Dear Fit,
During my period, I get very uncomfortable lower-back pain, like a dull ache. I used to think this was just me, but I recently spoke to another female friend who says she gets the same pain. I'm sure it has something to do with everything going on down there, since it often comes with cramps, but why exactly does this happen? Any tips for treating it?
— Oh My Aching Back
Period pain is no fun, but you're correct in thinking that your lower-back affliction is not uncommon. To understand the causes and get some tips, read more.
Lower-back pain during your period is caused by the same conditions that cause cramps; front or back, both symptoms fall under the heading of primary dysmenorrhea, which is really just a fancy name for cramps.
Dysmenorrhea is caused by an excess of prostaglandins during your cycle. These chemicals, produced in the uterine lining, cause your uterine muscles to contract so that you can shed your lining each month, and that's what leads to cramps. Those same contractions are also causing your back pain, since they can radiate pain from the abdomen to the back and even the thighs.
Chances are, if you've always had similar menstrual symptoms, it's nothing to worry about. But see a doctor if you're incapacitated for more than a few days a month or if you've noticed a sudden change in your symptoms. Meanwhile, you can ease the back pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, or with a warm bath, a heating pad, or even through exercise.
Rupert Sanderson
Replay
Chantelle
i get those, the pill helped with the cramps but not the back pains.
1Back pains are the worst! Mine are killer.
2i get killer back pains and cramps! i usually take tylenol and put icy hot on my back
3Back pains here too! Sometimes they are bad enough to make it really hard for me, or even impossible, to find a comfortable position to sleep (I normally sleep on my stomach), or even sit at my desk (and I do have an ergonomic chair).
4I get them too. But ibuprofen and herbal tea usually help.
5I get the same dull ache in the lower back that the reader discribes. It's more of an annoying kind of pain...doesn't hurt too much but can be oncomfy at times. Oddly enough I never get cramps.
6No3, i don't think ice helps the situation. maybe just numbs you. am i right fit?
7Ibuprofin and a heat pack work the best for me. Those Thermacare heat packs are one of the best things ever invented!
8I always get a slight lower back pain during the first two days - the best way to relieve them is to lie flat on my back, bend my knees (placing feet flat on the floor) and let them fall to one side and then the other, which provides a nice "twist" in the lower back and relieves the cramps. There are other "twist" poses you can do which achieve the same result which are mostly are yoga-based.
9Yes, I get those, too, especially on the first day.
10Have tried out Thermacare, but buying it every month all year long has gotten too expensive! I recently tried out this product called Beltlife, and it's a very cozy heat wrap that's made out of soft sheepskin. Very unique! It is a one time purchase, but truly worth the investment for my back pain which has already eased significantly (plus i can wear it with skinny jeans). It's even come through during menstrual cramps - i just turn it over and lay it on my stomach when I'm laying down, and the heat does a great soothing job.
11I get the back pain for the first two days. Right when I get my period I pop a Tylenol every four hours so I don't experience the pain.
12Yep, completely incapacitated !!
It is usually the first sign my period is about to begin. I have been to the doctor about them and because my period is so unpredictable I am unable to take any medication for it.
I refuse to pump more hormones into my body so I just suffer them.
13I get that too...I use ThermaCare pads and Peppermint tea, as well as a couple Aleve and that usually takes care of it.
14Ugh I get these really badly (most of the times my "cramps" are actually 'just' impossibly painful back pains). I usually ease them with painkillers, but a few times where they woke me up in the middle of the night and they were so painful I couldn't get out of bed to grab a glass of water, I managed to get rid of them with reiki. I was proud of myself on that one.
15I get these killer cramps and this is the first time i have ever had this back pain it hurts so bad that i just want to cry but I think there is something wrong with me cause I use to bleed heavy now it's like spotting and I started today and had the back pain hours before i even started can some one please help me thank you for whatever information you give me every little bit will help
16I use the Healing Pad - its a type of heating pad that gives a infared heat - it is amazing.
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