Health - Wellness
What Really Causes Lower Back Pain During Your Period
By CIARA TURNER-EWERT
Lower back pain is one of many struggles that can accompany periods, and it is a sign of dysmenorrhea, or painful periods. Dysmenorrhea can range from mild to severe, often lasts for one or two days, and affects more than half of menstruating women.
During primary dysmenorrhea, prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract, creating pain that can be felt in the stomach and, for some people, the lower back. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that high inflammation increases a woman's likelihood of experiencing pain during her period.
Secondary dysmenorrhea typically involves an issue with the reproductive organs, and the pain associated with this type tends to be more intense and may last longer than the period itself. A common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea that may trigger severe back pain is endometriosis.
If you're looking for home remedies for relief, you can try applying heat to your back for 10 to 15 minutes, getting a good massage, or exercising. Hormonal birth control is also effective in reducing period pain, and if the pain doesn’t subside, it’s always best to consult your physician.