Non-medication therapy for primary dysmenorrhea: a neurologist’s perspective (literature review)

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most urgent and socially significant problem at present. Every year the number of girls and women of reproductive age who suffer from this disease is steadily increasing. This is primarily due to the fact that women do not visit specialized doctors when a vivid clinical picture of this pathology appears. This study presents the information from the most relevant literature sources in order to demonstrate the common risk factors for this disease, the main pathophysiological mechanisms of its occurrence, as well as possible ways of non-medication therapy for primary dysmenorrhea, due to the fact that this disease should be approached comprehensively, involving other specialists, such as neurologists, physiotherapists, and specialists in therapeutic exercise, in addition to gynecologists. In this regard, the review presents the most relevant methods available at the moment that can alleviate the clinical manifestations of primary dysmenorrhea. These methods include moxibustion together with acupuncture, percutaneous electrical neurostimulation, kinesio taping, auricular acupressure, aromatherapy, and specially selected physical exercises. These techniques are considered non-invasive, non-pharmacological, easy to use, and most importantly, safe and effective in the treatment of menstrual pain.