Lower back pain happens in the lumbar region and is common among women. The pain can be mild, severe, and, in other cases, unbearable and increases with age. As acute back pain can go away on its own, chronic pain does not and requires treatment. It is recommendable to consult your doctor if the pain lasts for more than three days. In most cases, the lower back occurs after an injury and requires immediate attention to reduce the pain. However, it is known that lower back pain happens in women more than men. It is crucial to understand why most women experience pain in the lumbar area and the best ways to prevent it. Here are the leading causes of lower back pain in women.
- Hormonal Issues and Menopause
One of the main reasons most women experience lower back pain is because of issues related to menopause and hormones. Women approaching menopause have estrogen deficiency. Estrogen is a hormone responsible for sexual function in women, along with other properties. It also keeps the spinal disc healthy and in good shape. Once the levels drop, the discs start to degenerate. It is essential to treat this problem with hormone therapy for women that helps restore a balanced level of hormones. Hormone therapy involves adding naturally created hormones that resemble those produced in the body to bring them to an optimum level.
- Pregnancy
A pregnant woman has a high chance of experiencing lower back pains. As the fetus grows, it applies a lot of pressure on the back muscles and spine, which can lead to pain. Furthermore, hormonal changes, common during pregnancy, can loosen the ligaments supporting the spine, contributing to pain.
- Spondylolisthesis
Another common issue affecting women and causing lower back pain is spondylolisthesis. This condition impacts the lower part of the spine when a bone slips toward the others. Sometimes the entire backbone can move, causing severe or unbearable pain. You may feel the pain from your spine through the back, hip, and legs, although the lumbar area is the most vulnerable.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic issue among women characterized by tissues growing outside the uterus, either in the pelvic cavity or other nearby areas. This issue causes severe pain during menstruation, genital area, and lower back pain. Like menstrual periods, endometriosis growth causes monthly bleeding, and the fluids cause inflammation and irritation in the surrounding areas. The good news is that it is possible to prevent lower back pain if the problem is diagnosed on time. Other remedies like yoga, squats, and back exercise can help relieve the symptoms.
- Menstruation or Uterine Dysfunction
Pain due to periods is also responsible for lower back pain during menstruation. Menstruation is a uterine dysfunction that causes pain. This pain occurs due to changes in hormones. The prostaglandins produced during menstruation cause severe lower back pain. You can experience primary dysmenorrhea, pain due to uterus contraction. Secondary dysmenorrhea happens due to physical conditions like fibroids, infections, and problems with the reproductive organs.
Wrapping Up
These are common causes of lower back pain in women. If you experience back pain, seeking help from a doctor is imperative. The specialist will check the cause of the pain and suitable treatment. Remember, only an experienced medical professional can diagnose you properly. So, don’t hesitate to contact them if the back pain concerns you.