Periods and Back pain-A guide to finding relief with 12 home remedies
Cramps, irritability, bloating, mood swings, crying spells, breakouts, and back pain come along with the ‘menstrual period package.’ No matter how much you hate them, these symptoms do not budge.
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Lower back pain adds to the horror of menstrual cramps. It makes one feel sluggish and immobile. Life comes at a standstill. Going to college or work becomes a task. The daily routine gets all messed up. How to get rid of back pain when on period? We are providing you with some doable remedies, tips, and tricks to let you breeze through back pain when on a period.
What is dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for your period pain. It includes:
- Heavy achy legs and thighs
- Bloating
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Nausea
- Vomits
- Loss of appetite or having the appetite of a King
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Frequent crying spells
Primary dysmenorrhea
It is the condition when one feels pain during periods. This pain is not caused by some underlying medical condition.
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There is nothing to worry about, as most women experience primary dysmenorrhea during periods.
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It can be in the form of:
- Lower back pain
- Aches
- Cramps
When the uterus walls contract to shed off the uterine lining, this results in period cramps. It is a weaker type of childbirth contraction. A few women experience this pain releasing in the lower back.
This also happens due to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins. The uterus produces it and it peaks at the start of the period. This is the reason why you may get the most amount of discomfort and back pain as the period starts, which tends to tame down as the days pass.
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Secondary dysmenorrhea
If the back pain does not subside with time, then it indicates some underlying medical conditions like fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis that have to be addressed. This is called secondary dysmenorrhea.Â
Book an appointment with your gynecologist right away, if you experience it.
Back injuries and conditions
For some people with back conditions, the symptoms aggravate before or during the periods. It can be due to the inflammatory chemicals released by the prostaglandins. This gathers in the uterus and worsens the lower back pain.
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Physiotherapy or light exercise may help with moderate back injuries or conditions. But the treatment may vary from person to person. In the case of herniated disks, the person may need surgery.
12 home remedies to get rid of back pain when on period
We have got you covered with amazing home remedies that will make your period back pain disappear into thin air.
1. Heat it up
Whenever we think of cramps, a person with a heating pad pops up in our minds. The heat increases the flow of blood, relaxing the muscles and relieving pain.
Keep your heating pad, heating wrap, hot towel, or warm water bottle handy before those bloody days. So, you can curl up on the couch while munching goodies and watching your favorite show.
2. Take a painkiller
The moderate use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen are safe to use while on a period. It will also help with relieving the pain caused due to prostaglandins.
3. Hit the warm shower
Normally, just the thought of a warm shower makes one feel relaxed. So, why won’t it be helpful in getting rid of period pain? It will ease the cramps off like magic.
4. Have a healthy diet
A healthy diet ensures nutrient-rich food. Take a diet rich in magnesium and vitamin B that helps to get rid of back pain when on period.Â
Vitamin B is present naturally in:
- Dark green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
- Meat, such as chicken and red meat
- Fish, such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon
- Shellfish, such as oysters and clams
- Liver and kidney
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
Magnesium is present naturally in:
- Yogurt
- Black beans
- Spinach
- Almonds
- Peanut Butter
5. Exercise
It is a normal misconception that exercising is not good while having periods. The fact of the matter is that it is quite the opposite. Exercise will comfort your tensed nerves in no time. We have seen that those women who engage in exercise regularly face lesser lower back pain during periods.Â
6. Abstain from Alcohol
Alcohol is a diuretic, so it will worsen the pain by dehydrating you fastly, as your toilet visits increase. So, what you have to do is increase your water intake and stop having alcohol altogether.
7. Go out for a stroll
Try having a walk in the park. You will feel good right away. As endorphins will increase and prostaglandins will decrease in your bloodstream. The period back pain will be greatly reduced.
8. Do yoga, meditation, or mindful breathing
9. Massage the back pain away
Either ask your partner or friend. For faster results, book a professional masseuse. The warm massage oil and adequate pressure will release tension from the knotted nerves and will ease the menstrual pain. It greatly helps people suffering from endometriosis.
10. Acupuncture will help you relax
It has helped in easing the cramps. It is an ancient Asian healing process that relaxes the nerves, helps with inflammation, and ensures a smooth blood flow.
11. Take herbal tea to calm cramping
There are a few herbal teas that relieve back pain during periods. Teas have been used to soothe lower back pain in periods by menstruating women for centuries.
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These teas include:
- Chamomile tea
- Ginger tea
- Raisin tea
- Fennel tea
- Peppermint tea
- Cramp bark tea
12. Take birth control pills
If the lower back pain persists when you are on a period, then consult your gynecologist regarding birth control pills.
Take away
Experiencing primary pain during periods is quite common. Most women experience back pain during their period. The home remedies and tips enlisted in this article are how to get rid of back pain when on period. However, it is best to go seek professional help right away if the pain remains spiked throughout. The physician will track down the underlying issue and take proper actions to tackle it.