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 40-50% 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):301-12. 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):160-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2013.08.005. PMID: 24396316; PMCID: PMC3838710.

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