Do some female friends have the feeling of back pain, especially women who have given birth? Although back pain is not a serious illness, if it persists for a long time and shows signs of aggravation, we need to be alert to these 5 gynecological diseases. Let me summarize them for you below!
[5 Gynecological Diseases to be Alerted for Female Back Pain]
1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is one of the common gynecological inflammations in women, mainly including endometritis, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, and pelvic peritonitis. Pelvic inflammatory disease often occurs during the sexually active period, while it is rare in premenarcheal, postmenopausal, and unmarried women. Symptoms: The common symptoms of acute pelvic inflammatory disease include lower abdominal pain, which worsens after activity and sexual intercourse; fever; increased vaginal discharge.
2. Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women and are common in women aged 30 to 50. The symptoms of uterine fibroids mainly depend on the location of the fibroids and whether there is degeneration, rather than the size or number of the fibroids. In addition to causing back pain itself, if left untreated or not properly treated, it may cause chronic pelvic pain and also lead to pain in the lower back. Symptoms: Lower abdominal bloating, back pain, worsens during menstruation; other common symptoms include increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual periods, lower abdominal masses, increased vaginal discharge, etc.
3. Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in women. The main clinical symptom is vaginal bleeding: early-stage bleeding on contact, late-stage irregular vaginal bleeding, and irregular vaginal bleeding after menopause in elderly patients. In addition, patients may have vaginal discharge, which is often white or bloody, thin and watery like rice soup. Advanced-stage cervical cancer patients may experience different secondary symptoms due to the involvement of the tumor, such as frequent urination, urgency, back pain, constipation, etc. The main cause of back pain is the compression or involvement of the tumor, which can cause ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis, and uremia, thus causing back pain.
4. Abnormal Uterine Position
The normal uterus is in a mild anteverted position, and the surrounding ligaments can move freely. When the uterus is retroverted or retroflexed, inflammation of the uterus and surrounding tissues can cause adhesion, leading to tractional back pain. This condition often occurs after frequent induced abortions, multiparity, or other uterine surgeries. Uterine prolapse is also a type of abnormal uterine position. Grade II-III uterine prolapse can pull the ligaments, causing varying degrees of back pain or a sense of pelvic heaviness. Symptoms: Varying degrees of back pain or a sense of pelvic heaviness.
5. Endometriosis
Symptoms: Secondary dysmenorrhea, which worsens progressively with the menstrual cycle, is a typical symptom of endometriosis. The pain is mainly in the lower abdomen, lower back, and middle of the pelvis. In addition to dysmenorrhea, infertility, abnormal menstruation, and discomfort during sexual intercourse are also clinical manifestations of this disease.
[Massage these 5 Acupoints to Relieve Pain]
Chinese medicine believes that if there is no pain, there is no blockage. Therefore, traditional Chinese medicine treatment for back pain often uses acupuncture, massage, and oral medications such as Yaotongning to unblock meridians, invigorate Qi and blood, and reduce swelling and relieve pain. In addition to the conventional treatment given by doctors, patients can also relieve back pain through self-massage.
1. Mingmen Acupoint
The Mingmen acupoint is located in the depression below the second lumbar spine, opposite the navel.
Hold your right or left fist and place the knuckles on the Mingmen acupoint. Press and knead clockwise 9 times, then counterclockwise 9 times, repeating the process 36 times. Persistently massaging this acupoint can warm the kidney Yang and benefit the waist and spine.
2. Shenshu Acupoint
The Shenshu acupoint is located below the second lumbar spine, about 1.5 inches away from the Mingmen acupoint, at the same level.
Hold your hands into fists and place the knuckles on the Shenshu acupoint on both sides. Press and knead clockwise and counterclockwise. Massaging this acupoint daily has the effect of nourishing Yin and invigorating Yang, supplementing the kidneys, and strengthening the waist.
3. Yaoyangguan Acupoint
The Yaoyangguan acupoint is located in the depression below the fourth lumbar spine, about level with the iliac crest.
Hold your left or right fist and place the knuckles on the Yaoyangguan acupoint. Repeat pressing and kneading. This acupoint is where the Du meridian's Yang Qi passes through. Massaging it daily can promote the circulation of Yang Qi, strengthen the waist and knees, and benefit the lower abdomen.
4. Yaoyan Acupoint
The Yaoyan acupoint is located below the fourth lumbar spine, about 3.5 inches away from the depression, level with the Yangguan acupoint.
Hold your hands into fists and press and knead this acupoint with the knuckles. It can promote blood circulation, dredge meridians, and invigorate the waist and kidneys.
5. Weizhong Acupoint
The Weizhong acupoint is located in the middle of the transverse crease of the popliteal fossa behind the knee joint.
Rub your hands together until they are warm. Use both hands to simultaneously rub and knead the Weizhong acupoint on both lower limbs, applying pressure with the thumb and the rest of the fingers. Do this for about one minute. It can relax tendons, activate collaterals, and relieve spasms and pain.
[Common Knowledge for Women's Menstrual Health]
1. During menstruation, eat more eggs, lean meat, fish, soy products, vegetables, and fruits;
2. Drink more boiled water and avoid drinking strong tea. Strong tea contains a high amount of caffeine, which can stimulate the nerves and cardiovascular system, and easily lead to dysmenorrhea, prolonged menstrual periods, or excessive bleeding.
3. Pay attention to hygiene during menstruation, avoid vigorous exercise and excessive cold or strong stimulation, and try to reduce emotional fluctuations.
4. Wear loose cotton underwear during menstruation to keep it ventilated and prevent infections.
