Is It Common to Get Low Back Pain Before or During My Period?

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Supervised by Kenji Taylor, MD

Yes. Prior studies suggest up to 4050% of women experience low back pain (LBP) during a period.

Explanation

During a period (menstruation), hormones called prostaglandins are released that lead to contraction, tightening and cramping of the uterus in the lower abdomen. The pain from cramping may often migrate from the lower abdomen to the lower back leading to LBP. Furthermore, hormonal changes may lead to laxity of the ligaments that support the spine which also contributes to LBP. As such, an estimated 40-50% of women experience some form of LBP during their period.

(References)

Smith DR, Mihashi M, Adachi Y, Shouyama Y, Mouri F, Ishibashi N, Ishitake T. Menstrual disorders and their influence on low back pain among Japanese nurses. Ind Health. 2009 Jul;47(3):30112. doi: 10.2486/indhealth.47.301. PMID: 19531916.
Shakeri H, Fathollahi Z, Karimi N, Arab AM. Effect of functional lumbar stabilization exercises on pain, disability, and kinesiophobia in women with menstrual low back pain: a preliminary trial. J Chiropr Med. 2013 Sep;12(3):1607. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2013.08.005. PMID: 24396316; PMCID: PMC3838710.

Share this page

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Lower back pain

Learn more about diseases

Low Back Pain

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.