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

During periods, it's common to experience stomach pains. 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.

Why does your back hurt during periods ?

The periods season 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 symptoms periods likely symptoms are backaches.

What causes back pain? As a reminder periods correspond to the evacuation of the endometrium when the ovum is not 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). 

Generally speaking, the most severe pain occurs at the end of adolescence, and during the period preceding 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 are the other periods aches and pains 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 before l periods or during.

Menstrual or uterine cramps

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

Kidney pain during periods

It's also common to experience kidney pain during menstrual flow. The contractions of the myometrium are sometimes so intense that the pain is felt all the way to the kidneys.

sIn all cases, if the pain during periods persists and is too intense to allow you to lead a normal life, consult your doctor, gynaecologist or midwife: it may be lendometriosis.

How can you relieve back pain at periods ?

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

Walking regularly

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 periods.

Yoga practice

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 pain periods These include the lchild'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.

Using a hot water bottle

When you're in pain during your periods, heat can be a very good way of relieving 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 vertebrae, 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 your own hot water bottle from periods .

An active sex life

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

Take herbal teas

Finally, phytotherapy is a very good method. Certain plants can help reduce your pain. These include lyarrow, chamomile, sage, raspberry and basil. When used as an infusion, they are a highly effective remedy.

What to do if back pain persists after periods ?

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

FAQs on back pain during periods

What can you do if your back hurts from periods ?

Is it normal to have kidney pain before periods ?

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