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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

How does my pain look like? Characterizing dysmenorrhea-related pain using the body map

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Author(s):
Jéssica Cordeiro Rodrigues [1] ; Mariana Arias Avila [2] ; Felipe José Jandre dos Reis ; Adriana Menezes Degani [4] ; Guilherme Tavares de-Arruda [5] ; Patricia Driusso [6]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Federal University of São Carlos. Physical Therapy Department. Women’s Health Research Laboratory (LAMU) - Brasil
[2] Federal University of São Carlos. Physical Therapy Department. Laboratory of Research on Electrophysical Agents - Brasil
[4] Western Michigan University. Department of Physical Therapy. Laboratory for Advancements in Rehabilitation Sciences - Estados Unidos
[5] Federal University of São Carlos. Physical Therapy Department. Laboratory of Research on Electrophysical Agents - Brasil
[6] Federal University of São Carlos. Physical Therapy Department. Women’s Health Research Laboratory (LAMU) - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: BrJP; v. 6, n. 2, p. 145-150, 2023-10-09.
Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynaecological disorder characterized by pain in the abdominal region without pelvic disease. Evidence suggests that PD-related pain may not be restricted to the pelvis region, hence body mapping could be helpful in assessing the subjective location, intensity, and distribution of pain areas in women with PD. The objective of this study was to characterize dysmenorrhea-related pain location and intensity using body map. METHODS: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional study for adult women to self-report menstrual pain during three menstrual cycles. Each participant was instructed through a messaging application to paint the body map after printing it and rank their pain according to the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale. RESULTS: Seventy-three women (24.1 ± 3.0 years) participated in the study. A considerable proportion of participants reported pain in the lower abdomen (90.4%) and other body areas, such as the lower back (82.1%), head (54.6%), breasts (32.9%), upper abdomen (31.5%), and legs (28.8%). CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that women with PD also present pain outside the uterine referral area during their period. In this way, body maps can help healthcare professionals to record specific regions of pain and track changes or patterns in the location or intensity pain during menses, helping to determine treatment strategies appropriate to the individual needs of each woman with PD. Therefore, we strongly recommend the clinical use of the self-report body map to evaluate menstrual pain and help health providers to improve PD symptoms in this population. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 19/14672-7 - Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for primary dysmenorrhoea in women: a randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation
Grantee:Jéssica Cordeiro Rodrigues
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)