Investigation of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and spinal mobility in women with primary dysmenorrhea

This study was conducted to investigate sacroiliac joint dysfunction and spinal mobility in women with primary dysmenorrhea. The study included 63 participants aged 18-25 years with primary dysmenorrhea, taking into account the inclusion criteria. Demographic and dysmenorrhea-related characteristics of the participants were recorded using the Dysmenorrhea Diagnosis Form. Individuals were divided into three groups according to pain intensity as mild (n=11), moderate (n=23) and severe (n=29). The severity of primary dysmenorrhea was determined by Numerical Pain Scale. Menstruation symptom severity was determined with the Menstruation Symptom Scale, and functional and emotional stress of dysmenorrhea was determined with the Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale. Spinal mobility was assessed with Spinal Mouse. To evaluate sacroiliac joint dysfunction, sacroiliac joint mobility and provocation tests were performed by a physiotherapist blinded for pain intensity. Standing Flexion, Sitting Flexion, Springing, Gillet and Hyperextension tests were performed as mobility tests, while Gaenslen Test, Compression Test, Distraction Test, Thigh Thrust or Posterior Shear and Patrick-FABER tests were performed as provocation tests. As a result of the study, it was found that there was no significant relationship between the severity of dysmenorrhea and sacroiliac joint dysfunction and spinal mobility in women with primary dysmenorrhea (p>0.05). Gaenslen (right) test, Compression (left) test, Menstruation Symptom Scale sub-dimension and total scores, Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale sub-dimension and total scores showed a significant difference between the groups (p<0.05). It was found that the severity of primary dysmenorrhea was positively correlated with the duration of dysmenorrhea, physician referral status and scales, while it was negatively correlated with the use of alternative medicine. In this study, it is important that Gaenslen and Compression test, which are highly reliable tests, showed a significant difference between the groups. We think that it will be promising for future studies and should be taken into consideration in rehabilitation programmes for women with PD.