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Address the Real Causes of Menstrual Pain
by Tara Galles, MS, OTR
Women often believe there is nothing they can do about menstrual pain. In fact, menstruation is not supposed to hurt and can be resolved with therapy.
Ideally, your cycle should come and go with minimal disruption and discomfort in your daily life. The odd cramp or spasm here and there is usually nothing to worry about and is common on the first two days of your bleed). However, severe pain, cramping, aching, throbbing, or stabbing sensations need to be investigated, especially those that require pain killers or time off work.
The official term for menstrual pain is “dysmenorrhea,” and one in four women report absenteeism from work because of dysmenorrhea (also known as cramps [source]. Nearly 85% of women report having experienced menstrual pain, and approximately 45% of women report experiencing menstrual pain each month [source]. There are many causes of dysmenorrhea. Here are several that can be resolved with pelvic floor therapy.
Women often believe there is nothing they can do about menstrual pain. In fact, menstruation is not supposed to hurt and can be resolved with therapy.
Ideally, your cycle should come and go with minimal disruption and discomfort in your daily life. The odd cramp or spasm here and there is usually nothing to worry about and is common on the first two days of your bleed). However, severe pain, cramping, aching, throbbing, or stabbing sensations need to be investigated, especially those that require pain killers or time off work.
The official term for menstrual pain is “dysmenorrhea,” and one in four women report absenteeism from work because of dysmenorrhea (also known as cramps [source]. Nearly 85% of women report having experienced menstrual pain, and approximately 45% of women report experiencing menstrual pain each month [source]. There are many causes of dysmenorrhea. Here are several that can be resolved with pelvic floor therapy.
HYPERTENSIVE UTERUS
Menstrual cramping is essentially caused by muscular overactivity of the muscle of the uterine wall. The uterine muscles are very strong, strong to push babies out when contracting. The muscular wall of the uterus contracts during menstruation to shed blood from the cervix. When the muscular wall is hypertensive, it can cause painful cramping. Hypertensive uterine muscles are easily resolved with therapy.
HYPERTONIC PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES
The pelvic floor muscles are connected to the uterus. I often tell patients muscles are like a pack of dogs: when one barks, they all chime in. Therefore, when the uterus contracts during menstruation to shed the lining of the cervix, it will trigger the pelvic floor muscles to cramp up. If the pelvic floor muscles are hypertonic, they can also cause pain at any time of the month when stimulated. This explains why some women experience “menstrual cramping” during exercise or climbing stairs, even if they are not menstruating. Hypertonic pelvic floor muscles can be resolved with therapy.
INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense from infection of disease, creating fluid and swelling. Inflammation that causes pain during menstruation can be from endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, hormonal imbalance, or even uterine fibroids.
Inflammation restricts healthy blood flow to the area and creates pain. Medical intervention with therapy to mobilize the tissues and restore normal circulation is effective to reduce inflammatory swelling and immobility, causing dysmenorrhea.
BOWEL AND BLADDER ISSUES
The female pelvis facilitates uterine, colorectal, and bladder function. If the sigmoid colon or rectum is overfull from constipation, inflamed, or having spasms, it can impair the body’s ability to perform normal menstruation. If the bladder is overactive, has infection, or with another condition like interstitial cystitis, it too can cause painful menstruation. Think about it like this: if your neighbor’s house is on fire, there’s a decent chance your house can catch fire too. The pelvic organs are all innervated by the same system of nerves which also will create menstrual pain. There are multiple ways the bowel and bladder influence menstrual pain; most can be resolved with therapy. A therapy evaluation can determine the cause of pain and create a treatment plan to resolve these symptoms.
ADENOMYOSIS
Adenomyosis is an uncommon condition when the tissue that lines your uterus begins to grow into the muscular walls of the uterus. These tissues are mobilized in therapy to function without pain.
PAST SURGERY OR INJURY
Women who’ve had surgeries or injury to the pelvic region can experience painful menstruation. This can be from an appendectomy, childbirth injury, or even a seatbelt injury. A therapy evaluation can help identify and resolve the cause of pain.
Menstruation is a natural function of the female body and is not supposed to be painful or disabling. Being disabled 25% of your time is simply not acceptable. If you have missed work, school, a game, social function, etc because of menstrual pain, decide to take control.
If you are experiencing menstrual pain, decide to Take CONTROL! Talk to your doctor about therapy and call us at 765.319.8420 to make your appointment today!
Tara Galles, MS, OTR
Tara Galles, MS, OTR, is owner of You’re in CONTROL! With over 20 years of clinical experience she compassionately moves each woman to take CONTROL! of their body and rehabilitates them to feel like a natural woman again. As a mother of four children she also understands what it’s like to be a pelvic rehab patient. You may contact Tara about your pelvic issue at (765) 319-8420, or make an appointment using the button at the top of the page.