Is My Back Pain Linked to My IUD?
Hello everyone! I'm a 38-year-old female who recently had her Mirena IUD replaced, and I've started experiencing significant back pain and spasms since then. However, I also have a background of dealing with a minor hernia in my lower back, which I've managed well with occasional traction and exercise. This has led me to question whether it's the IUD or my hernia that's causing my discomfort, and what steps I should take next. Earlier this week, I had an appointment with a midwife for the IUD replacement. Arriving a bit early, I took some time to clean out my van, which, as a mom of two youngsters (9 and 6 years old, both born via c-section), is often in disarray. While cleaning, I realized my posture wasn’t optimal and everything was at an awkward height, leaving my back feeling fatigued but I hoped it would be manageable. Afterward, during the appointment, the midwife noted my cervix was quite firm and observed that I hadn’t really dilated during my pregnancies, which is true since they were both planned due to my Type 1 Diabetes and other complications. She also mentioned my uterus is retroflexed, something I had heard before, so she had to clamp it in place to correctly insert the Mirena. Though the procedure went smoothly, I could feel some back pain as I got up from the table, which was somewhat awkward given the narrow space—I had to sit up in a way that wasn’t ideal. The midwife informed me that back pain could be normal in this situation, given my retroflexed uterus. After returning home, the back pain lingered throughout the day, and I took some ibuprofen to alleviate it. The following day, I returned to work — I’m a speech therapist at a different clinic, so my day involves a good deal of movement, whether sitting on the floor or at a desk and walking around. By the time Wednesday wrapped up, the pain had escalated significantly. I attempted the stretches I know help with my hernia, which offered some relief temporarily. On Thursday, while at work, I experienced a severe back spasm right in front of a patient, which was quite embarrassing! Post-spasm, the pain intensified, and I ended up feeling extremely uncomfortable, particularly because I had to chase after two kids — one of whom had a meltdown. Later on, I reached out to a friend who's a physical therapist, who helped me with some traction therapy, which did bring relief initially, but the pain returned with a vengeance yesterday and into today. Ultimately, I called in sick because I don’t feel capable of managing my patient load today. To be honest, I'm not keen on discussing this with my colleagues; I prefer to keep this personal matter private. In summary: Could my back pain be linked to the new Mirena IUD, or is it just the hernia acting up? Should I consider having the Mirena removed? What if the pain persists after removal and I’m left without reliable birth control? I'm looking for any advice or opinions you might have on the matter. Thank you so much for your help!
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 12:31:11 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with your back pain after the recent IUD replacement. It's understandable to want clarity on whether the pain is connected to your new Mirena IUD or if it’s mainly related to your pre-existing hernia condition. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and some steps you can take:
Main Points
- Back Pain Causes: Your back pain could stem from multiple sources – either the IUD insertion process, your retroflexed uterus, or exacerbation of your hernia due to posture and activity.
- Pain Management: Addressing your immediate discomfort is important while you monitor the situation.
- Next Steps: Consider symptom management, physical adjustments, and reassessing your long-term options regarding the IUD.
Explanation
- IUD and Back Pain: It's not uncommon for some individuals to experience back pain and discomfort following IUD insertion, especially if there are unique anatomical considerations like a retroflexed uterus. The procedure itself can also lead to temporary discomfort.
- Hernia Considerations: Given your history of a hernia and the fact that you were cleaning out your van in less-than-ideal posture, it's possible that your pain is exacerbated primarily by this condition rather than being caused directly by the IUD.
Actionable Steps
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Modify Activities: While your back is in pain, try to modify your activities to avoid heavy lifting, awkward postures, or extensive bending. Use supportive seating and ensure you’re using ergonomic practices when sitting or standing.
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Pain Relief: Continue using ibuprofen for pain management as it can help reduce inflammation. However, if the pain persists despite over-the-counter medication, consider using heat therapy (like a warm compress) or cold packs to soothe your back.
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Gentle Stretching: Stick to light stretching or focused movements that work on strengthening your core and supporting your back, but avoid any exercises that might aggravate your hernia further.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain levels, the location of discomfort, and any patterns you notice, like worsening symptoms after activity or specific tasks.
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Consider Your IUD: If your back pain continues or worsens, it’s worth discussing the possibility of IUD removal with a healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the pros and cons regarding your birth control options and address your ongoing pain.
Follow-Up
If your pain does not improve or if you experience new symptoms, such as numbness or severe weakness, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation. Remember to prioritize your well-being over work commitments, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed. You are doing your best to manage a complex situation, and it’s completely normal to seek the best resolution for your health.
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