Back pain with menstruation is a very common symptom. Painful menstruation, or dysmenorrhea, affects most women of childbearing age. Primary dysmenorrhea is the term for painful menstruation without an underlying cause. In contrast, secondary dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe painful menstruation attributable to an underlying health problem. Back pain, especially in the lower back, can be a symptom of both of these types of painful menstruation.
Menstrual Back Pain in the Absence of an Underlying Problem
Back pain occurring during menstruation in the absence of an underlying problem is a symptom of primary dysmenorrhea. According to MedlinePlus, it is believed chemicals called prostaglandins trigger menstrual pain, which is often felt in the back and lower abdomen. When the uterine lining, or endometrium, is shed during menstruation, prostaglandins are released. These chemicals play a part in smooth muscle contraction and help to trigger inflammation and pain. The back pain of primary dysmenorrhea usually starts a few days before menstruation and can continue through the first day or so of a woman's cycle.
Menstrual Back Pain Related to an Underlying Problem
Back pain during menstruation can sometimes be a symptom of secondary dysmenorrhea, which refers to painful menstruation due to an underlying cause. The character, intensity and duration of back pain in these cases can vary depending on the underlying problem. Some instances of back pain in secondary dysmenorrhea feel no different than normal menstrual backache, some are much more pronounced and even debilitating. On the other hand, some women with underlying gynecological problems do not feel back pain at all.
Endometriosis and Menstrual Back Pain
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder in which endometrial cells, the same cells which make up the lining of the uterus, implant and grow in other parts of the body. The abnormal growths typically appear on the structures and organs of the pelvis; the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and parts of the bowel are common sites. Back pain is a common symptom of endometriosis and discomfort usually intensifies during menstruation as abnormal endometrial growths are influenced by shifting hormones.
Fibroids and Menstrual Back Pain
Back pain during menstruation can be caused by fibroids, which are noncancerous tumors that can grow in and around the uterus. Most fibroids are harmless and some women experience no symptoms at all. FamilyDoctor.org explains explains that back pain is a common symptom of uterine fibroids. Pressure from a fibroid may also exacerbate normal back pain felt during menstruation.
Remedies for Back Pain During Menstruation
Discomfort is only temporary for most women suffering back pain during menstruation. Pain is often worst in the lower back and precedes the start of menstruation by a few days. Until it resolves, there are strategies for coping and remedies which are easily found. Applying a warm pack, heating pad or soaking in a tub of warm water can bring relief to most menstrual back pain. Massage also helps to relax sensitive tissue. Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen are easy to obtain, relatively inexpensive and tolerated well by most people. It is a good idea to check with a doctor before taking ibuprofen or any over-the-counter medicine.
