5 Items Every Girl Should Have on Hand to Help Manage Period Pains
Pelvic pain and cramping are two of the most common symptoms during menstruation. If your menstrual cramps are making it difficult for you to enjoy your normal activities, it is time to do something to care for your body during them. Before your next period begins, be sure to pick up the following items. At-home treatments like aromatherapy and laser treatment for back pain can help to relax your mind and body. Discover more information about each of these therapies below, as well as how to get them to use at home.
- Heating Pad
According to research, heat therapy is beneficial for cramps caused by menstrual periods. The benefits occur because it works to relax the muscles in your lower back and pelvis. Gentle, nurturing warmth may also help you to unwind so you can rest or sleep. A heating pad is one of the easiest ways to benefit from heat therapy. Place it on your lower back or pelvic area for 10-20 minutes at a time.
It is safe to enjoy a heating pad multiple times per day, but be sure to keep each session short. This will help you to see how you respond to the warmth while avoiding burns or discomfort. If you do not wish to use a heating pad, other ways to enjoy heat therapy at home include taking a warm bath or wrapping a hot water bottle in a towel or cloth. One-time-use heat wraps are also available from drugstores and larger retailers.
- Essential Oils
Different types of essential oils can help you to de-stress. They may even be able to help reduce discomfort or pain associated with menstrual cramping. According to Healthline, popular essential oils like lavender, rose, and cinnamon have been shown to relieve sensations of pain and cramping. They can even help to reduce tension and inflammation in your pelvic area.
If you would like to use essential oils to manage period pains, be sure to do so safely. Never apply oils of any kind directly to your skin. Instead, add a few drops of it into a carrier oil. Some of the most popular carrier oils include extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), almond oil, and coconut oil.
Test a small amount of the mixture on your arm or wrist before you apply it to your abdomen. Applying it once per day for a week before the start of your menstrual cycle may help to reduce your symptoms. Another way to use your oils is to place them in a personal diffuser. Breathing in the mist can ease tension in your body and help you calm down.
- Yoga Mat
Physical activity can help to relieve different types of acute and chronic pain, including menstrual cramps. This is because exercises release beta-endorphins throughout the body, which act as natural painkillers. When you are ready to work out, grab your yoga mat. There are several yoga poses that are good for period pain and cramping, including the child’s pose, the standing forward fold, and the supine twist.
The deep breathing involved with yoga will further help you to relax your muscles and relieve any stress in your body. Another advantage of doing this type of exercise is that there are many different types of practices and skill levels. When you are feeling especially achy or tired during your period, be sure to choose a gentle yoga session. Complete the poses at your own pace or find a beginner’s routine on your favorite online yoga app.
- Over-the-Counter Medications
Many women prefer natural at-home remedies that do not involve the use of pharmaceuticals. However, if you are dealing with stubborn pain that will not go away, you may be interested in trying an over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
While you should talk to your doctor about any specific questions you may have, the Mayo Clinic says that pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help to relieve your symptoms. Consider starting regular doses the day before you expect your period. This can assist you in controlling moderate to severe cramping throughout your day.
If you would like, you can also try starting your medication at the beginning of your period or whenever you feel discomfort. Some doctors prescribe their patients nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or hormonal birth control if regular remedies do not work. Have a conversation with your primary care physician or gynecologist about your options.
- Laser Therapy Device
A laser therapy device can help you to relieve your lower back pain, back tension, and muscle spasms associated with your period. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), formerly often referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a cutting-edge technology that modulates pain and inflammation in the lower back, and it has no known side effects. Use it to relieve your muscle aches or spasms caused by PMS or menstrual symptoms. Since it is a non-drug therapy, you can use it in combination with some of your other favorite remedies.
All you need to reap the benefits of PBMT is to wear a laser therapy belt for 30 minutes per day. Non-ionizing light sources offer gentle heat that not only penetrates the skin to relieve discomfort from its source but acts as a relaxation aid for the mind and body.
It is no problem if you fall asleep or want to rest while you are wearing it. Features like an auto-timed shutoff feature will ensure you do not overuse the therapy or wear out your battery, while the comfortable and durable material can be worn while you rest, sit, or go about your normal activities.
Relieving Your Period Pains at Home
While period pain can be difficult to deal with, there are many ways you can try relieving your discomfort at home. Combine complementary therapies like laser therapy, heat therapy, and aromatherapy to maximize your relaxation and tension relief.
If your pain continues even after trying a few at-home remedies, be sure to talk to your doctor. Some symptoms can be caused by conditions like endometriosis or even uterine fibroids, so it is important to be honest about what you are feeling. By staying committed to your health and self-care, you can find the solutions that are right for you. Soon, you will be on your way to enjoying a better quality of life.
Author Bio: Mark Broadly is a health and wellness blogger with over 7 years in the field. He enjoys researching the all latest trends and blogging about his findings to ensure readers are informed on both the pros and cons of any new trends. In his free time, he enjoys cooking new recipes and hiking with his family.
