Many women experience lower back pain before the start of menstruation due to hormonal changes or specific health conditions, a common symptom that requires understanding its causes and management.
Causes of Menstrual-Related Lower Back Pain
Several factors can lead to the appearance of this discomfort in the period preceding the flow, most notably:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A condition whose symptoms usually appear a week before the period and last until it begins, including backaches, headaches, and mood swings.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A more severe version of the previous syndrome, where symptoms are intense enough to hinder a woman’s ability to perform daily tasks.
- Dysmenorrhea: Divided into primary, resulting from increased uterine contractions, and secondary, due to diseases affecting the reproductive organs.
- Endometriosis: The growth of uterine lining tissue in areas outside the uterus, such as the pelvis, lower back, and ovaries.
- Other Uterine Issues: Such as uterine fibroids (non-cancerous cell growth) or adenomyosis, where lining tissue transforms into the uterine muscles.
Accompanying Symptoms and Other Effects
This discomfort may not appear alone; it may be accompanied by other signs such as:
- Abdominal bloating and fluid retention in the body.
- Digestive disturbances such as diarrhea or constipation.
- Psychological symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
- Joint and head pain.
Options for Treating Lower Back Pain
Methods to alleviate these pains vary based on their severity and cause:
Natural and Home Solutions
- Using warm or cold compresses on the affected area.
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation.
- Back massage and committing to rest and avoiding strenuous effort.
Pharmacological Interventions
- Pain relievers such as paracetamol, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
- Contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone.
- Specialized medications such as antispasmodics (gabapentin), certain antidepressants (duloxetine), or muscle relaxants (baclofen).
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation at the site of pain.
Surgical Procedures
In certain cases such as endometriosis, doctors may resort to procedures such as endometrial ablation or a total hysterectomy.
General Tips for Prevention and Relief
To reduce the likelihood of recurring pain, it is recommended to follow the following:
- Engage in regular physical activity such as walking and cycling.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spinal column.
- Pay attention to correct posture while sitting and walking.
- Stop smoking to reduce the risk of spinal diseases.
FAQ
What causes lower back pain in women?
It may be due to causes related to the menstrual cycle, such as premenstrual syndrome, or other causes such as pregnancy, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, or sciatica.
How is lower back pain treated?
Treatment includes using analgesics, warm compresses, massage, and stretching exercises. In pathological cases, the underlying cause is treated under medical supervision.
What causes lower back pain during pregnancy?
It results from a shift in the body’s center of gravity, weight gain, and hormonal changes that cause ligament laxity, in addition to the fetus pressing on the nerves.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should visit a doctor immediately if warning signs appear, such as:
- Sudden and severe pain in the back and abdomen.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or the passage of blood clots.
- Fever and chills accompanying back pain.
- Severe burning during urination or the presence of blood in the urine.
- Numbness and weakness in the legs.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation.
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Photo: UNIMASimage, BY 2.0, via flickr.com
approved by: Medica Health team