-related weight gain is caused by hormonal fluctuations. It may be the result of water retention, overeating, sugar cravings, and skipping workouts due to cramps.

Where is endometriosis back pain?

Back pain isn't at all unusual with endometriosis. Endometrial cells can stick to your lower back, as well as the front of your pelvic cavity. This could explain why Connolly also experienced sciatic pain. Although back pain is a common occurrence, back pain related to endometriosis will be felt deep within your body.

What cause lower back pain in females?

Posture. Another common cause of lower back pain in women is poor posture. Poor posture puts unnecessary strain on the spine and muscles in the back, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Women are especially susceptible to poor posture due to factors such as wearing high heels or carrying heavy purses.

Why do I get sciatica when I have my period sometimes?

During each menstrual cycle, as the hormonal milieu of the body alters, the endometrial tissue in the sciatic nerve undergoes haemorrhage into the surrounding tissues causing a considerable inflammatory reaction.

How can I reduce prostaglandins during my period?

Some women find that eating anti-inflammatory foods, like cherries, blueberries, squash, tomatoes, almonds, dark leafy greens, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and bell peppers help. Drink chamomile tea. Chamomile is full of anti-inflammatory substances to help inhibit prostaglandins.

Why does my lower back hurt during my period?

Lower back pain during your period is totally common. It's caused by contractions in the uterus, which radiate through the web of nerves within your pelvic region.

What causes cramps in the back?

They could be a sign of endometriosis, fibroids in the uterus, pelvic inflammatory disease, or an infection. For simple cramps and back pain, most over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs will help do the trick, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What is referred pain?

The phenomenon is described as 'referred pain.'". "Referred pain" is pain felt in a part of the body other than its actual source. If you're just about to get your period, your uterus might be contracting in preparation for the upcoming activity.

Is it normal to have cramps in your lower back?

This is totally common and normal, and the pain can affect your thighs as well as your lower back. That said, if your cramps are debilitating or have gotten increasingly worse over time, you may want to talk to a doctor. They could be a sign of endometriosis,

Does ibuprofen help with pain?

Look for ibuprofen because it's meant for inflammation, giving it a bit more of an edge for pain relief over acetaminophen. We'd also recommend a hot shower/bath, a heating pad, and resting up on a couch. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups also help, but maybe that's just us. Advertisement.

Why does my lower back hurt during my period?

While some lower back pain is normal during your period, severe and constant lower back pain can indicate a more serious issue, such as endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition characterized by the displacement of uterine tissue outside of the uterus.

What is the pain in the lower back?

Lower back pain is a common symptom of PMS, a condition most women experience during menstruation. However, severe lower back pain may be a symptom of conditions like PMDD and dysmenorrhea. It may also be a symptom of a more serious condition called endometriosis.

How do you know if you have dysmenorrhea?

Symptoms of dysmenorrhea include: Period cramps from dys menorrhea can radiate throughout the entire lower and upper back. of more than 300 women aged 18 to 25, researchers found that more than 84 percent of them experienced primary dysmenorrhea. Of those 261 participants, 16 percent reported lower back pain.

How do you know if you have endometriosis?

Common symptoms of endometriosis include: chronic pelvic pain, especially during and after sex. pelvic pain outside of menstruation. heavy periods that may be longer in length. severe period pain, including lower back pain. Back pain from endometriosis might feel different than back pain from PMS, PMDD, or dysmenorrhea.

How to get rid of a swollen back?

Use heat. Apply a heating pad or water bottle filled with hot water to your lower back to ease the pain. Try to relax your back muscles, which can reduce pain as well.

What percentage of women have dysmenorrhea?

In one study of more than 300 women aged 18 to 25, researchers found that more than 84 percent of them experienced primary dysmenorrhea. Of those 261 participants, 16 percent reported lower back pain. The pain was reported as feeling like:

How long does acupuncture help with period pain?

In one smaller study, researchers found that 12 sessions of acupuncture were able to significantly reduce period pain for up to 1 year.

Why does my lower back hurt?

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. Last medically reviewed on March 25, 2019.

What causes lower back pain?

Endometriosis, for example, often causes lower back pain. There are a number of other underlying conditions that affect the abdomen and lower back, including: infections. growths. fibroids. other 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 ...

Why does my uterus contract during my period?

Usually people with primary dysmenorrhea experience pain when they first start menstruating. During menstruation, the uterus contracts in order to detach the tissue in the uterus lining.

What is the most common menstrual disorder?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that dysmenorrhea is the most commonly reported menstrual disorder. Roughly half of people who menstruate experience pain for at least one or two days per menstrual cycle. There are two kinds of period pain: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.

How do you know if you have endometriosis?

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.

What is the best medicine for back pain?

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.

What causes PID in women?

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.

Why does my back hurt during my period?

Back pain is an uncomfortable side effect of your period, but it’s pretty common. It’s typically caused by PMS or cramps , but it’s possible that something a little more serious is going on. If the pain doesn’t go away in a few days, contact a healthcare professional.

Why does my period hurt?

Irritability? Don’t even ask. Between the blood and the breakouts, your period can really be a pain in the neck. It can also be a pain in your lower back. Cramps are one of the most common reasons you might experience lower back pain during your period.

What is the pain in the lower back and pelvis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which your uterine lining grows outside your uterus (typically on your fallopian tubes or into your lower abdomen). This can cause severe pain in your pelvis and lower back. Other symptoms of endometriosis: digestive issues ( diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea)

What causes low back pain?

Adenomyosis. This is a condition in which the uterine lining grows into the uterine wall, which can cause low back pain. Other symptoms include pelvic pain or heaviness before your period, pain during sex, and pain while pooping.

What hormones help the uterus shed its lining?

Prostaglandins, which are similar to hormones, let your uterus know when it’s time to shed its lining. This leads to contractions that act like a uterine bouncer, pushing out all the tissue that has built up during your cycle.

Why do hormones stop ovulation?

Why? Because the hormones they provide can thin your uterine lining and even stop ovulation. That means less-intense contractions and less pain.

How to get rid of period pain?

It can also help you feel less stressed. For the best results, try to do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 times a week.

Why does my lower back hurt during my period?

Low back pain during menstruation is typically muscular in nature and thought to be caused by hormone changes . Prostaglandins (hormones released during a menstrual cycle to promote uterine contraction to shed the uterine lining) can affect the lower back muscles. An excess of prostaglandins causes dysmenorrheal or painful menstruation.

Where is the pain located during menstruation?

The pain experienced is typically located along the center portion of the low back. Back pain for most women will begin a few days prior to a menstrual cycle and usually subside after. The good news is that low back pain during menstruation is usually not serious and will subside for the most part. If this type of pain interferes with activities ...

What does it feel like to have a low back?

This low back pain can range from a subtle annoyance to debilitating pain during those days of the month.

How to reduce back pain and cramps?

TIPS TO REDUCE PAINFUL CRAMPING AND LOW BACK PAIN: Some women benefit from starting over the counter acetaminophen or anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, a couple days prior to menstruation. Exercise regularly.

How to get rid of cramps in back?

Studies show that women who exercise on a regular basis have less painful menstrual cramps and low back pain. Maintain a healthy diet and take nutritional supplements with vitamin B and magnesium. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Apply heat or take warm baths.

Why does my period hurt?

This pain -- called dysmenorrhea -- is caused by hormones called prostaglandins, which stimulate the uterus to contract. These contractions produce intermittent, cramping pain. Dysmenorrhea is usually felt in the lower part of the abdomen, but it may also occur in the lower back, hips or thighs.

Why does my lower back hurt?

When back ligaments relax, the lower back loses some of its natural support, which may result in pain. Fluid accumulation and abdominal bloating may also contribute to lower back pain.

What is the term for a set of symptoms that occurs before the start of a period?

Premenstrual Syndrome. PMS is a set of symptoms that occurs before the start of a menstrual period. When lower back pain occurs with PMS, it tends to be constant, not cramping. Other PMS symptoms may include tension or anxiety, depression, crying spells, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, headaches, fatigue, fluid accumulation, ...

What is it called when a woman has a period and has nausea?

Advertisement. When dysmenorrhea occurs as a natural part of a menstrual cycle, it is called primary dysmenorrhea. This type of dysmenorrhea usually begins soon after a girl starts menstruating and improves with age.

How long does it take for back pain to subside after a period?

PMS symptoms, including back pain, often begin several days before a period and typically subside within the first few hours after the period starts. The exact cause of PMS is unknown, but hormonal changes in the days leading up to a period likely play a key role.

What to do if your back hurts before your period?

See your doctor if back pain before your period interferes with your life or is not controlled by simple measures, such as over-the-counter pain medications or a heating pad. Also seek medical attention if there is a significant change from your regular pattern of pain or if you have symptoms of possible endometriosis.

Can endometrial bleeding cause pain?

This bleeding can irritate the surrounding area, causing pain. Symptoms depend to a large extent on where the endometrial tissue is located. Pain in the lower back or lower abdomen is common. This pain usually occurs before or during a period -- producing secondary dysmenorrhea -- but it may persist between periods as well.

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