When it’s that ‘time of the month’, nine out of ten women report that they experience low back pain alongside menstrual cramps. It’s common for periods to be accompanied by back pain, which can make you feel a lot worse and even affect your ability to work and generally get on with life. What causes this link between back pain and menstrual pain? Can chiropractic help this sort of back problem?
Understanding the Connection: Why Menstrual Cramps Often Lead to Low Back Pain
A menstrual period occurs when progesterone levels fall. This is the signal for hormones called prostaglandins to be released which make changes to the womb. Once they’ve achieved this, they too break down quickly. Prostaglandins can enter the bloodstream and so it’s common to experience nausea, diarrhoea and headaches as a result. Many women experience intense cramps during the first days of a period and these contractions can radiate from the lower abdomen into the lower back.
Why A Check Up Is Essential
If your back ache is severe during your period, it’s likely that the cramps are exacerbating a hidden back problem. A problem in the facet joints or an issue with spinal discs will feel far more acute when set alongside menstrual cramps. It’s a good idea to come for a check up to find out exactly what’s happening to cause these aches and pains. Spinal adjustments and manipulation will help sort out the underlying back condition and relieve joint irritation. And if you’re already undergoing treatment for back pain, there’s no reason why you should not keep on track with your treatment, even during painful periods. You may find that it helps.
The Benefits of Gentle Exercise and Hot Water Bottles
Don’t let yourself be immobilised by period pains. Gentle exercises, like stretching, strength training or yoga, will relieve the pain and also help your back. Build low impact exercise into your lifestyle to get maximum benefit: studies found that women who participated in gentle exercise programmes three times a week experienced benefits in managing their menstrual cramps. Alongside chiropractic care and exercise, a high fibre diet and foods high in antioxidants can reduce inflammation. High fibre foods prevent the reabsorption of oestrogen in the gut, which in turn lowers levels throughout the body and alleviates menstrual cramps. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers, soak in a hot bath and make use of a hot water bottle when needed.
Here’s a simple way to relieve tight back muscles using a firm rubber ball – we sell these at our Brighton clinic.
Come and see us for a check up and find out how chiropractic can relieve menstrual back aches. Book here for an appointment.