When it comes to contraception, many women rely on birth control pills as a reliable and convenient way to avoid unwanted pregnancy. However, some individuals taking these pills may experience physical side effects that can make their life difficult. One of the most commonly reported issues is back pain. So, does birth control cause back pain? This post explores this issue in detail and provides information on what you can do if you are experiencing back pain while taking oral contraceptives.
Introduction to the Topic & Focus Keyphrase
Birth control or contraception is an effective method for avoiding pregnancy. Hormonal contraception such as the contraceptive pill (or oral contraceptive) are used widely around the world, with approximately 10 million women using them in the US alone. Estrogen-progestin combination pills are popular forms of birth control, however they can have side effects including back pain. It’s therefore important to understand the potential link between birth control and back pain so that appropriate preventative measures can be taken to reduce discomfort.
Exploring Possible Links Between Birth Control & Back Pain
It is unclear why some people develop back pain while taking hormonal contraception such as birth control pills. Studies suggest that changes in hormones due to taking birth control pills could play a role in causing back pain. In particular, fluctuations in levels of estrogen and progesterone could trigger muscle tension which then causes soreness in the lower back area. Some research has also suggested that high doses of certain types of birth control pills may increase your risk of developing chronic low back pain.
How Different Types of Birth Control May Affect Your Risk of Developing Back Pain Symptoms
Different types of birth control contain varying amounts of hormone levels which may affect how much back pain you experience when taking them. For example, lower dose pills containing only 20mcg of ethinyl estradiol (the synthetic form of the female sex hormone estrogen) may cause less muscle tension than higher dose pills containing 35mcg or more of the same hormone. Other factors to consider include whether or not you’re taking extended cycle pills or combination pills containing both estrogen and progestin. All these factors will impact your chances of developing back pain symptoms from taking birth control pills.
Factors That Influence How Much Back Pain May Be Experienced While Taking Birth Control Pills
Other factors beyond just type and dose of birth control pill can influence how severe any back pain related to taking birth control might be. Age, lifestyle choices, weight and general health can all contribute to different levels of discomfort experienced by individual users. Furthermore, pre-existing conditions such as sciatica or arthritis may exacerbate existing pain due to taking oral contraceptives.
Common Treatments for Back Pain Related to Birth Control Use
If you’re experiencing back pain due to taking birth control pills, there are a few treatments available which may help alleviate discomfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are sometimes prescribed to manage pain associated with contraception use, although long term use should be avoided where possible. Muscle relaxants and other over-the-counter medications may also provide relief from milder symptoms. If necessary, stronger prescription medicines such as opioids can be administered but this should only occur after consultation with a doctor.
Natural Alternatives for Dealing With Back Pain Caused by Birth Control Use
Natural remedies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care may offer relief from back pain caused by birth control use. Exercise and stretching can also help improve posture, flexibility and strength which may reduce the severity of any discomfort experienced due to taking hormonal contraception. Additionally, applying heat packs and using essential oils such as lavender oil can help ease muscle tension and promote relaxation which in turn may lessen the intensity of any back ache related to taking birth control pills.
Preventative Measures to Take in Order to Reduce Your Chances of Experiencing Back Pain Due to Oral Contraception Use
There are several steps you can take to try and minimize the likelihood of suffering from back pain due to taking oral contraceptives. Firstly, it is important to talk to your doctor about alternative methods of contraception if you find that you’re regularly experiencing pain due to current medication. Secondly, eating a balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and maintaining good posture can all help ensure that any pain related to taking birth control is kept to a minimum. Thirdly, reducing stress levels through activities such as yoga or meditation may also prove beneficial in terms of preventing pain arising from taking hormonal contraception.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Chronic or Severe Back Pain
Although it is common to experience mild pains while taking birth control pills, persistent or severe aches should always be brought to the attention of a medical professional. If left untreated, ongoing discomfort caused by oral contraceptives could lead to complications such as depression, anxiety or reduced quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to seek advice from your GP or healthcare provider if you believe that your back pain is being caused by using birth control pills.
Conclusion: Summary & Further Resources
To conclude, there is a potential connection between birth control and back pain, particularly when using higher dose pills containing large amounts of estrogen and/or progestin hormones. Those who suffer from chronic or severe back pain due to taking oral contraceptives should consult with their doctor in order to receive appropriate treatment and determine whether switching medications or finding alternative methods of contraception would be best for them. A variety of natural remedies and preventative measures may also help reduce the risk of developing discomfort associated with taking hormonal contraception.
Questions & Answers
Q: Does birth control cause back pain?
A: Yes, some individuals taking hormonal contraception such as the contraceptive pill (oral contraceptive) may experience physical side effects such as back pain due to changes in hormone levels which can result in increased muscle tension.