What Causes Sore Back Along With Pelvic Pain?

Posted on Sat, 17 Jan 2015

Question: So I have had a sore back and pelvis for about a week and a half now. At first I thought it was PMS. My period that then came was very unusual. It was on time (28 days after previous period) but instead of my normal flow it was a light brown discharge which came. This lasted five days. There was blood two of the days but I only noticed it when I went to the toilet. After the bleeding stopped the sore back and pelvis persisted. I became very concerned that I had actually experienced implantation bleeding and was pregnant.... I was in close sexual contact with my boyfriend 4 and a half weeks before this unusual period (he did rub his penis against my vagina with possible release of pre ejaculate fluid, and he ejaculated close to my vagina but there was no penetration). After this encounter a completely normal period came on time two days later. However despite the low chances of pregnancy I remain concerned. I took a urine pregnancy test yesterday and it was negative but everywhere I look I see implantation bleeding being very similar to my "period" just passed, and the fact that the pelvic and back ache are still here concerns me. The pelvic pain has appeared to be worse after eating. It can have a sharp, stitch like sensation to it at times, but at other times it can be dull, and after eating it can very much resemble menstrual cramps and then take on an almost bubbly sensation as if bubble wrap is being popped in my abdomen. When I have woken up the last few days my sides have felt like they have a bad stitch, though the pain seems to die down once I'm up and about, then comes back after eating. My back ache is lower back ache which is a persistent dull ache. It also seems to spread up and I now have a bit of neck ache and have also noticed intermittent pain near my armpits. I am really starting to get concerned and I just want to know what is going on. I really just want to know what has caused the unusual period and why I am still experiencing pelvic and back ache when I don't normally. Is there still a chance it could be pregnancy despite the negative test and normal first period and not actually having penetrative sex? Any advice is much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
more information will help

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am,
From the given complaints I can understand that your major problems are
1) lower back pain and pelvic pain
2) associated with periods
3) concerned for pregnancy due to a sexual encounter with your boyfriend 4 weeks back

I would need to know
1) is it the first time you have had such problem of pain?
2) History of similar problems in family?
3) was there smilar compliants at your previous any periods?
4) has the pain reduced in severity now?

there are two condition I can see
1) painful periods
2) endometriosis

however, answer to the above question will make me in a position to give you better suggestion.
waiting for your response.

Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Pankaj Borade (14 hours later)

To answer your questions:
1. I honestly don't know if I have had this experience before
2. Not to my knowledge
3. Not really, this has just been a very unusual period
4. I think it has reduced in severity yes

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A case of dysmenorrhea

Detailed Answer:
thank you for reply
well, it appears to me a condition of dysmenorrhea, in which there is pain and intense discomfort associated while menstruation.
Abdominal pain, pain in pelvic region, or in rare cases there could also be a reffered pain to thighs, etc. It's mainly during the periods and it subsides as the periods gets over. The discomfort is severe at first 2 days, then decreases in intensity as the periods come to end.
It's a common condition in women. Can be dealt with strong painkillers and uterine muscle relaxant for 3 days.
I suggest to watch out for the typical cyclical pattern of pain during menstruation, pain can be controlled by using hyoscine butyl bromide tab as needed. It should provide relief by a day or two, if it gets severe or still persist, in such case it is advisable to get a pelvic examination done from a gynaecologist.

Regads,
Dr Pankaj Borade

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E