Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is pelvic and/or abdominal pain that coincides with menstruation. It is estimated that it affects between 25-60% of women on the first day of their period, and for this reason, it is often considered a normal symptom. During the initial questioning of many inquiries in SOMSALUT, it comes up as a frequent and usual thing.

The symptoms that accompany dysmenorrhea are variable, among the most frequent we can find:

• Cramps in the lower abdomen
• Lumbar pain
• Leg pain or cramps
• Nausea / vomiting
• diarrhea
• Weakness
• headaches

We can classify menstrual pain in two ways, according to when it originated (primary or secondary), or according to the cause (spasmodic or congestive). In this article, I explain the first classification and generalities about the treatment that is done from osteopathy.

Primary dysmenorrhea occurs when there is no gynecological disorder, is more common in women aged 17-25, and accounts for 90% of menstrual pains.

Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs when we find conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids, among others.

Today we want to make you aware that having pain during menstruation IS NOT NORMAL, and we will explain different reasons that from the osteopathy approach explain its appearance.

To expel blood during menstruation, the uterus must contract. If this contraction is maintained over time, it damages both the uterus and the nerves related to it. This may be due to poor function of the dorsolumbar or sacral spine, which is where the nerves that control the gynecological region come from, affecting vascularization, sensitivity, and uterine motility.

• Musculoskeletal dysfunctions in the pelvis: the bad position of the iliacs, the sacrum, the pubic symphysis, etc., can alter the tension of the ligaments that go to the uterus, compromising its mobility and altering its position.
• Uterine position injuries : although the most common position of the uterus in the pelvis is anteversion, many times it is in retroversion, anteflexion, retroflexion, lateralization or torsion. This can hinder its mobility and at the same time its function.
• Uterine ptosis: is the descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity, either as a result of childbirth or due to weakness of the pelvic floor, it can also alter the mobility and function of the uterus.
• Poor diaphragmatic function: In osteopathy, all structures that are arranged horizontally in the body are considered diaphragms. These separate environments and pressures and help circulatory return. When they don’t work properly, they limit the venous and lymphatic return and promote the appearance of congestion at the pelvic level.
• Kidney problems – can also create pelvic congestion.
• Some hormonal dysfunctions can also alter the cycle, as well as accentuate symptoms due to poor hormonal secretion.