What causes back pain and cramping during periods?

30 May What causes back pain and cramping during periods?

Each and every woman has experienced abdomen pain, back pain, and cramping during or before their periods. Young girls usually experience cramping during the first few years after starting periods. These pains generally decrease in intensity when you grow older. Here’s the best Gynaecologist in Delhi who will tell you what to do when Period Back Pain and Cramping strikes. Read on!

The cramps can be a monthly addition to your periods, and the pain from these cramps can be mild or severe. Emotional stress can increase the chances of you having cramps during your later menstrual cycle. We call menstrual cramps dysmenorrhea.

Why do they happen?

Every month, your uterus forms a new lining of tissue, ready for lodgement of the fertilized egg. If the egg isn’t fertilized, the lining is shed along with the unfertilized egg. When this occurs, certain molecules are released that may cause painful, recurrent contractions of the uterine muscles.

There are various factors that may increase your risk of having painful cramps during periods:

– Early age (first period), usually if less than 12 years

– Long menstrual cycles

– Heavy flow

– Smoking

In a few cases, family history, obesity, and even alcohol consumption increase the likelihood of suffering from menstrual cramps.

There are no tests routinely conducted to measure contractions or pain. Menstrual cramps caused by other diseases of your reproductive organs may be due to numerous conditions, including Endometriosis, Ovarian cysts, and tumors, Fibroids, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Intra-uterine devices (IUD)

It is important to consult a gynecologist if the pain is not relieved by OTC medications, ever more worsens or you won’t be able to do your routine activities.

Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps

– Lower Back Pain

– Pain in your lower abdomen, which may radiate to your inner thighs or back

– If severe, then vomiting and nausea

– Constipation

OTC such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other painkillers can relieve mild menstrual cramps. Placing a hot water bag or bottle can also help in relieving the pain. Doing regular exercise releases endorphins that may help in easing the pain of menstrual cramps in the long run. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or smoking, massage your lower back and abdomen and do rest as and when needed

If these things do not relieve the pain and the cramps are unusual or severe, you can consult Dr. Usha M Kumar – the best gynaecologist in Delhi who advises taking oral contraceptive pills or prescribed painkillers.