Some treatment methods for back pain during your period may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal birth control, acupuncture, and nerve stimulation, among others.

Lower back pain is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a condition most women experience during menstruation.

However, severe lower back pain may be a symptom of other conditions, like PMDD and dysmenorrhea.

There are a handful of causes of severe lower back pain during your period.

PMS

PMS symptoms commonly occur within the week before your period and stop once your period starts. Severe lower back pain can be a frequent symptom for some.

In an older study from 2016, researchers found that women with higher inflammatory markers during their period were more likely to experience abdominal cramping and back pain. A 2020 study found that these markers are associated with overall pain symptoms.

PMDD

PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is characterized by severe PMS symptoms that can interfere with your daily life, including work, school, and personal relationships.

Like PMS, an increase in inflammation can be a cause of severe lower back pain in PMDD.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is characterized by painful period cramps, which can radiate throughout the entire lower and upper back.

In an older study from 2015 of more than 300 women ages 18 to 25, researchers found that more than 84 percent of them experienced primary dysmenorrhea. Of those 261 participants, 16 percent reported lower back pain. The pain was reported as feeling like:

  • spasmodic
  • shooting
  • piercing
  • stabbing

Endometriosis

While some lower back pain is normal during your period, severe and constant lower back pain can indicate a more serious issue, such as endometriosis: a condition characterized by the displacement of uterine tissue outside of the uterus.

Back pain from endometriosis might feel different than back pain from PMS, PMDD, or dysmenorrhea.

When the endometrial lining relocates to other locations, it can cause a deep pain that’s not easily fixed with traditional methods, such as massage or chiropractic adjusting.

Endometriosis requires a formal diagnosis to be treated properly.

There are several different kinds of treatments for severe lower back pain during your period.

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control is commonly prescribed for people who have painful periods. Combination birth control methods contain both estrogen and progesterone. Alternative options contain only progesterone.

Hormonal birth control can reduce how heavy and painful your period is, which can provide relief from:

  • PMS
  • PMDD
  • dysmenorrhea
  • endometriosis

NSAIDs

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are medications that effectively reduce pain and inflammation. You can buy them over the counter (OTC).

TENS

TENS stands for transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. It’s a procedure that utilizes electrodes to deliver electric shocks to the skin, which releases the body’s natural endorphins to reduce pain.

A 2021 review of studies found that TENS was effective in reducing dysmenorrhea pain. However, some research has found that it is more effective in combination with other treatments.

Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure are two complementary therapies that focus on applying pressure to various areas of the body to reduce pain and promote healing.

A small 2021 study found that acupuncture is effective in relieving pain from dysmenorrhea. Another small 2025 study found that acupressure relieved period pain.

Surgery

Endometriosis may require surgery to remove the uterine tissue that’s causing symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may only need to remove the small portions of displaced uterine tissue.

If the scarring and damage is extensive enough, it could require a full hysterectomy.

If you decide to have a hysterectomy for your endometriosis symptoms, it may involve removing the:

  • uterus
  • ovaries
  • cervix

For severe lower back pain during your period that’s not caused by a more serious condition, home remedies can effectively reduce the pain. Here are some you can try today:

  • Use heat. Apply a heating pad or water bottle filled with hot water to your lower back to ease the pain. Try to relax your back muscles, which can reduce pain as well.
  • OTC medications. Ibuprofen, aspirin, or even pain-relief cream can help relieve your lower back period pain. Most pain-relief creams are formulated with capsaicin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that can reduce pain. These types of creams can be massaged into the lower back, which may also help the muscles relax.
  • Rest and relaxation. If you’re finding it difficult to do many things with severe lower back pain from your period, take a few days for yourself. Relaxing with a good book, some gentle yoga, or simply a hot bath may help increase the endorphins that naturally fight pain.

Certain activities, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, can make inflammation worse. In addition, not getting the proper nutrients can make your period symptoms worse.

Drinking water and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce inflammation and alleviate PMS symptoms, such as lower back pain.

Regular exercise, regardless of intensity, can help ease pain. If you find it hard to exercise with lower back pain, try more gentle activities, such as yoga or swimming.

If your lower back pain is so severe that you’re unable to perform daily activities, it’s time to see your doctor. They might perform a variety of tests to see whether you have endometriosis or another condition causing your severe pain.

Even if there’s no underlying condition, you and your doctor can discuss both medical and at-home treatment methods to reduce the pain.

Lower back pain during your period is a common symptom of period-related conditions, such as PMS. The pain may be more severe with certain conditions like PMDD, dysmenorrhea, or endometriosis.

Treatments for severe lower back period pain may include birth control, NSAIDs, alternative therapies, and surgery.

There are also plenty of at-home remedies to help ease lower back pain, including heat, rest, and gentle exercise. However, if your lower back pain is so severe that it doesn’t respond to traditional treatment options, it’s time to visit your doctor.