Abstract
The effect of moist heating of the lower back or lower abdominal region for a prolonged period to alleviate menstruation-associated pain was investigated in 16 young women (8 with low back pain and 8 with lower abdominal pain). Heat- and steam-generating sheets (MEGURIZUMU, Kao Corporation) were used as a hot-pack method, the visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese version of the modified McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ) were employed for pain evaluation, and the Japanese version of the menstruation distress questionnaire (MDQ) was used for the evaluation of menstruation symptoms. Warming the lumbar or lower abdominal region with the heat- and steam-generating sheets significantly lowered the pain intensity (VAS), and MPQ and MDQ scores (p<0.05). On comparison of the effect between the hot pack-applied regions, no significant differences were noted in the VAS, MPQ, or MDQ scores or between the lower back and lower abdominal regions. The sheet was effective at both application sites and significantly reduced menstruation symptoms in the young women. In addition, the sheets did not markedly affect the skin or vital signs, suggesting that this hot-pack method is safe.
