From abdominal cramps to breast soreness and headaches, Aunt Flo’s monthly visit is literally a pain in…well, the entire body! While navigating through shark week is an ordeal, some of us also have to deal with period back pain. According to a study published in the journal Industrial Health, around three-fourth of menstruating women suffer from lower back pain during periods. If you happen to be one of them, we’re here for you. Here’s everything you need to know about why it occurs and how to manage period back pain:
Reasons Behind Period Back Pain
Wondering why your lower back hurts while you’re menstruating? Well, period back pain can be caused due to a variety of factors. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of this period side-effect:
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea simply refers to any kind of pain caused a week or ten days before and during the period due to hormonal changes in the body. Period back pain happens because of inflammation from the excess production of prostaglandins–a chemical that triggers the contractions of the uterus. Additionally, the pain from the stomach cramps can radiate down your back amd legs, and leave your lower back aching.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to the pain during periods that is caused due to an underlying health condition. Here are some of the disorders that could cause severe pain:
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is characterised by the growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) outside of the uterus. It can lead to severe and constant period back pain along with symptoms like major pelvic pain, heavy period flow, and longer periods.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition caused by the growth of the uterine lining into the muscles of the uterus. This can lead to severe back pain during periods, painful abdominal cramps, bleeding between periods, and painful intercourse.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that leads to enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. It can aggravate menstrual pain. It can also cause excess hair growth on the face and body, hair thinning or baldness, acne, and make your PMS symptoms worse.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that may or may not become larger with time. These fibroids can cause intense pain, including lower back pain during periods. They may go away with treatment, but in some cases these fibroids might have to be removed via surgery.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a more severe form of PMS. It can lead to PMS symptoms that can disrupt your daily routine and may also affect your professional and personal life. Extreme menstrual pain along with symptoms like depression, anxiety, dizziness, diarrhea, pelvic pressure, and acne are all indicative of this condition.
Oral Contraceptive Pills
Regular use of oral contraceptive pills can lead to excess estrogen in the body. This can affect your joints and bone health and cause lower back pain during periods.
Back Conditions & Injuries
For people with back problems, the pain may get worse before or during their periods due to the secretion of prostaglandins and the resulting inflammation.
Remedies For Instant Relief From Back Pain
Folks, period back pain caused by underlying health conditions needs proper diagnosis and treatment. However, if it is caused by primary dysmenorrhea, it can be managed at home. Here are a few quick-relief remedies to your rescue:
Heat Therapy
A heating pad, a hot water bottle, a heat patch or a warm bath can give you some much-needed relief from period back pain within minutes. This is because the heat helps reduce inflammation and thus, decreases the pain.
Massage
There’s nothing like a relaxing massage with essential oils to take your pain away. Not only does it boost blood circulation, it can further reduce inflammation and relieve back pain instantly.
Exercise
Exercising on your period can get your blood circulation going and release happy hormones in the body. Both these factors can lower period back pain and boost your mood. You can go for a walk in the park or do some stretching and yoga. The idea is to keep moving.
Ginger-Turmeric Tea
While alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are a big no-no during periods, herbal teas like ginger-turmeric tea can be of great help. Both ginger and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory, healing, and pain-relieving properties. Just boil a pinch turmeric and ginger in water, add a bit of lemon or honey to improve the taste. Trust us, this magic tea can help reduce your back pain like no other.
Healthy Diet
A diet full of green leafy veggies, whole foods like barley, wheat, and pulses, dairy products, and probiotics are great for your overall health. They can also keep your gut healthy, inflammation at bay, and prevent hormonal imbalance. Additionally, checking for nutritional deficiencies (especially that of magnesium and vitamin B12) and taking doctor-recommended health supplements for them can also help reduce menstrual pain.
Sirona Recommends: Best products For Period Back Pain
Sirona Feminine Pain Relief Patch
While popping a painkiller can give you temporary relief, it is best to avoid them as they can lead to kidney, heat and liver problems in the long run. Enter: Sirona’s Feminine Pain Relief Patch –the side-effect free way of managing menstrual pain and dealing with backache during periods. Made with natural pain-relieving ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus oil, you can stick this sleek patch on your back for some much-needed pain relief. It is easy to carry and stays effective for 8-10 hours.
Sirona Pain-Relief Heat Patch
Sirona’s Pain-Relief Heat Patch is made with 100% natural ingredients. Consider it as your portable, hassle-free source of heat therapy. You can stick it on your back and it helps you get relief from pain for upto eight hours.
Sirona Feminine Cramp Relief Roll On
The Sirona Cramp Relief Roll On can be used on your lower back, abdomen, and legs. Packed with all-natural ingredients like lavender oil, clove oil, cinnamon, and eucalyptus, it helps relieve period pain. It’s calming aroma helps relax your muscles and the smooth roll-on application makes it handy and convenient to use.
Electric Hot Water Bag
Sirona’s Hot Water Bag comes with an automatic temperature control and a quick-charging feature. It eliminates the need for heating water and filling it up into the hot water bottle every few hours. All you’ve got to do is to charge it once for 7-12 minutes and tada! You’re sorted for the next two hours. It helps relax your muscles, lowers inflammation, and relieves period pain.
Periods are hard for many of us and back pain can make them even tougher. However, with these home remedies and products by your side, you will be able to sail through a turbulent shark week with ease, we promise.
Featured Image: Unsplash
Also Read
Period Cramps: Here’s how to deal with period cramps like a boss.
Period Pain Relief: 5 Ways how a Partner can help: Here’s how to be there for your partner while they’re on their period.
Period Essentials: My Top 5 Period Must-Haves!: These game-changing period essentials will defo take the edge off a tough shark week.
Period Sex: What, Why and How!: Periods and sex? Why not? Here’s everything you need to know about period sex.
Menstrual Hygiene: A Need of the Hour: Why is menstrual hygiene so important? Here’s why.
