Ladies/does anyone have any advice as to what really works to get rid of cramps/or make it feel better?
114592
DRs will advise you to go on birth control to help with severe cramps, but make sure they check you out for Endometriosis first.\n\nFor my cramps I take a warm bath and use a heating pad. \nAnd I take extra strength tylenol sometimes. I'm not a big pill popper, but have on occasion taken a pain killer prescribed by my Doc when the cramps were so bad I couldn't walk.\n\nHydrating yourself is a good idea since muscle cramping can be worse when muscles aren't properly hydrated\nand exercising can help a great deal...assuming the cramps aren't so bad that you can't walk straight.
625125
I have the same problem...well, with the cramps...it does get a little sore down there to though, while I'm on my period. Not sure why though. My cramps are so bad that I can't work or anything...I take a pill called naproxin sodium, it helps within 20 minutes after i take it...try and take it with some food, if not it still works just might feel sick. Other things that sometimes help...a hot towel, i lay it on my lower back or on my lower stomach. Hope these help!
1044521
Midol. It's the best thing for cramps, and also relax in a HOT bath, and heating pads are nice too.
863088
Ibuprofen and advil are much better options than tylenol. I used to get horrible cramps that could get so bad that I'd stay home puking. If midol isn't working for you, I'd try pamprin, it works better for some people. If your cramps are absolutely unbearable, I'd talk to your doctor or gyno about getting onto birth control.  There is a hormone in the pill that helps.  I was only thirteen when I started them but they helped the cramping incredibly.\n\nTaking long, hot, steamy baths and showers provide temporary relief from cramps. Heating pads also help a lot of people. If you are at home and inactive (watching tv, reading, resting,etc.) a hot water bottle on your belly works the best. Gently rubbing the area about half a centimeter away from the place that hurts most in gentle circular motions can also help.\n\nAlthough it may be the last thing you feel like doing, excersise is important-at this time of the month especially. Just walking around your house can help. When I was younger and in school, I used to walk in the hallways between classes as much as possible. It may hurt more at first, but ultimately it will help. Excersise releases endomorphins into your body that relax your muscles more.\nIf you are in too much pain to get up and about, lie on your back and slowly raise your legs above you and back down to the bed. \n\nLastly, eating healthy will reduce your cramps immensly. Avoid salty foods. When you have a craving though, even for potato chips, don't ignore it- treat yourself in small portions. Hot teas (not coffees) also help with cramping.\n\nUnfortunatelly, cramping is something we all have to go through. Good luck and hoped my tips help!
971320
Yes, this has happened to me alot in the past. I have even missed periods completely. Birth Control pills can help to regulate it. And (BONUS) they also help to reduce cramping. Lowering my caffiene intake helped alot too.
913495
Getting cramps can mean a multitude of things.\n\nFirst of all, you should always stretch every day.  This should be done even if you are not going to do any type of organized exercise.\n\nAre you dehydrated?  Drinking more water can help the cramping in your muscles.\n\nAre you breathing correctly when you are walking?  When you breathe in, your stomach should go out so that you fill your diaphram completely.\n\nMaking sure that you get enough potassium in your diet can help.  Try bananas.\n\nIf these things do not work, I recommend consulting your physician.
123733
The best is to train your neck so it becomes stronger, massage is also good, apply warm towels on it and if the cramp is too strong then medicine might be needed such as diclofenak or naproxen , something that relaxes your muscles.This website contains info wich can be useful for you hope it works! http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/sig54597.asp
933430
Hi, If the cramps are really uncomfortable I lay down with a heating pad on my stomach.  Ibuprofen helps a lot and I start taking it the day before I am to start.  A hot cup of tea also helps.
618026
What has always helped me are those disposable heat packs you can buy in most drug stores.  They are more easily found in the winter, but ask for them anyway - they may be able to order them for you.  You open the plastic pack, shake it, and it warms up nicely and stays warm for 8 hours.  Just tuck it in your underwear (no one can tell its there - they are VERY thin!), and it REALLY HELPS!!!  Wishing you the best honey, I suffered for MANY years with those god-awful cramps!
647676
You don't say how old you are and that might affect how your periods are.\n\nOne thing that helps with cramps is to give up caffiene.  No coffee, tea, caffienated sodas and you might have a much easier time.\n\nThere are over the counter meds that work well--Pamprin works pretty well--and your doctor can prescribe stronger medications.  In some cases, birth control pills are prescribed to manage menstrual pain.\n\nOther things you can do?  Use a heating pad (or one of those heating bandages that are out now), gentle exercise such as stretching or walking, and if you're of age a shot of brandy or some other liquor works pretty well.\n\nGood luck.  (You have my sympathies)
99001
Try to eat right and do cardio exercising, preferably before your cycle (for obvious reasons). This will cut down on cramps.
780144
Actually, for me it's a lot more simple than anything like prescription pain medication.  All I do is go to my local Herb Store, there you will find these tablets that dissolve under your tongue.  There is one that will either be labeled PMS or Cramps.  They work wonders.  I've had Endometriosis for 6 years, and that's the ONLY thing that will help me other than Magnesium tablets.  They are supposed to be a natural muscle relaxer.  Just be careful, the magnesium will make the IBS symptoms that the endometriosis causes worse.  Hope you feel better!
721344
Firstly you should begin to drink as much water as you can every day...at least 8 glasses or 2 litres. I know it sounds a lot but it can be done. What you will find is that you will no longer have the same thirst for tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks. In short anything you used to take in for fluid. Please still drink your favourites but don't be surprised if you just don't feel like them. Good Luck.\n.\nSecondly, providing you have no allergy to this, begin taking a good magnesium supplement. There are many reputable brands out there. This primarily assists with circulation problems ie cramping. Do not expect overnight miracles, although you may notice an improvement quickly. It is as likely that you may have to take them for 2-4 weeks before you begin noticing a lessening of your cramps. Whatever supplement you take read the ingredients carefully and question the shop assistant if you do not understand anything. Good Luck.\n.\nThirdly, invest in a soft cushion with herbs like lavender inside which are designed to be heated in a microwave. I have one of these and I used it nightly for my recurring stiff neck and the ensuing headaches I suffered. It was wonderful. Lovely and warm and soothing and the smell just helped me so much drift off to sleep. There are many kinds on the market. Look for those in chemists, health food shops, variety stores and practitioners of aromatherapy healing products. I suggest you ensure the one that you buy is made of a soft snuggly kind of material. Place it under or over the area of your leg getting the cramps so that you are comfortable to fall sleep with it there. Good Luck.\n.\nThe above three suggestions will work together for a long term eradication of your cramps. I wish you well. Of course the short term solution is the heated pillow/cushion.
754396
Go to the doctor! Here is something.....\n\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO\nYou may take nonprescription medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen for menstrual cramps. Use it only as directed. \nIf your doctor gives you a prescription for menstrual cramps, take it exactly as directed. \nApplying heat to your abdomen or back helps ease the pain. Do this for about 20 minutes once or twice a day. Use a heating pad set on low or a warm water bottle, or take a warm bath for 10 to 15 minutes. \nStay as active as possible. Exercise often helps relieve pain. You don't need to stay in bed. \nDon't drink too much caffeine (cola or coffee); and try to keep away from things that cause you to feel stressed-out. \nCall Your Doctor If...\nYour pain is not controlled with medication or lasts more than 3 days. \nYou have pain with urination or bowel movements, or pain that is located on one side only. \nThe medicine you are taking is causing any problems. \nSeek Care Immediately If...\nYour pain is so bad that you can't walk. \nYou have a high temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, or muscle aches during your menstrual period.
306319
Hot water bottles and heating pads saved me, I had cramps so bad at least once a month my mom would have to take me out of school. Even as I got older I usually had to stay home from work one day a month, because the pain was terrible. BTW, my mom had terrible cramps as well. Nowadays I am on Seasonale, so I only get periods 4 times a month. It is HEAVEN!\n\nHere's my funny story - I was a late-bloomer, I didn't get mine until I was in 9th grade. I was on the phone talking to a friend, and happened to be wearing a jean skirt (does this date me??!!). I look down and I see what has happened. I carefully walk to the kitchen where my parents were eating dinner, and tell my mom that I need to speak to her. "What is it?" she asks, in front of my dad. Again I tell her I need to speak to her, and again she wants me to tell her in front of my dad. Needless to say, I finally pulled her into the bathroom, asked her if I had indeed gotten my period, and she said yes. I was already prepared, having ordered a box through mail order that had info booklets, pads, etc. The funniest thing was that my dad, once my mom told him, didn't know what to do. He ended up buying me a bouquet of flowers as a sort of "congratulations" gift!
86903
i think ibuprofin works, and caffiene also helps me.  so chocolate, coffee, or a pain reliever with caffiene are all awesome.\n\ni also do better with the cramps if i try not to stay in bed.  even though it hurts (and i am usually pretty cranky at this time), i try to walk around, do normal physical activity and get some fresh air.\n\nmy cramps have gotten less severe over the years, and i hope that the same is true for you.  good luck.
1159480
Jennifer, I'm assuming maybe you haven't started yet? I used to be very afraid of getting it. Now, it's no big deal. You might not even get cramps - some people don't. And you can still do all the active things you would normally do. It's just a little change to get used to, and you will be fine. :)