Causes of Severe Back Pain during Menstruation

Pain during menstruation is commonly known as cramps that can happen to women of all age groups. Usually, a menstruation cycle is accompanied by several medical conditions such as abdominal pain, bloating and headache though sometimes, women also suffer from severe back pain. Back pain generally appears at the beginning of periods and can last up to three or four days, delivering a serious setback for most women. Though a difficult situation to deal with, most back pain episodes subside without any treatment.

Causes of back pain during menstruation

Endometriosis:  This is referred to as a kind of reproductive abnormality that can cause back pain. The common characteristic of endometriosis is the beginning of pain two or three days before the beginning of the menstruation cycle. The pain is likely to elevate as one ages, making it more uncomfortable to tolerate.

Dysmenorrhoea:  Another major reason for severe back pain, dysmenorrhoea is a consequence of uterus contraction. There are several other factors that also contribute to dysmenorrhoea such as anxiety, stress, lack of exercises, ovarian cyst and pelvic inflammation. Prostaglandins, a hormone released by the body during periods to promote uterine contraction, also causes dysmenorrhoea. The pain may vary from mild to severe and can also hinder your movements.

Fibroids

One more reason for back pain during menstruation is fibroids, which are non-malignant tumours  that grow in and around the uterus. Sometimes, the fibroids are harmless causing no symptoms at all. Experts believe that back pain is a common symptom of uterine fibroids and intense pressure from a fibroid may also exaggerate normal back pain during menstruation.

Other causes of back pain

• Heavy periods in women is mostly escorted by diarrhoea, vomiting and headaches that can also cause lower back and severe the condition.
• Sometimes, the pain may be due to contraction of the uterus which pushes the broken wall through the vagina, exerting more pressure on the less used muscles.
• In some cases wherein the uterus is slightly out of the normal line, the woman may experience back pain.

Tips to reduce back pain

• Mild stretching exercises, walking and cycling is helpful in easing the back pain.
• Avoid the consumption of caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages and smoking.
• Maintain a healthful diet and keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Acupuncture is also known to relieve back pain during periods.
• Taking painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol during periods also helps in relieving pain.

While back pain is common during menstruation cycle, there are some conditions that cause severe pain and usually require medical care.