Your Spine Is Under Pressure
Most people are unaware of the general geography of their organs, and you may be surprised to discover that the womb sits near the spine. In preparation for pregnancy, each time you have a period your womb becomes engorged, and this can push against the dense network of nerves surrounding your spine. This can result in back pain, neck pain and headaches.
Chronic Low Back Pain Of No Specific Origin
Low back pain is defined as pain, tightness, and stiffness between the lower end of the rib cage and the buttocks. Chronic means the pain has lasted for twelve weeks or longer, and no specific origin means the pain cannot be traced to any specific cause, incident, or injury.
Most susceptible are individuals who perform heavy physical work, especially when there is ongoing anxiety, depression, and emotional stress at the same time. The longer the stress and back pain continue, the more difficult it is to ease the symptoms and return the patient to normal functioning.
Treatment involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and sometimes opioid medications for pain, though both have risks when used long term. Antidepressants may also be tried, along with psychological counseling.
Corticosteroid injections for the back are effective for some patients, and fusion surgery is sometimes attempted. Lifestyle changes in the form of improved diet, exercise, and stress management are very helpful in most cases.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: lower back pain, unintentional weight loss, back pain that shoots to the butt, fever, involuntary defecation
Symptoms that always occur with chronic low back pain of no specific origin: lower back pain
Symptoms that never occur with chronic low back pain of no specific origin: thigh numbness, buttocks numbness, lower back pain from an injury
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Pregnancy Cramps Vs Period Cramps
Pregnancy cramps usually happen when the pregnancy first takes place. These cramps are caused by the body adapting and changing to prepare for birth as well as to accommodate the baby growing inside of you. Women may get alarmed and fear that the baby is in danger, but you shouldnt be worried. Mild cramping during this time is very normal. Its also a little different from menstrual cramps. Theyre usually:
- Lower than normal
- Cramping on both sides
However, most women say that the cramping is similar to their normal menstrual cramps. It is only very few women that feel sharp twinges of pain in their lower abdomen that can last months after pregnancy occurs. This is absolutely normal thoughthe uterus and muscles inside of your body are just stretching to accommodate the baby.
The only time that cramps during pregnancy can be cause for concern are when:
- Cramping is very severe and painful
- Cramping is consistent and doesnt go away
- Blood is present
You should not have any cramping and bleeding seen together when youre pregnant. Any vaginal bleeding at this time should result in an immediate visit to your doctor.
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Top 5 Pain Symptoms You Should Not Ignore:
We know that people are afraid of going to the doctors, and a big part of that is because they are afraid to hear what the doctor has found. Patients are better off figuring out what is happening, and then being proactive about taking care of themselves and their spine. If something doesnt feel right, it may not be right.
Through modern technology and innovation, the field of spine treatments has jumped by leaps and bounds over the last 15 years. Gone are the days of being sedentary for healing. With modern technology, patients are getting up and moving sooner which means getting back to their lives faster.
If you are suffering from neck or back pain, please contact us to schedule your initial evaluation. We can get you back to a fulfilling life, pain free!
Virginia Spine Institutes reputation is unmatched as a world-renowned luxury destination in spinal healthcare, dedicated to providing an elevated level of concierge care for those suffering from neck and back conditions. For three decades, their proven methods have led them to dramatically improving the quality of life for over 100,000 patients, from 32 countries.
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Lower Back And Front Thigh Pain
Individuals experiencing lower back pain and front thigh pain may be wondering how discomfort in the back and hips are connected. Because the lower back pain may start first, many people dont realize that the two issues are related.
Back aches and thigh pain may subside on its own in a short period of time or persist for several weeks. The discomfort can also disrupt the ability to do simple movements such as walking upright, bending, sitting, or standing up from a seated position.
Determining what part of the back or spine is injured and then receiving proper treatment is the key to finding relief. The spinal column or spine encloses the spinal cord, nerves, and spinal fluid that helps cushion the spinal cord from a forceful impact or injury.
The spine also consists of numerous vertebrae , discs positioned between vertebrae, and facet joints that connect vertebrae from top to bottom in a chain-like manner. In addition, there are various muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back that provide extra stability.
Any type of spinal or back injury that irritates one or more of these structures can lead to lower back pain that may radiate to other parts of the body. In order to properly identify the cause of lower back and front thigh pain, it is best to visit a physical therapist who can pinpoint the underlying problem and offer a beneficial treatment plan.
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Period Pain Caused By Contraceptive Devices
An intrauterine device is a type of contraception made from copper and plastic that fits inside the womb. It can also sometimes cause period pain, particularly during the first few months after it’s inserted.
You may notice a change in your normal pattern of pain if your period pain is linked to a medical condition or a contraceptive IUD. For example, the pain may be more severe or it may last much longer than normal.
You may also have:
See a GP if you have any of these symptoms as well as period pain.
How Is The Cause Of Severe Period Pain Diagnosed
To diagnose severe period pain, your health care provider will ask you about your medical history and do a pelvic exam. You may also have an ultrasound or other imaging test. If your health care provider thinks you have secondary dysmenorrhea, you might have laparoscopy. It is a surgery that that lets your health care provider look inside your body.
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How Can I Treat Period Back Pain
If you have primary dysmenorrhea and a surge in prostaglandins at the beginning of your period is the problem, taking a prostaglandin inhibitor like ibuprofen should help in many cases, Dr. Masterson says. If heavy periods are the main issue, whether thats due to endometriosis, PCOS, or your normal cycle, hormonal birth control pills or injections containing the hormone progesterone can help decrease bleeding, she adds.
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There are other medical interventions for moderate low back pain physical or chiropractic therapy, massage, and acupuncture may provide relief, Dr. Missmer says. If the pain is chronic and severe, meaning its interfering with your ability to attend, work, school, or your regular activities, its important to consult a gynecologic pelvic pain specialist to work through the pain, she says.
Surgical treatments may be a *last resort* for second dysmenorrhea some options include a myomectomy, which can remove uterine fibroids, an endometrial ablation, to remove the uterine lining and basically stop menstrual flow, or a hysterectomy, to remove the uterus altogether.
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How Can I Reduce Cramps
If you know your cramps are not the result of an underlying condition, you can look for ways to reduce the intensity. After all, who wants to deal with uterus spasms before, during and after a period?! . If youre looking for a little relief, here are our top tips:
- Many people find a hot water bottle rested on their lower abdomen, or having a warm bath, can help ease the pain of period cramps.
- Having a jam-packed schedule when your cramps are in full swing doesnt help, so cancel some plans, enjoy plenty of rest time, and remove any stress from your life.
- If your cramps are really bad on a monthly basis, implement a healthy lifestyle. Reduce fatty and salty foods in your diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco, which are all thought to make cramping worse when consumed regularly.
- Although it feels counter-intuitive, some light exercise can help relieve some of the pain by increasing blood circulation and helping to reduce stress.
- A gentle massage of the lower abdomen, with or without essential oils, can help ease some of the tension that forms in the area after so much cramping.
- and a bonus tip? Having is thought to help ease the pain of cramps. Who knew?!
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Period Pain And Fertility
Period pain that’s part of your normal menstrual cycle will not affect your fertility. However, if the cause is a medical condition, this may affect your fertility.
For example, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause scarring and a build-up of tissue in your fallopian tubes, making it harder for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.
Natural Remedies For Relieving Period Cramps
Easing menstrual cramp symptoms is one way that women can come together whether they experience cramps before or after their period. Along with choosing mindful period products, like Coras organic tampons and pads, there are many natural remedies that are available to help women alleviate menstrual cramp pain and discomfort:
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Back Pain And Front Thigh Pain
Lower back pain on one side that begins to radiate down the front of the thighs, but does not spread to the knees, may be due to an issue called radiculopathy . Spinal nerve roots can become pinched by bulging or herniated discs, the overgrowth of a bony structure , or an arthritic facet joint.
For some people, lower back pain is accompanied by tingling or numbness in the front of the thighs, and muscle weakness may also develop in both regions. The pinched nerve may be located anywhere along the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine, which refers to the neck, upper-middle, and lower region of body , respectively.
Lumbar radiculopathies, or pinched nerves in the lower back, are the most common causes of back aches and thigh pain. This occurs because there is a large network of nerves in the lower back that overlap spinal nerves that innervate the frontal thigh muscles.
As a result, even minor injuries in the lumbar region typically lead to the presentation of radiating back pain that extends to the front of the thighs. The pain may also progress into the knee, and potentially radiate to the middle portion of lower leg, and eventually into the foot.
During an examination, an individual may display weakness during knee extensions, hip flexion, or hip adduction. In some cases, there is a loss of sensation in the front of the thighs along with the pain. Activities that can intensify lower back and front thigh pain include sneezing, coughing, and straightening the legs.
Treatment: Other Hormone Therapies
These drugs mimic menopause, getting rid of periods along with endometriosis symptoms. GnRH agonists, such as Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex, block female hormones from being made. They can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, fatigue, mood changes, and bone loss. Danocrine works mainly by lowering estrogen. Side effects can include weight gain, smaller breasts, acne, facial hair, voice and mood changes, and birth defects. Elagolix is another type of GnHR called an antagonist. Itâs sometimes used to help slow the loss of bone density. Before you start taking it, talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with it and whether or not it can help you.
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Symptoms Linked To Lower Back And Front Thigh Pain
There are many spinal nerves that innervate the lower back. Spinal nerves that originate in this region extend to other parts of the body including the abdomen, pelvis, hips, buttocks, thighs, and legs. Therefore, lower back pain may radiate to many different areas and this can make an accurate diagnosis difficult. It can also make it harder to determine what type of treatment will offer the most favorable outcomes.
Closely monitoring where you feel pain or where its spreading is important. This information helps a healthcare professional such as physical therapist isolate the cause, understand how the pain is changing, and develop an effective treatment strategy. Persistent back aches and referred pain in other areas usually arise due to a specific underlying issue. Physical therapists can typically pinpoint the main problem through a description of the symptoms.
Read on to learn more about referred pain that is linked to back aches.
Lower Back Pain A Week Before Your Period
Lower back pain a week before your period may be a part of PMS. PMS is a combination of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that occur before your period. PMS usually occurs in the second part of the luteal phase but can also begin right after ovulation and continue until the period starts. Lifestyle changes may help prevent the symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or unmanageable, talk to a health care provider.
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How To Treat Lower Back And Front Thigh Pain
The first line of treatment for most mild to moderate cases of lower back pain is over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen , naproxen and acetaminophen . These medications temporarily ease discomfort that is associated with a pinched nerve, a herniated disc, nerve damage, or other spine-related issues. However, they are only recommended for short-term use.
Steroid injections, which involve injecting a corticosteroid into the region where a pinched or inflamed nerve root is located, can also offer relief for extended periods . The injections do not promote healing, but can help decrease inflammation that is associated with the pain.
Individuals may also be given prescriptions for stronger medications for severe pain including opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone . Opioids are narcotics and pose a high risk of addiction and dependence, especially when they are taken long-term. As this type of medication may become habit forming, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional to determine whether alternative pain management approaches may be a better option.
In addition to using pain relievers temporarily, physical therapy is a beneficial treatment approach for lower back pain and referred pain . A physical therapist can help people who are suffering from constant pain avoid becoming inactive by teaching them useful exercises that help provide relief.
What Causes Menstrual Cramps
Period cramps occur as a normal part of the bodyâs monthly cycle. Each month, the lining of the uterus builds up in preparation for getting pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs, the fertilised egg attaches itself to the lining to be nourished as it develops into a baby. If the egg isnât fertilised, the lining isnât needed. So, it breaks down and hormones called prostaglandins are released. Prostaglandins trigger muscle contractions, which is when the muscles contract and squeeze strongly, which can cut off oxygen to your uterus, causing painful menstrual cramps. The muscles are the same ones that push a baby out during childbirth, so they are extremely strong. Some women may have higher levels of prostaglandins, which unfortunately means they get worse menstrual cramps.
And, if youâve ever found yourself wondering if tampons make menstrual cramps worse, Dr Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, has your answer. âNo, they donât tampons have nothing to do with prostaglandin synthesis or the way theyâre used in the bodyâ. Thank goodness for that!
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What Does It Feel Like
Cramping after your period is usually felt in your lower abdomen and back. You may also experience pain in your hips and thighs.
Cramping and aching may be accompanied by nausea and lightheadedness. You can expeirence abdominal bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, too.
The pain may be more severe and continue longer than normal menstrual cramps. The cramps may also start earlier in your menstrual cycle instead of right before your next period.
Sometimes cramping after your period isnt serious. But if you have persistent pain from cramping that lasts longer than your menstrual cycle, it could be a sign that you have an underlying condition.
Here are possible causes for cramping after your period:
What Does It Mean If I Have Cramps A Week After My Period
There are several reasons you might experience unusual cramping a week or so after your period. Cramps that last after your period has ended or pain that occurs throughout your cycle may be linked to a condition like endometriosis or fibroids.
More rarely, cramps that suddenly appear after your period could be linked to ovulation or the implantation of a fertilized egg in the wall of your uterus.
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Back Problems That May Affect Women More Often
A womans reproductive anatomy can sometimes contribute to her back pain, as weve seen. On the flipside, however, women can also be susceptible to degenerative conditions that affect the structure of the spine.
Back pain is quite common and the average patient experiences one to two episodes of low back pain per year. Low back pain can start in your 20s and can become a recurring problem which can be triggered by various events in life, notes Dr. Brian A. Cole, MD, FAAOS, orthopedic spine surgeon, Englewood Spine Associates, Englewood, NJ. Most back pain resolves by six weeks and is considered acute low back pain. When the pain lingers more than 12 weeks it is considered chronic low back pain.
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