What's wrong with backache and stomachache during menstruation?

Back pain and stomach pain during menstruation may be caused by increased prostaglandin secretion, abnormal uterine contractions, pelvic congestion, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc., which can be relieved by hot compresses, drug analgesia, traditional Chinese medicine conditioning, lifestyle adjustments, surgical treatment, etc.

1. Increased secretion of prostaglandins

The shedding of the endometrium during menstruation releases a large amount of prostaglandins, which stimulates the contraction of uterine smooth muscles, causing paroxysmal cramping in the lower abdomen and radiating to the waist. The degree of pain varies from person to person and may be accompanied by gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and diarrhea. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium suppositories, and naproxen tablets can be used as directed by your doctor to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Avoid eating cold or raw food during menstruation, and use a hot water bottle to apply heat to the lower abdomen to help relieve cramps.

2. Abnormal uterine contractions

The myometrium of some women is overly sensitive to prostaglandins, causing strong and uncoordinated uterine contractions, manifested as persistent lower abdominal distension and lumbosacral soreness. This condition may be related to abnormal position of the uterus or cervical stenosis. It is recommended to rest in a prone position during menstruation, and use antispasmodic drugs such as phloroglucinol injection and magnesium sulfate injection as directed by your doctor. People with long-term dysmenorrhea need to be checked for uterine development malformations.

3. Pelvic congestion

The dilation and congestion of pelvic blood vessels during menstruation may cause dull pain in the waist, which is especially aggravated after standing for a long time or after exertion. This kind of physiological pain is usually accompanied by increased menstrual flow, but there is no organic disease. You can reduce the load by wearing a waist support belt and improve pelvic blood circulation by performing knee-chest lying position for 15 minutes every day. Drinking ginger tea or brown sugar water in moderation can help promote the discharge of menstrual blood.

4. Endometriosis

Ectopic endometrial tissue produces hemorrhagic inflammation during menstruation, often causing progressively worsening waist and abdominal pain that can radiate to the inner thigh. It may be accompanied by painful sexual intercourse, painful defecation and menstrual disorders. Diagnosis requires laparoscopy, and treatment options include dienogest tablets, goserelin sustained-release implants and other drugs. Severe cases require lesion resection. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise during menstruation.

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease may have an acute attack during the menstrual period, manifesting as lower abdominal tenderness accompanied by lumbosacral soreness, increased vaginal discharge and odor. It is mostly caused by pathogenic infections such as gonococcus and chlamydia. After secretion culture, antibiotics such as doxycycline hydrochloride tablets and metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets should be used, together with infrared physiotherapy to promote the absorption of inflammation. Absolute bed rest should be given during the acute phase.

If waist and abdominal pain during menstruation lasts for more than 3 days or is accompanied by fever or abnormal bleeding, you should seek medical treatment promptly. Keep your perineum clean every day, choose breathable cotton underwear, and change sanitary napkins every 2 hours during menstruation. Regular Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Make sure to supplement your diet with iron and high-quality protein, and avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine. When the pain is obvious, you can try pressing the Sanyinjiao acupoint or perform moxibustion on the waist.