Back Pain And The Menstrual Cycle

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Many women of a certain age can attest to the agony of back pain that accompanies their menstrual cycle. The pain is generally centered along the lower back and accompanies other discomfort associated with the menstrual cycle such as abdominal cramps, dizziness and headaches. The causes for back pain during the menstrual cycle include:

- Hormonal changes taking place during the menses. It is believed that the hormone, prostaglandin which is responsible for abdominal cramps during the menses is also responsible for lower back aches as well.

- Endometriosis is another cause of back pain during the menstrual cycle. Back pain associated with this condition tends to get worse with age.

- Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID): This refers to an infection or inflammation of the womans pelvic region. There are many causes, but one of the symptoms can be low back pain which becomes worse during the menses.

- Use of Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Some IUDs cause discomfort during the menses. Changing to another form of birth control can help.

- Little or no exercise: lack of physical activity can have a slowly ...
... deteriorating effect on overall health. Pain is just one of the areas that can be positively impacted by improving activity levels.

The back pain normally starts a few days before the menses begins and slows as it ends. Unfortunately, for a few women, this pain can be disabling, making it almost impossible to perform normal routines.

Treatment of Back Pain during the Menses

Many back pain treatments work well to control pain during the menses. Taking OTC (over-the-counter) painkillers is enough for some women. Others may need something stronger, which is normally prescribed by their doctor. Birth control pills can also be used as a means of helping with pain that accompanies the menses, including back pain.

Cold and hot compresses applied to the lower back also bring relief to some sufferers. Spinal manipulation by a chiropractor can also help to minimize back pain.

Stretches also work for some women suffering from back pain. Stretches are good for relaxing sore muscles. As such, certain stretches will alleviate some types of menstrual related back pain. Some persons also swear by the benefits of alternative medicine in helping with this problem. Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a means of relieving pain in the back and other parts of the body.

Proper diet also has a positive impact on back pain during the menses. Some nutrients such as magnesium and Vitamin B complexes help with hormone regulation. Having enough of these nutrients can help bring relief to women with menstruation back pain.

Water therapy also helps with this type of menstrual discomfort. This basically requires drinking more water every day. Most persons do not drink the recommended 8 glasses required for optimum health. Water helps to flush toxins from the system.

Regular exercise can help to strengthen muscles and improve the bodys response to pain. It has been found that many women who are physically active have less severe menstrual cycles.