Back pain has many causes. One that is not as typically considered is endometriosis. While the typical signs of endometriosis are pelvic or abdominal pains. Endometriosis presentation includes back pain.
When to discuss back pains with your gyno:
- Does it have another diagnosis?
- Does this pain have any cyclic component?
- Rate your pain, those diagnosed with endometriosis typically have pains that are significant
- Did use of hormonal contraception or a pregnancy affect the pain for the better?
- Does it interfere with life enjoyment
- Does this pain interfere with activity
- Do you have known spinal issues that make it less likely there is a new cause for back pain
You can begin with some simple steps if you have back pain
- STAY ACTIVE! Older recommendations indicated prolonged rest, new data doesn’t support this as much.
- Read about the Back pain initiative from the ABIM; http://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/imaging-tests-for-back-pain/
- There are other gynecologic causes of back pain. We recommend a pelvic exam: prolaspse can only be diagnosed on exam!
- Try some active self-therapy: this would include massage, roller foam, heat, ice,
- Strengthen your back over time, and you can still use stretching or yoga if the movements seem to help
- Acupuncture or other alternative therapy can be very successful
- Avoid high heels which exaggerates lower back curve.
- If you can safely use try an NSAID,
- Try topical medications, may want to do this with your PCP primary care provider’s advice
- For more advanced medication, get a consultation
It is possible for some pelvic pain to be caused by back pain.
If your stretching and exercising hurts a bunch more than ever before, then you are more likely to have a muscle or fascia problems. If you contract your abdominal wall and you feel a bit better, again, it might be myofascial pain. Radiating pain from back to groin or thigh is more likely muscular. Remember it could be both muscular and organ in nature. And your gyno can sort, so don’t go it alone is your pain is persistent!
See your gyneccologist at Women’s Health Practice and get some answers.
