Causes of Back Pain in Women

Causes of Back Pain in Women

Back pain is a prevalent condition among women, and various factors can contribute to its occurrence. Below, we outline several key reasons for back pain in women:

Pregnancy

Back pain is a common issue experienced during pregnancy, with nearly half of pregnant women reporting discomfort or pain in the back. Typically, the discomfort increases as the pregnancy progresses. It is important to note that most back pain experienced by pregnant women is attributed to the physical changes that occur during this period. Some of these changes include:

• Hormonal Changes: Levels of relaxin and progesterone increase during pregnancy, aiding in muscle relaxation and the softening of joints and ligaments, especially in the pelvic area. Furthermore, weight gain, combined with laxity in joints and ligaments, can strain the lower back and pelvic joints, leading to back pain.
• Postural Changes: The growing uterus and added weight shift the body’s center of gravity. This can cause issues with balance and an increased risk of falls. Additionally, the weight of the fetus and weakened abdominal muscles pull or stretch the lower spine forward, resulting in increased strain on back muscles. Many pregnant women respond to these changes by adopting a worsened posture, exacerbating their back pain.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Many women experience various symptoms in the days leading up to their menstrual cycle, which can continue for the first couple of days of menstruation. This condition, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), may include a range of physical and emotional symptoms:

• Physical Symptoms:
  • Lower back pain.
  • Fatigue and exhaustion.
  • Abdominal bloating.
  • Headaches.
• Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Mood swings.
  • Anxiety.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Cravings for certain foods.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe and chronic medical condition than PMS, requiring formal medical attention. While both PMDD and PMS involve physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, the intensity and severity of the symptoms are heightened in PMDD. This disorder typically affects women during their reproductive years, with symptoms emerging in the week leading up to menstruation and subsiding shortly after the cycle begins.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea refers to the intense menstrual cramps and pain experienced due to uterine contractions. Unlike the previous conditions, it primarily encompasses physical symptoms, categorizing into two types: primary dysmenorrhea, which presents as recurrent pain, and secondary dysmenorrhea, which arises from reproductive system disorders. Symptoms of dysmenorrhea may include:

• Abdominal pain that can be severe.
• Pain in the hips, lower back, and inner thighs.
• Pressure in the abdominal area.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis, or endometrial tissue growth outside the uterus, can also cause back pain. The symptoms may include:

• Intense pelvic and lower abdominal pain during menstruation.
• Lower back pain, especially during menstruation.
• Chronic pelvic or back pain that worsens during menstruation.
• Pain in the reproductive organs.

Common Causes Shared by Both Genders

Several common factors can lead to back pain in both women and men, including:

• Muscle or Ligament Strain: Back muscles and spinal ligaments may become strained from repetitive lifting of heavy objects or sudden awkward movements. Continued strain on back muscles, especially among those with weak physical structure, can lead to painful muscle spasms.
• Structural Issues: Various structural problems can contribute to back pain, including:
  • Herniated Discs: Discs, which act as shock absorbers between vertebrae, can become ruptured, causing increased pressure on nerve endings and resulting in back pain.
  • Bulging Discs: When discs swell or bulge, they can also exert pressure on nerves, leading to discomfort.
  • Sciatica: Sciatica occurs when a bulging or herniated disc compresses the sciatic nerve, causing sharp pain that radiates from the buttocks down the legs.
  • Kidney Issues: Back pain can stem from problems related to the kidneys, such as kidney stones or infections.
  • Spinal Deformities: Abnormal spinal curves, such as scoliosis, can lead to back pain.
• Postures and Movements: Certain postures and movements may worsen back and shoulder problems over time. Common postures and movements that can exacerbate back issues include:
  • Twisting or bending the body.
  • Coughing or sneezing.
  • Bending or leaning inappropriately for extended periods.
  • Using a mattress that does not support the body or maintain spinal alignment.
  • Driving for prolonged periods without breaks, even in correct seating positions.
  • Muscle tension and strain.
  • Pushing, pulling, carrying, or lifting heavy objects.
  • Standing or sitting for extended durations.
  • Forward head posture during driving or using a computer.
  • Overstretching during exercise.

Conditions Related to Muscles and Joints

Certain medical conditions related to back pain are more prevalent in women, often appearing post-menopause, typically after the age of 50. Chronic back pain may develop over time. Key conditions affecting women’s back health include:

• Piriformis Syndrome: This rarely occurs neuromuscular disorder arises from pressure from the piriformis muscle on the sciatic nerve. Women are particularly susceptible to this condition due to hormonal factors and changes in the pelvic region during pregnancy. Symptoms may include:
  • Chronic pain in the buttocks and hip that worsens with hip movement.
  • Difficulties sitting for long periods.
  • Pain upon rising from a lying position.
  • Pain radiating down the back of the thigh and leg.
• Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Pain in the sacroiliac joint occurs due to damage or injury to the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis, resulting in discomfort in the lower back and buttocks. Women’s anatomical differences increase susceptibility to sacroiliac joint pain, particularly in younger women. Notably, the surface area of this joint is usually smaller in women, increasing pressure on the joint.
• Spinal Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, commonly known among the public as joint wear and tear, can affect various body parts. When it affects the spine, it causes inflammation in the facet joints connecting vertebrae due to cartilage degeneration. It is prevalent among women, increasing with age or weight. This condition typically progresses gradually, worsening symptoms over time, with common symptoms including:
  • Local back pain, primarily in the lower region, often experienced after prolonged inactivity.
  • Joint pain.
  • Stiffness in joints.
  • Restricted range of motion.
• Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: This condition arises when one spinal vertebra slips out of place, causing degenerative changes in the spine. This condition is notably more common in women post-menopause due to decreased estrogen levels. Symptoms may include:
  • Lower back pain accompanied by pain radiating to the thigh or leg.
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Feeling of weakness.
• Coccydynia: Coccydynia refers to pain in the lower back region around the coccyx or tailbone caused by stress or injury to the coccyx or surrounding muscles and ligaments. Women are more likely to experience coccydynia than men due to differences in pelvic structure, as well as birth-related injuries.
• Spinal Osteoporosis: Spinal osteoporosis involves decreased bone density in the spine, making it fragile and prone to fractures. This condition is particularly prevalent in women post-menopause, who are four times more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men. Factors contributing to this variance include estrogen deficiency, increased bone loss rate, and earlier onset of bone loss.

When to Consult a Doctor

Most cases of back pain improve gradually within a few weeks through home remedies and self-care measures. However, certain circumstances may require medical evaluation:

• Persistent back pain lasting for several weeks.
• Pain radiating down one or both legs, especially if extending below the knee.
• Pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss.
• Severe pain that does not improve with rest.
• Pain resulting in weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.

It is important to note that, in some rare cases, back pain may indicate a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention, including:

• Pain causing new health issues related to the bowel or bladder.
• Pain accompanied by fever.
• Pain following a physical injury, such as a fall or blow to the back.