right shoulder pain whilst on period

[zoecc]

cramps in stomach. trying ibuprofen, paracetamol, co codamol and codeine. Pain in the shoulder and at pin point. The pain can be unbearable at times.

[luthien]

Ah no

I get the same sometimes. It's to do with inflammation from periods around the abodomen and lower back - this puts pressure on the nerves and can cause referred shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, leg pain, hip pain. For some women it's just around their period so it's definitely inflammatory period related.

For others including myself it's all the time and worse during periods which means the abdomen (core) and lower back are weak - from repeated endo pain and general cyclic cramps, this requires physio and core strengthening exercises. Now after a few months of physio and core strengthening exercises I don't even have it during my periods!

It's worth keeping a note of when your shoulder pain happens and if there's any back pain etc. If it's related to your lower back / periods I'd look at a specialist sports / mobility physio as they can do massaging around there to loosen the nerves - a good indicator of whether you need physio or have a loose core is if your hips are tight at the sides - sometimes us women compensate so much so it's all a finely tuned spring then the period just ruins it all. I don't know if I'm explaining it very well!

I know it sounds crazy; it took me ages to find the right physio to actually understand it and explain it! Docs just kept giving me painkillers which do not suit me.

I hope this helps in some way x

[Linley]

Heavens! know how you feel-I sometimes felt I had the flu from the waist down. Then I went back to see my GP and he prescribed Mefenamic Acid, it was saviour. Read about it on line. Hope your pain eases soon

[hakunamatata-]

I've recently been diagnosed with endometriosis and I have exactly the same pain, I take ibuprofen and use a wheat bag on my shoulder to help with the pain although I accidentally ended up burning my shoulder last month as I left it on all day as I was desperate for something to help the pain! Last month was unbearable, I was struggling to sleep and move with the pain so booked a last minute acupuncture appointment as my friend recommended it. I haven't taken any pain relief since last month so I'm really hoping its made a difference - if you haven't tried acupuncture, it could be worth a shot.