Severe lower back pain during period

Lower back pain is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome, which affects the majority of women during their periods. It isn’t usually serious, however, if you have an underlying condition, such as dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, fibroids or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, you may develop severe lower back pain during your periods. 

Causes of severe back pain during your period

Severe lower back pain during your periods is often caused by problems with your reproductive system. Common causes include:

PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Symptoms of PMS usually occur for a week leading up to your periods and stop once your period starts. Common symptoms include: 

• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Mood swings or emotional changes
• Sore breasts 

PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)

PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) refers to severe PMS symptoms that affect your ability to perform your usual activities. Common PMDD symptoms include:

• Dizziness and palpitations
• Inflammatory conditions, such as allergies and acne
• Mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression and severe mood swings
• Vomiting and diarrhoea

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea causes very painful period cramps as your womb contracts more than normal. Other common symptoms include:

• Headaches or lightheadedness
• Lower back pain that may spread down your legs and up your back
• Nausea, diarrhoea and/or vomiting

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to the lining of your womb (endometrium) starts to grow elsewhere and attaches to other organs, such as your ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can cause scarring and affect your organs. Common symptoms include:

• Longer and/or heavier periods
• Pain during and after sex
• Severe, chronic (long-term) pelvic pain outside of your periods
• Severe period pain with lower back pain — back pain caused by endometriosis may feel different than back pain caused by dysmenorrhea, PMS or PMDD

Treatment for severe back pain

Severe lower back pain during your period can be treated by taking over-the-counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs a few days before your period starts. If this isn’t enough to relieve your pain, see your GP.

Abdominal cramps can worsen your lower back pain. You can ease your cramps by applying a heat pack, taking a warm shower or bath, having a massage, exercising or trying relaxation techniques (eg breathing exercises).

Ways to prevent severe back pain during your period

Period pain and lower back pain during your period can be made worse by certain lifestyle habits. To reduce and/or better manage your pain, you can therefore try following a healthy diet, staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and foods high in salt, and quitting smoking. 

Vitamin B and magnesium supplements can also help relieve pain during your periods. However, you should speak to your GP before taking any supplements.