Correlation Between Spinopelvic Alignment and Uterine Dimensions in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Correlation Between Spinopelvic Alignment and Uterine Dimensions in Primary Dysmenorrhea

This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between spinopelvic alignment and uterine dimensions in primary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common condition characterized by severe menstrual cramps and lower abdominal pain before or during menstruation, without any underlying pelvic pathology. It is highly prevalent among adolescents and young women, with 16% to 93% of adolescents and 70% to 90% of young women experiencing PD. The severe menstrual discomfort associated with PD often leads to absenteeism from school or work, with approximately one-third to half of individuals missing at least one day per menstrual cycle, and 5% to 14% experiencing more frequent absences.

While the exact etiology of PD is not fully understood, researchers have proposed a potential relationship between PD and musculoskeletal factors. One hypothesis suggests that abnormal pelvic and lumbar spine alignment, coupled with abdominal muscle spasms, may affect the positioning of the uterus, increasing the susceptibility to dysmenorrhea. Additionally, lumbar spine misalignment could potentially impact uterine blood supply through vasoconstriction, contributing to menstrual pain.

Spinal misalignment has been proposed as a possible underlying cause of PD, with some studies suggesting that manual therapy techniques may alleviate PD symptoms. Furthermore, a lack of coordination between the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding soft tissues has also been implicated as a potential causative factor. However, research investigating the relationship between PD and musculoskeletal factors remains limited, and further exploration of the biomechanical factors influencing the pelvic region is needed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between spinopelvic alignment and uterine dimensions in primary dysmenorrhea.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Virginal and non-smokers.
• They should have regular menstrual cycles, verified through a three-month calendar record, with cycle durations averaging between 28 to 35 days.
• The body mass index (BMI) varied between 18.5 to 25 kg/m2.
• Additionally, girls in the study group should have moderate to severe PD (WaLIDD score ≥ 5).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pelvic or gynecological disorders.
• Musculoskeletal disorders as low back pain.
• Spinal deformities as kyphosis and scoliosis.
• History of lower limb injuries.
• Diabetes.
• Cardiopulmonary diseases.
• Any physical impairment.
• They didn't use analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or oral contraceptives.