Fed up with the distressing back pain during periods? Addicted to the NSAIDs during your period??
Beware!! These painkillers can cost you your life. Over 80 percent of menstruating women have period pain, but make sure it isn't debilitating.
Here are some quick ayurvedic tips for you to manage your period pain. Go Natural for a pain-free period !!
What are the reasons for back pain during the menstrual cycle?
Menstrual cramps can happen either due to primary or secondary dysmenorrhoea. Pain in primary dysmenorrhoea happens when a chemical called prostaglandin makes the uterus contract (tighten up).
Stronger Uterine contraction can compress the nearby blood vessels and decrease oxygen supply. Pain is felt more when the nearby tissues lack oxygen.
Back pain may begin even before the period, a symptom of PMS (Premenstrual syndrome) but is less common.
PMS Symptoms vary according to the individual and are more commonly breast tenderness, bloating, irritability, mood swings, and headaches.
In the case of secondary dysmenorrhoea, pain may be due to underlying diseases such as
Pelvic inflammatory disease
It is an infectious condition affecting the reproductive system. It is often associated with many symptoms, including low back ache, which is sharp and stabbing in nature.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
PMS is a condition many women suffer before their periods. It is often accompanied by many symptoms, including lower back pain, headache, bloating, and behavioral symptoms. PMS usually begins a few days before your period.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when the endometrium (uterine tissue) grows outside the uterus.
Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. Other symptoms include painful menstrual cramps, pain during or after sexual intercourse etc.
Uterine fibroids
It is a non-cancerous tumors that can grow in or around the womb and make your periods heavy and painful.
Adenomyosis
It is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus starts to grow within the muscular Uterine wall, making your periods particularly painful.
Period pain caused by contraceptive devices.
Intrauterine devices can also sometimes cause back pain, particularly during the first few months after insertion.
However, these diseases can be suspected if associated potential symptoms exist and are more likely to occur in women between 30 to 40 years.
Symptoms of period pain
If you have dysmenorrhea, you are more likely to experience these symptoms which include:
- Dull, achy, and cramping pain, especially in the lower back.
- Radiating pain in the upper back, thigh etc.
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Leg pain
- Joint pain
When does it start?
Period pain usually starts during the bleeding phase, but some women have pain several days before their period.
The pain usually lasts 48 to 72 hours, although it can last longer than usual.
Young girls often suffer from period pain in the first few years of their menarche. Period pain tends to improve as a woman ages if it is not due to an underlying cause.
Is back pain during periods common in women?
It is normal to get menstrual cramps, but if it is severe enough to hamper your daily activities, consult your doctor, as it may be due to some underlying diseases. Period back pain is associated with changes in prostaglandins, hormones that cause the uterus to contract during the period to shed its lining. The contraction pressure can also contribute to pelvic and back pain.
Ayurvedic ways to manage back pain during periods?
"Treat the cause, not the symptoms."
Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala offers a wide range of treatment procedures depending on the cause. Treatment begins with the post-ovulatory phase of a patient with primary dysmenorrhoea, which includes Sneha Panam, abhyanga, swedanam, virechana (purgation), and internal medications. In the case of secondary dysmenorrhoea, Uttara vasti is the best choice. Vaginal douche with Ayurvedic medicines is also beneficial. Along with this following pathya,
Yoga asanas such as Balasana, Uttanasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Matsyasana and other exercises are proven to be beneficial. Practising Bhramari Pranayama can help balance Vata.
Home remedies for back pain during periods
The application of a hot bag is the most common remedy by many women.
But there are other natural methods to prevent period pain. The best one among them is Seed cycling. Seed cycling is the practice of consuming specific seeds in a cycle.
The recommended regimen has two phases:
- Phase 1: one tablespoon of ground pumpkin seeds and flax seeds from day one of your period until the day before you ovulate.
- Phase 2: one tablespoon of ground sunflower and sesame seeds per day from the day of ovulation until the day before the first day of your period.
Other remedies include:
- Massage with sesame oil
- Ginger tea
- Aloe vera juice
- Fenugreek water
- Milk boiled with Ashoka bark
Conclusion
Back pain during periods is common in every woman. It can be managed with some natural remedies. Ayurvedic Treatment for back pain in Kerala is very effective. Still, it should be dealt with seriously and requires medical attention when it becomes debilitating.