Period 3 days late lower back pain: Why Am I Having Cramps and Back Pain But No Period?

Опубликовано: July 15, 2023 в 6:54 pm

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Is lower back pain a sign of early pregnancy?

Lower back pain may be a sign of early pregnancy, as changing hormones, the shifting uterus, and weakened abdominal muscles can all contribute to pain. Back pain is common during early and later stages of pregnancy.

Lower back pain is common in pregnancy. Around 50% of pregnant women experience lower back pain at some stage of pregnancy. Research suggests that lower back pain is more common in the second trimester, although it is not uncommon during the early stages.

This article discusses whether lower back pain is a sign of early pregnancy, what the pain feels like, other signs of early pregnancy, and pregnancy testing. It also looks at how to treat lower back pain.

Share on PinterestDesign by Medical News Today; photography by stefanamer/Getty Images

Lower back pain can be a sign of early pregnancy.

As the uterus grows and shifts, it weakens and stretches the abdominal muscles and changes a person’s center of gravity. The abdominal muscles support the back, and these changes can cause stress to the joints and muscles of the back.

These changes can also affect a person’s posture, placing further strain on the joints and muscles.

Additionally, the body releases pregnancy hormones that relax the ligaments in the joints of the pelvis to help make them more flexible. When the joints become too loose, they may contribute to pain in the lower back.

Because a person’s abdominal muscles are stretched and weaker during pregnancy, the risk of injury during exercise is also higher than usual.

Pregnant people may experience different types of lower back pain, and the intensity and onset can differ.

In a small 2017 study of 97 pregnant women, some described their lower back pain as a burning sensation. In a larger study involving 1,510 pregnant women, participants described it as:

radiating
sharp
persistent
temporary

Some people said that lying down, engaging in physical activity, standing, lifting heavy objects, or bending made their lower back pain worse. Most said their pain was worse at night and least severe in the morning. Lying down may worsen pain because the weight of the pelvis can push against the uterus in this position.

Pregnancy does not always cause symptoms in the early stages, and symptoms that occur may have other causes. If someone suspects they may be pregnant, they can take a pregnancy test.

Signs of early pregnancy include:

a missed or lighter-than-usual menstrual period
pain, tenderness, swelling, or other changes in the breasts
bloating or gas in the belly
mild cramping in the pelvis
fatigue or tiredness
nausea, vomiting, or both
cravings for certain foods or suddenly aversions to certain foods
heightened sense of smell
increased body temperature
frequent urination
headache
mood swings

Learn more about early pregnancy symptoms.

If a person suspects they are pregnant, they should take a pregnancy test. Two types are available.

Home pregnancy tests

If a person takes a home pregnancy test according to the instructions and gets a positive result, the test is typically correct. A negative result may be less reliable, and a person should retake the test a week later or contact a doctor to receive a clinical test.

For a home urine test, a person will usually urinate on a testing stick, according to the instructions. The level of a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine will cause a strip on the stick to change color or display a symbol to indicate whether the test is positive.

A person can take a pregnancy test from the first day of a missed period or at least 21 days after having sex without a condom or other barrier method.

Clinical pregnancy tests

A clinical urine test is similar to a home urine test. A doctor will obtain a urine sample and test it for the presence of hCG. The level of accuracy is similar to that of home tests.

A doctor may also perform a blood test to check hCG levels. A blood test may be able to detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test.

Learn more about hCG pregnancy tests.

There are various ways a person may be able to help treat lower back pain while pregnant.

Home remedies

Home remedies for lower back pain include:

using heating pads or cold compresses on the back for limited periods
sitting in chairs that have good back support or using lumbar support devices or cushions while sitting
wearing supportive shoes with arch support and low heels
wearing supportive clothing such as abdominal support garments, which are available at maternity stores
avoiding lifting heavy objects as much as possible
squatting down, bending the knees, and keeping the back straight when lifting
sleeping on one side with the knees bent and placing a pillow between the knees and under the belly

Find tips for sleeping when pregnant.

Medication

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that pregnant people consult a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medications. Both opioid pain medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may contribute to miscarriage and fetal development irregularities such as spina bifida, congenital heart conditions, and cleft palate.

Because of this risk, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant people avoid taking NSAIDs at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later.

Acetaminophen may be a safer option to treat lower back pain, although individuals should discuss this and any other medications with their doctor before taking it while pregnant.

If a person’s back pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 weeks, they should contact their doctor to rule out other potential causes such as:

miscarriage
preterm labor
kidney infection
placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the inner lining of the uterus

Learn more about pain medication during pregnancy.

Lower back pain can indicate early pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body releases a hormone that causes the ligaments in the pelvis joints to relax, and the stretching uterus can weaken abdominal muscles. This can cause stress on the joints and muscles in the back, leading to lower back pain.

The pain may feel sharp, burning, or radiating and can be persistent or temporary.

If a person has other signs of early pregnancy, such as a missed or light period, fatigue, nausea, and mood swings, they should take a pregnancy test or contact a doctor.

A pregnant person should discuss any medication with a doctor before taking it. Acetaminophen may be a safer pain relief option than NSAIDs or opioids.

There are also several home remedies and adjustments that may help treat lower back pain. These include wearing low-heeled, supportive shoes; supporting the back while sitting; and using warm pads or cold compresses.

Is lower back pain a sign of early pregnancy?

Share on PinterestDesign by Medical News Today; photography by stefanamer/Getty Images

Lower back pain can be a sign of early pregnancy.

These changes can also affect a person’s posture, placing further strain on the joints and muscles.

Because a person’s abdominal muscles are stretched and weaker during pregnancy, the risk of injury during exercise is also higher than usual.

Pregnant people may experience different types of lower back pain, and the intensity and onset can differ.

In a small 2017 study of 97 pregnant women, some described their lower back pain as a burning sensation. In a larger study involving 1,510 pregnant women, participants described it as:

radiating
sharp
persistent
temporary

Pregnancy does not always cause symptoms in the early stages, and symptoms that occur may have other causes. If someone suspects they may be pregnant, they can take a pregnancy test.

Signs of early pregnancy include:

a missed or lighter-than-usual menstrual period
pain, tenderness, swelling, or other changes in the breasts
bloating or gas in the belly
mild cramping in the pelvis
fatigue or tiredness
nausea, vomiting, or both
cravings for certain foods or suddenly aversions to certain foods
heightened sense of smell
increased body temperature
frequent urination
headache
mood swings

Learn more about early pregnancy symptoms.

If a person suspects they are pregnant, they should take a pregnancy test. Two types are available.

Home pregnancy tests

A person can take a pregnancy test from the first day of a missed period or at least 21 days after having sex without a condom or other barrier method.

Clinical pregnancy tests

A clinical urine test is similar to a home urine test. A doctor will obtain a urine sample and test it for the presence of hCG. The level of accuracy is similar to that of home tests.

A doctor may also perform a blood test to check hCG levels. A blood test may be able to detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test.

Learn more about hCG pregnancy tests.

There are various ways a person may be able to help treat lower back pain while pregnant.

Home remedies

Home remedies for lower back pain include:

using heating pads or cold compresses on the back for limited periods
sitting in chairs that have good back support or using lumbar support devices or cushions while sitting
wearing supportive shoes with arch support and low heels
wearing supportive clothing such as abdominal support garments, which are available at maternity stores
avoiding lifting heavy objects as much as possible
squatting down, bending the knees, and keeping the back straight when lifting
sleeping on one side with the knees bent and placing a pillow between the knees and under the belly

Find tips for sleeping when pregnant.

Medication

Because of this risk, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant people avoid taking NSAIDs at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later.

Acetaminophen may be a safer option to treat lower back pain, although individuals should discuss this and any other medications with their doctor before taking it while pregnant.

If a person’s back pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 weeks, they should contact their doctor to rule out other potential causes such as:

miscarriage
preterm labor
kidney infection
placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the inner lining of the uterus

Learn more about pain medication during pregnancy.

The pain may feel sharp, burning, or radiating and can be persistent or temporary.

If a person has other signs of early pregnancy, such as a missed or light period, fatigue, nausea, and mood swings, they should take a pregnancy test or contact a doctor.

A pregnant person should discuss any medication with a doctor before taking it. Acetaminophen may be a safer pain relief option than NSAIDs or opioids.

Lower back pain – causes, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

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Lower back pain – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Low back pain occurs in almost everyone, especially after 40 years. One of the reasons is osteochondrosis – a degenerative-dystrophic change in the spine. However, in many cases it does not explain the nature, severity and duration of back pain.

Varieties of pain

Back pain can be a symptom of a serious illness, but the vast majority of back pain is benign. One of the main points to consider when diagnosing back pain, and in particular in the lower back, is their duration. In most cases, muscle pain can last up to two weeks and then disappear. Pain caused by organic changes in the spine (intervertebral hernia, arthrosis) lasts much longer and can radiate to the leg, perineum, accompanied by a feeling of numbness, burning, goosebumps.

Pain caused by cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the abdominal organs are more intense and longer.

Possible causes

Pain caused by illness or injury of the spine

In most cases, back pain is caused by dysfunction of the intervertebral joints.

A decrease in the distance between the vertebrae due to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs leads to an increase in the friction of the articular surfaces. This can cause subluxation and blockage of the joint. The muscles surrounding the affected joint are in a state of overexertion for a long time, which increases joint pain.

Most often, pain in diseases of the spine is dull in nature, i.e., its intensity increases gradually, intensifying with movements and weakening at rest. .

In cases of severe osteochondrosis, pain can be caused by compression of the nerve endings (spinal roots) during the formation of a herniated disc. Acute shooting or piercing pain can become constant over time and occasionally radiate to the leg with sudden movements, coughing, sneezing. The pain syndrome is usually accompanied by numbness, tingling, burning. Similar symptoms are combined with loss of sensitivity in the area of the affected nerve, loss of reflexes, muscle weakness.

Serious spinal injuries (fracture, fracture dislocation) are accompanied by severe pain and require emergency medical intervention.

If a fracture occurs as a result of compression of the vertebral body, then it is called a compression fracture.

In older people, such a fracture is possible due to osteoporosis, which is more common in women. A compression fracture, sometimes even with minimal external load, is caused by damage to the spine during metastasis of malignant tumors.

Diagnostics and examinations

When diagnosing, the doctor takes into account orthopedic defects, the presence of symptoms such as impaired urination or defecation; pain spreading down the leg; lack of relief after taking painkillers; weakness and numbness in the leg. To confirm the diagnosis, you must perform:

CT lumbosacral spine

Examination that allows diagnosing pathologies of the spine and surrounding tissues.

RUB 4,890

MRI

MRI of the lumbosacral spine

Diagnostic examination to determine the pathology of the lumbosacral spine and surrounding tissues.

RUB 5,990

Complete blood count

Clinical blood test: general analysis, leukoformula, ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in the presence of pathological changes)

Synonyms: Complete blood count, UAC. Full blood count, FBC, Complete blood count (CBC) with differential white blood cell count (CBC with diff), Hemogram.
Brief description of the study CBC: general a…

Up to 1 business day

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RUB 810

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What should be done when pain occurs?

In acute pain, it is necessary to ensure peace and limit the load on the spine.

In the presence of radicular syndrome, bed rest is observed for two weeks. After an acute period, you should gradually return to an active lifestyle.

Treatment

First of all, therapy should be aimed at relieving pain. The doctor may prescribe a blockade of the focus of inflammation with injections. Pain relief is achieved for a period of six weeks to six months. Another option is the appointment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with muscle relaxants. Treatment can be supplemented with vitamin therapy (a complex of B vitamins), as well as the use of antidepressants and anticonvulsants strictly as directed. After the removal of acute pain, according to the decision of the doctor, thermal and magnetic physiotherapy, manual and acupuncture, massage can be added to the treatment.

If conservative treatment has proved ineffective for several months, neurosurgical operations are resorted to. At the age of 45 years, decompression of the spinal cord, removal of an intervertebral hernia, prosthetic intervertebral discs often give a good result. In other cases, it is better to use epidural blockade and radiofrequency denervation. This allows not only to quickly eliminate pain symptoms, but also to minimize the use of painkillers.

Muscle pain

Muscular, or myofascial, pain occurs most often with overstrain, spasm or microtrauma of the muscles.

In these cases, a painful and hard area of \u200b\u200bthe muscle is probed under the skin, pressing on which is accompanied by a strong pain impulse, and sometimes recoil to other areas. As a rule, there is a relationship between the occurrence of pain with prolonged overexertion or an unnatural position (often associated with professional activities), compression and overstretching of muscles due to wearing heavy bags or backpacks, hypothermia, diseases of internal organs or joints. In the latter case, the pain impulse from the affected organ leads to a protective tension of the surrounding muscles.

Diagnostics and examinations

When making a diagnosis, the doctor conducts an external examination, finds out the history of the development of pain, its connection with overload or disease of the internal organs. To exclude damage to the spine (osteoporosis, metastases to the spine, tuberculous spondylitis):

CT scan of the lumbosacral spine

Examination that allows diagnosing pathologies of the spine and surrounding tissues.

RUB 4,890

MRI

MRI of the lumbosacral spine

Diagnostic examination to determine the pathology of the lumbosacral spine and surrounding tissues.

RUB 5,990

Ultrasound for the detection of diseases of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis.

US examination of pelvic organs (uterus, adnexa)

Ultrasound scanning of the organs of the female reproductive system to assess the shape and size, as well as exclude pathology.

RUB 2,590

The absence of serious diseases of the spine and internal organs gives grounds for the diagnosis of myalgia, or muscle pain.

What should be done when pain occurs?

If the pain syndrome is due to muscle spasm, the first step should be to ensure rest and, if possible, relaxation.

The optimal effect is achieved in the supine position, preferably on an orthopedic mattress.

Treatment

The main therapy is to relieve pain and relax spasmodic muscles. This is achieved by the use of muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The course of treatment, on the recommendation of a doctor, can be supplemented with anticonvulsant drugs that reduce the intensity of pain, and vascular drugs that improve blood circulation in the muscles. The most effective conservative method is local injection blockade. After the removal of acute pain, it is possible to prescribe vitamins and biostimulants. Significant benefits are provided by non-pharmacological means: manual therapy, massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises.

Psychogenic pains

Psychogenic pain, as a rule, occurs without lesions and does not have a clear localization. Psychogenic pain develops as a response of the body to stressful situations and the accompanying negative emotions. Unlike radicular or referred pain (when the localization of pain does not coincide with the focus of damage), psychogenic pain decreases or disappears after motor activity.

Psychogenic pain does not exclude a real organic lesion and even often accompanies its manifestations.

Diagnostics and examinations

It is quite difficult to identify the cause of psychogenic pain and determine its nature, especially in older patients. It is possible to suspect the psychological component of pain in the absence of its clear localization and nature, as well as in the presence of previous or current depressive states.

Treatment

The elimination of psychogenic pain is achieved by activating the lifestyle and using light tranquilizers and antidepressants as prescribed by the doctor.

Other possible causes of back pain

Other causes of pain syndromes can be infectious processes (tuberculous spondylitis, herpes), metastatic damage to the vertebrae, metabolic disorders (osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism), vascular diseases (associated with vascular pathology), and lesions of internal organs. All of these conditions require urgent treatment.

Which doctors should I contact?

Patients with back pain (if the pain is not of infectious or tumor origin) are treated by both general practitioners and neurologists, algologists, psychotherapists and exercise therapy doctors.

Sources:

Clinical guidelines “Degenerative diseases of the spine”. Developed by: Russian Association of Spine Surgeons, Association of Neurosurgeons of Russia, Association of Traumatologists and Orthopedists of Russia. – 2021.
Clinical guidelines “Osteoporosis”. Developed by: Russian Association of Endocrinologists, Russian Association for Osteoporosis, Russian Association of Rheumatologists, Russian Association of Orthopedic Traumatologists, Russian Association of Gynecologists and Endocrinologists, Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatricians. – 2021.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

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Lower back pain: what to do company blog

Answering questions: Causes of pain in the lumbar region? What to do? Who to contact?

Causes of pain in the lumbar region

Lower back pain: how often do you ignore this symptom, associating it with prolonged sitting at the monitor or lifting weights? In fact, this is a rather alarming signal of your body, since the cause of this pain can be hidden in diseases of the kidneys, liver and intestines, and not only in problems of the musculoskeletal system or severe overwork.

Thus, your main task is not to delay the visit to the doctor and not to hush up this pain. The main task of the doctor is to find out what exactly caused the deterioration of the condition and take the necessary measures.

Pain in the lumbar region: what hurts there?

In 95% of cases, low back pain is associated with muscles, ligaments and joints. Patients often describe this condition as “pulled back”. These pains are unpleasant, but not dangerous, and in most cases go away on their own in 2-3 days.

How do you feel?

Aching pain in the back (acute and chronic).

Who to contact?

If after 3 days you did not feel relief, this is a sure signal: you should urgently make an appointment with a doctor – a traumatologist, a neurologist.

3-4% of pain is associated with sciatica, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia.

How do you feel?

Sciatica usually causes persistent sharp (stabbing) or dull pain. More often localized on one side. Pain can radiate to the thigh, lower leg, buttock and cause numbness.
Osteochondrosis manifests itself as pulling pains in the back, which radiate to the leg, become stronger when sneezing, coughing, exerting.
Acute, radiating pain in the limbs can signal an intervertebral hernia. It occurs when bending over, lifting weights, aggravated by sneezing, coughing, moving, accompanied by weakness in the leg.

Who to contact?

Traumatologist, neurologist, neurosurgeon.

1-2% of pain in the lumbar region is associated with injuries, inflammatory diseases of the spine. The same percentage group includes oncology, diseases of the cardiovascular system. The gastrointestinal tract often reports itself with radiating pain in the lumbar region and back (for example, appendicitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers).

Diseases of the urinary system (cystitis, pyelonephritis, and especially urolithiasis) are most often manifested by pain in the lower back. Moreover, the pain can be so acute that you immediately contact an ambulance.

In diseases of the female genital organs, along with pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the sacro-lumbar spine may occur. Moreover, it can disturb you periodically during menstruation, during sexual intercourse, or be long-term and become chronic.

Thus, there are a large number of reasons for the occurrence of pain in the back, and some of them indicate dangerous symptoms. To make a correct diagnosis and receive adequate treatment, you need to consult a specialist.

When to procrastinate

The main signal that a visit to the doctor cannot be postponed is the regularity of pain. If from time to time you feel that your back is twisted, shot, and the pain goes away in 2-3 days, most likely there are no terrible symptoms. If pain of low or medium intensity accompanies you all the time, you can only temporarily drown it out with painkillers, it is becoming more and more difficult for you to choose a position in which it does not hurt – it is dangerous to delay. It’s better to see a doctor immediately!

Does your back hurt after sleeping?

Do you feel stiffness, pain and discomfort in your back, in your right or left side, in the region of your sacrum before you even get out of bed? The reason is not only that you “lay down” on your back or sleep on a low-quality mattress.

Back pain after waking up has its own reasons:

the day before you overworked and overloaded your back with heavy lifting;
back muscles are weakened;
you already have a diagnosis of “intervertebral hernia” or “osteochondrosis”;
you have a cold in your back;
you are overweight, which causes the load on the spine to be unevenly distributed;
you are pregnant and your back is subjected to a slowly growing load;
you experience stress and constant overwork.

For back pain of any intensity is strictly prohibited:

Go to the sauna.