Lower Back Pain Causes: Symptoms, Treatments and More

Lower Back Pain Causes in Women- Causes, Treatment Options & Prevention Tips

Lower back pain can be caused by several conditions, any of which can impact people of any sex. Sometimes, lower back pain may also be associated with your menstrual cycle or other factors such as pregnancy or endometriosis. While lower back pain has many general causes, it can also be linked specifically to female reproductive health. It is a common symptom associated with the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes and uterine cramping. It is also frequent during pregnancy due to physical and hormonal shifts. However, chronic, or severe cyclical lower back pain, especially if it radiates to the legs or worsens during menstruation, can be a significant symptom of conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids, and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Constantly recurring back pains can impact daily activities, mobility, and overall well-being.

What Are the Causes of Back Pain in Females? 

Here are some common causes of back pain that are specific to women. These include the conditions mentioned below:

Hormonal Changes

Many women rarely realise that hormonal changes significantly affect their backs. As they age, especially during menopause, lower estrogen levels weaken their bones. This condition is called osteoporosis. It makes bones more fragile and prone to breaks. This can cause severe back pain.

Prevention:  While you cannot control your estrogen levels, you can definitely opt for certain preventive measures. Be sure to include calcium- and vitamin D-rich food in your diet or take supplements. These nutrients are vital for bone health. You can also schedule regular bone density tests to identify early bone health issues.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a joyful journey, but it also brings many changes to a woman's body. As the baby grows, the gravitational pressure on the belly creates strain on the lower back. Additionally, the growing uterus stretches the abdominal muscles that support the back, making the muscles more stringent.

Prevention:  Many women wear pregnancy belts to distribute weight and relieve back pressure. Physicians also suggest doing gentle stretching and light exercises to strengthen the core and reduce pain. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise during pregnancy.

Posture and Lifestyle

Sometimes, back pain relates to how you move during your day. Poor posture, long periods of sitting, and incorrect lifting of heavy items can cause back pain. Continuous heavy lifting or a sudden uncomfortable movement can strain spinal ligaments and back muscles, leading to painful muscle spasms.

Prevention:  A great posture comes from a great setting. Set up your kitchen and workspace efficiently to support your back. It is also suggested that proper lifting techniques be employed. For example, when lifting something from the ground, bend your knees, not your back.

Gynaecological Conditions

Certain gynaecological issues can result in back pain. Conditions like endometriosis and fibroids can cause lower back discomfort. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, while fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus.

1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is a common condition many women experience before their periods. Lower back pain is one of the most common symptoms of PMS, along with abdominal cramps. This pain occurs due to severe inflammation during menstruation. PMS usually starts a few days before your period and ends within a day or two after.

2. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Another primary cause of lower back pain in females is PMDD. It is a more severe form of PMS. Fewer women experience PMDD than PMS. The symptoms of PMDD can be worse than in PMS and generally begin a week before your period, ending a few days after it starts. You might be at higher risk for PMDD if there is a family history of depression or PMDD.

3. Endometriosis

Endometriosis can also cause lower back and pelvic pain. This condition occurs when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it. This tissue often grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining and sometimes around the urinary tract and bowel.

Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. Other symptoms include:

• Low back and pelvic pain
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Pain with bowel movement or during pee when you are in period

4. Dysmenorrhea

 Painful periods can also cause lower back and abdominal pain. Dysmenorrhea refers to very painful menstruation. While it is manageable for some, it can be highly severe for others. Pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen, lower back, hips, and legs, lasting 1 to 3 days. The intensity of the pain can, at times, feel dull or sharp.

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

 PID refers to an inflammation of reproductive organs. Untreated sexually transmitted diseases can cause infection in the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Fever with lower back pain is one of the primary signs of this condition.

Risk Factors  

In addition to the above-mentioned causes, certain health conditions also contribute to striking back pain in females. Take a look:

• Sacroiliitis: Sacroiliitis is an inflammation that occurs in the sacroiliac joints, the area that connects the lower spine to the pelvis. It can cause back pain that spreads to your glutes, hips, or thighs.
• Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis occurs when the space inside your backbone is too small. The narrow canal potentially compresses the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and numbness in the back. Your legs will start to feel heavy, and the pain will worsen when you stand or walk for a long time.
• Scoliosis: Some people are born with a ‘C’ or ‘S’ shaped abnormal curve at the spinal sideways. As they age, this curve can cause back pain, difficulties standing straight, leg pain, numbness, or weakness in serious cases.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Though this condition is called a disease, it isn’t one. The intervertebral discs in the spine act as a cushion. However, due to ageing or injury, these discs wear down. You may feel pain in your lower back that spreads to your arms, legs, or buttocks. The pain might come and go or get worse when you bend or twist.
• Herniated Disc: A herniated disc is a condition in which the jelly-like centre of a disc leaks from its outer ring. A damaged disc can press on nearby nerves, causing lower back pain and sharp pain that travels down one side of your buttock and leg. If left untreated, herniated discs can lead to cauda equina syndrome, which is a medical emergency.

Home Remedies for Low Back Pain:

If your back pain is related to your menstrual period or a muscle strain, you are advised to try the following home remedies to ease your lower back pain:

• A heating pad: Applying a heating pad to your back can boost circulation, which in turn allows nutrients and oxygen to get to the muscles in your back.
• A warm bath: Taking a warm bath can enhance circulation and minimise muscle pain and stiffness.
• Gentle Movement and Stretching: After the initial 24-48 hours of rest for a sudden strain, gentle activities like walking and specific stretches can improve circulation and prevent stiffness. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting that could worsen the pain.
• Over-the-counter painkiller: Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are recommended as over-the-counter non-steroidal painkillers that come under anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It can help ease your back pain and pains associated with your period.
• Important: Consult a doctor or pharmacist before using NSAIDs, especially if you have kidney, heart, or stomach problems. Always take them with food and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to avoid side effects.
• An Ice Pack: An ice pack works best within the initial 48 hrs of a muscle strain or injury, as an ice pack may reduce inflammation, pain & bruising.
• A Pillow: Keeping a pillow between your knees in case you sleep on your side, or under your knees if you sleep on your back, may reduce back pain or discomfort.
• Choosing Heat or Ice: Use ice for the first 48 hours after a new, acute injury to reduce swelling. Use heat for relieving chronic muscle stiffness, tension, or cramping pain, such as that associated with your period.

Keep up with regular check-ups because regular gynaecological exams can help spot issues early. Depending on the issue, consult with your gynaecologist. Treatments may include medication, hormone therapy, or surgery.

Living with persistent back pain feels like a long and tiring journey. However, you can always reduce the pain by contacting your healthcare provider. They can offer various treatment options targeting the cause of your pain. With proper medication and care, you will eventually feel better.