Endometriosis & Back Pain

Endometriosis is a disorder of the female reproductive system. Prior to the monthly menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterine wall thickens as it prepares for an impending pregnancy. When the pregnancy does not occur, the lining is shed. With endometriosis, this tissue grows in other parts of the body such as the pelvic and abdominal cavities. Women with this condition may experience a host of different symptoms, which makes this disease sometimes quite difficult to diagnose. A misdiagnosis has occurred in several instances, leaving women with unanswered questions and concerns. One symptom that seems to accompany most diagnoses is back pain.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of endometriosis are cramps before and during menstrual periods and pain during sexual intercourse. You may also experience fatigue, heavy and/or irregular menstrual periods, headaches, depression, anxiety, hypoglycemia, fever and a higher susceptibility to infections and disease. Back pain may also occur and can be one of the most painful symptoms. It can start in the lower back and extend to the buttocks.

Treatment

• Birth control pills are sometimes used to reduce the levels of estrogen, which feeds the condition and can prevent the spread of new endometrial tissue. Surgery is also an option. Endometriosis can be removed using laparoscopic surgery. The condition may or may not subside with treatment and in some instances, does return. Back pain can treated with pain medication, although because of the frequent reoccurrence of the back pain, this method should only be considered a short term fix.

Pain Management

• Most pain occurs in the pelvic region and spreads down the back and legs, but may occur in other parts of the body where the condition has spread. Drug treatments, changes in diet and dietary supplements can all be used in the management of pain.

Diet

• Endo-resolved recommends a well balanced diet that is full of fresh ingredients, high in fiber and low in fat. Omega-3 fatty acids are a must have in the diet and can be found in walnut oil or flaxseed oil. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, peas, and brown rice area two components of a healthy diet that makes dealing with endometriosis more bearable. With proper nutrition, the body is better prepared to handle such a condition and will be more capable of tolerating its effects.

Infertility

• According to Endo-resolved.com, as a result of severe and sometimes untreated endometriosis, 40 percent of all women suffering from endometriosis will also be infertile. Scarring in the pelvis and the adhesion of the ovaries and fallopian tubes to the abdominal wall can all be blamed for infertility. The damage and scarring caused by this condition to the inside of the fallopian tube can block the path of fertilized eggs. An abundance of prostaglandins, a hormone found in most bodily tissues that is responsible for many internal interactions such as ovulation and the contraction of the uterus during childbirth, can also be a reason for infertility.