Lower Back Pain in Women: Causes and Treatment
Do you experience persistent lower back pain? If yes, you’re not alone. Studies show that lower back pain in women is one of the most common health complaints worldwide. In fact, women report lower back discomfort more frequently than men due to factors like pregnancy, hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, and menstruation. Oftentimes, chronic back pain could indicate other underlying health conditions that may worsen if left untreated. In the blog below, we shall explore some of the major causes of lower back pain in women and treatment options to help you experience effective relief. Let’s begin!
Causes of Lower Back Pain in Women
Before diving into the specific reasons behind chronic lower back pain in females, it is important to understand the “why.” Women’s backs differ from those of men. They support the body throughout menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and all other changes in between. When the body experiences hormonal fluctuations, it affects the ligaments, joints, and muscles in unique ways. These changes aren’t prevalent in men, making women more susceptible to chronic aches not just in the back but also in the hips and pelvic region.
It is observed that many women tend to ignore early symptoms and constant aches or rely on painkillers for relief. Such ignorant habits could cause severe health conditions in the long run. Identifying the exact lower back pain causes in women is crucial for timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Listed below are some of the top lower back pain causes in women.
1. Pregnancy
Studies show that most pregnant women experience extensive pain in their lower back throughout their pregnancy. In fact, pregnancy is counted among the top lower back pain causes in women. This happens due to a shift in the body’s centre of gravity. As the baby grows, the mother starts to gain weight, causing intense pressure on the spine, feet, and lower back muscles. For the majority of women, the pain often starts in the fifth month of pregnancy when the uterus begins to rapidly expand, and the abdominal muscles get stretched to their limit. The intensity of the pain may worsen as the pregnancy progresses; however, gentle exercises, physiotherapy and use of maternity belts can result in intense pain relief.
2. Menstruation and Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations play a major role in the development of lower back pain in women. During menstruation, such fluctuations are at their highest, giving rise to backaches and weakness. The uterus contracts to release its lining during a period, simultaneously sending pain signals to the lower back, leading to cramps and muscle aches. Furthermore, when women near the menopause age, the estrogen levels in the body drop, leading to weakened bones. This not only increases the risk of back pain, but also other severe bone-related conditions like osteoporosis.
3. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes stiffness and severe pain in the joints. It mainly affects the spine, making it a major cause of lower back pain. If left untreated, over time, osteoarthritis can also irritate the nearby nerves, causing pain in the legs and other joints in the body.
4. Muscle Strain
Activities like lifting heavy objects, overexertion, or sudden physical movements can easily cause muscle strain. This is commonly seen among most women, both working and homemakers, through activities like carrying children, repeated bending, and performing house chores without proper posture. These habits put constant pressure on lower back muscles, causing chronic lower back pain in women.
5. Endometriosis
It is a common condition observed in women in which a tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, in areas like the fallopian tube, ovaries or other areas in the pelvic region. Symptoms of this condition include fertility issues, pelvic pain, and painful periods. In many cases, the pain from the pelvis spreads to the lower back.
6. Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that may develop within or on the ovaries. While small cysts may not display any symptoms and even go undiagnosed, larger cysts can cause intense pelvic and lower back pain. If due for some reason, a cyst ruptures, it can lead to severe pain and require immediate medical attention.
7. Spinal Conditions
There are several spinal conditions, like herniated discs, sciatica, and scoliosis, that directly impact the lumbar spine. These conditions can put intense pressure on the joints and the nerves in the lower back, causing constant discomfort and pain. Women with spinal conditions also experience other symptoms like numbness, difficulty sitting, and overall weakness in the lower body.
8. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection that develops in the female reproductive system, resulting in lower back, abdominal and pelvic pain. Women may also experience pain while urinating or having sexual intercourse. Mild cases of PID can be treated with antibiotics; however, in extreme cases, the patient may require hospitalisation and medications administered intravenously.
Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain in Women
Healthcare providers evaluate symptoms, medical history and other contributing factors before suggesting a suitable treatment option. While many women rely on painkillers and other home remedies, true recovery depends on choosing the right approach. Effective relief begins with understanding the correct lower back pain treatment for women rather than relying on temporary fixes. Here are some of the common lower back treatment options for women:
- Rest and Physical Activity: You may avoid activities that cause pain; however, going completely immobile for extended periods isn’t a good choice, as it can increase stiffness. Gentle stretches and performing basic exercises are crucial to ensuring proper blood circulation and pain relief.
- Improving Posture: Maintaining correct posture is one of the key elements of lower back treatment for women. It ensures that the spine is properly aligned and reduces unnecessary pressure on the lower back muscles.
- OTC medicines: Taking over-the-counter painkillers can be helpful when experiencing lower back pain due to menstruation. However, if the pain is chronic, seeking professional help is crucial.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a highly recommended form of treatment for lower back pain worldwide. It is a professional therapy that treats the root cause of the pain, ensuring long-term relief.
- Lifestyle Changes: Making healthy changes such as avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, consuming a healthy diet, and incorporating daily exercises can be highly beneficial in reducing lower back pain.
- Advanced Treatment: If conservative methods aren’t enough, it is important to seek professional medical intervention for effective and quick relief.
Conclusion
Chronic lower back pain is highly common among women; however, ignoring it can lead to severe complications over time. Understanding the exact reasons behind it enables you to choose the right care at the right time. At Zenzo, we believe that every woman deserves to live a healthy and pain-free life, and therefore recommend taking proactive steps today to protect spinal health and safeguard overall well-being for the years ahead.
FAQs
- Can lower back pain in women be related to periods?
Yes, many women experience severe lower back pain during their periods. This occurs because the uterus contracts to shed its lining, and these contractions radiate pain to the lower back muscles, causing cramps and discomfort.
- When should a woman see a doctor for lower back pain?
It is important to see a doctor if the lower back pain occurs for unexplained reasons or is persistent for long periods of time.
- Can poor posture cause lower back pain in women?
Yes, poor posture does contribute to the development of lower back pain in women. Slouching, hunching, or standing incorrectly puts unwanted pressure on the spine, leading to lower back discomfort.
