Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstatrics

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological problem in menstruating women and the prevalence rate is up to 90%. It has many adverse effects economically, socially, physically and psychologically. Purpose: It was aimed to explore the impact of spinal posture, pelvic position and spinal range of motion on the degree of severity of primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: Eighty-three girls participated in this study; they were assigned to three groups using Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). group A; girls with mild dysmenorrhea <50 in MDQ (n=28), group B; girls with moderate dysmenorrhea 50 to 70 in MDQ (n=22) and group C; girls with severe dysmenorrhea > 70 in MDQ (n=33). Spinopelvic alignment (kyphotic angle, lordotic angle, surface rotation, lateral deviation, pelvic tilt and pelvic torsion) was evaluated by Raster-stereography Formetric 3 D analysis. Spinal range of motion (lumbar flexion and lumbar extension) was measured by modified modified schober test using tape measurement. Result: Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in all spinopelvic parameters between the three degrees of primary dysmenorrhea (mild, moderate and severe).Also, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in lateral deviation either between mild dysmenorrhea and moderate dysmenorrhea or between moderate dysmenorrhea and severe dysmenorrhea. But, there was significant difference (p<0.05) in lateral deviation only between mild dysmenorrhea and severe dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: There is impact of lateral deviation on degree of severity of primary dysmenorrhea but there is no impact of other spinal posture parameters, pelvic position and spinal range of motion on the degree of severity of primary dysmenorrhea

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