How do you usually cope with dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea are painful cramps that occur immediately before or during the menstrual period. They are caused by contractions in the uterus. My friend often has very bad cramps and would feel very restless and lethargic in the first few days of her period. Panadol and hugging a hot water bottle are her favourite weapons of choice. For me, I always get very bad lower back aches, massaging it (usually I use a tennis ball and press my back against the wall with the tennis ball in between) helps for me.