Lower back pain during menstruation: how can I get relief?

During menstruation, it's common to experience stomach pain. Some women may also experience back pain, particularly in the lumbar region. What causes these pains? How can they be relieved? We tell you all about it in this article.

Contents

Why does my back hurt during my period?
What other period pains are linked to back pain?
How can I relieve back pain during my period?
What should I do if back pain persists after my period?

Why does my back hurt during my period?

Menstruation brings with it a whole host of discomforts and aches: tummy aches, sore and tender breasts, nausea, depression, stress... Depending on the woman, this period can be more or less complicated. Among the menstrual symptoms include backache.

What causes back pain? As a reminder, menstruation corresponds to the evacuation of the endometrium when the egg has not been fertilized. Pieces of the endometrium are expelled in the form of blood. To facilitate expulsion, the myometrium contracts under the action of prostaglandin (the hormone that causes contractions).

The myometrium is the most powerful muscle in the female anatomy. The contractions of this muscle cause pain and, at the same time, prevent the proper supply of oxygen through the blood vessels. As oxygen is blocked, pain can occur in areas close to the pelvic region (including the lumbar region).

The most severe pain generally occurs at the end of adolescence, and in the period leading up to menopause. If the pain is particularly severe and persistent, consult your doctor, as it may be endometriosis or a gynaecological pathology.

Back pain occurs on either side of the spine, in the lumbar region or in the kidneys. The pain may be continuous or transient.

What other types of menstrual pain are associated with back pain?

Back pain is just one of the aches and pains that can occur during menstruation.

Lower abdominal pain

The lower abdominal pain are the most common complaints when it comes to menstrual pain. Pain in the lower abdomen generally occurs in the days leading up to or during menstruation.

Menstrual or uterine cramps

Lower abdominal pain can manifest itself in a number of ways. They often take the form of menstrual cramps. They are located throughout the pelvic region, in the lower abdomen, up to the back, and can be felt in the uterus.

Kidney pain during menstruation

It's also common to experience kidney pain during menstrual flow. The contractions of the myometrium are sometimes so intense that the pain can even be felt in the kidneys.

In any case, if the pain during your period persists and is so intense that it prevents you from leading a normal life, consult your doctor, gynaecologist or midwife: it could be endometriosis.

How can I relieve back pain during my period?

Fortunately, there are a number of tips and solutions to reduce the back pain that can occur during menstrual flow or premenstrual syndrome.

Regular walking

A very simple tip to help your back pain: go for a walk. Although it's tempting to just lie there, walking is actually an excellent way to relieve pain in this area. When you walk, you activate your blood circulation, and this helps to oxygenate the muscles and therefore reduce pain. If you can, it's a good idea to maintain a more sporting activity during your period.

Practice yoga

Gentle activities such as yoga are excellent ways of gently stretching muscles. In this way, you can reduce or eliminate muscle pain. There are several yoga positions to relieve painful periods These include the child's pose, the butterfly pose and the reclining butterfly pose. Cardiac coherence can also help reduce pain.

Using essential oils for massage

Essential oils for menstrual pain are highly effective. For back pain more specifically, a massage with essential oils can considerably reduce pain by reducing muscle congestion. You can use lavender, peppermint or rosemary essential oils. These oils are particularly well-known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Be careful, however, not to apply these oils directly to the skin. Ideally, they should be diluted in oils such as jojoba, coconut or sweet almond.

Use a hot-water bottle

When you're in pain during your period, heat can be a great way to ease the pain. You can position the hot water bottle wherever you feel the need, whether on your lower abdomen or, in the case of back pain, on your lumbar region, or any other part of your body. In fact, it's one of the most commonly cited solutions to menstrual pain. If you don't have a hot-water bottle to hand, it's perfectly possible to make a menstrual hot-water bottle.

An active sex life

Masturbation and intercourse can also help relieve period pains. In fact, when you take pleasure, you release endorphins which help to reduce pain. What's more, the contractions associated with orgasm will relax your muscles.

Herbal teas

Last but not least, phytotherapy is a very good method. Certain plants can help reduce pain. These include yarrow, chamomile, sage, raspberry and basil. When used as an infusion, they are a highly effective remedy.

What to do if back pain persists after your period?

If your backache, or period pain in general, is too intense and persists beyond the menstrual period, consult your doctor, midwife or gynaecologist for a diagnosis. It's not normal to feel too much pain during your period. If it's interfering with your life to such an extent that you're no longer able to lead a normal daily life, you need to consult your doctor to find solutions.

FAQs on back pain during menstruation

What can you do if your back hurts during your period?

Back pain during menstruation is a common symptom. Although this symptom is very debilitating for women who suffer from it, there are fortunately solutions, including gentle physical activity, the use of a hot water bottle, infusions, walking...

Is it normal to have kidney pain before my period?

Kidney pain is common during the menstrual cycle, in the period leading up to or during the period. However, under no circumstances should menstrual pain prevent you from living your life normally; if it is too strong, you should consult your doctor to find the origin of the pain.