What Can Cause Lower Back Pain in Women?

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain in Women

1. Menstrual-Cycle Related Pain

For many women, lower back pain is linked to their menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes through the month can also cause changes in the body that will lead to a variety of discomforts, including in the lower back. Some conditions that cause lower back pain for women include:

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): PMS can include symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and muscle tension. This condition may get severe enough to cause cramping in the lower back.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): This is a more severe form of PMS that has debilitating symptoms like intense back pain, depression, and fatigue.
• Dysmenorrhea: This is painful menstruation and can reach all the way to the lower back. The pain and cramping occurs just before or during menstruation and can get severe. There may be sharp pains in the back and lower stomach too.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside of the uterus starts to grow outside of the uterus. It often does this around the pelvic lining, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. This condition can cause quite a bit of pain, including during menstruation. Many women with this experience chronic lower back pain.

This condition is more common for women in their 20s and 40s, especially if they have a family history of the condition. Those who have not had children or who have heavier menstrual periods may be at higher risk too.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is an infection inside the reproductive organs. It is often caused by STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. This condition can cause a lot of pain in the lower stomach and back. Having multiple sexual partners, a history of STIs or unprotected sex can lead to a higher risk of this condition.

4. Fibroids and Adenomyosis

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths on the uterus that may cause lower back pain. It is most common in women over 30. Adenomyosis is a condition that occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus starts to grow on the muscular wall of the uterus and it can also cause lower back pain. This is common for women in their 40s and 50s without children.

5. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that start to develop on the ovaries. Most are harmless and will not cause symptoms. But if they get big, they can lead to pelvic and lower back pain. Women with irregular menstrual cycles are at higher risk. Fertility treatments can also increase the risk.

6. Pregnancy and Postpartum Changes

During pregnancy, the body goes through big changes to help support fetal development. This can lead to lower back pain. The growing uterus, changes in posture as the baby grows, and hormonal shifts will add to this discomfort. Postpartum changes can also lead to back pain as the body tries to get back to its pre-pregnancy state.

Those carrying multiples, those who have had previous pregnancies, or those who are overweight may experience more back pain during this time.

Other Low Back Pain Causes

In addition to the causes above, there are several non-reproductive conditions that will contribute to lower back pain in women, including:

• Muscle strain: Improper lifting or overexertion can lead to the muscles of the back getting hurt. Poor posture can be to blame too.
• Sciatica: Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. This can cause shooting pain from the lower back to the legs.
• Herniated discs: A herniated disc occurs when the soft material inside the spinal disc starts to push through the crack in the outer layer and leads to back pain.
• Disc degeneration: The discs in the spine naturally lose water content and elasticity, leading to disc degeneration. This can cause back pain and stiffness.

How to Identify Chronic vs. Acute Pain

There are different types of pain that women can experience in their lower backs. The one they deal with will determine which treatment you will choose. Acute pain is the sudden pain that will often last less than six weeks. It is often related to muscle strain, overuse, or an injury.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, lasts for more than three months. It can be due to ongoing conditions, like degenerative disc disease or fibroids. If the back pain lasts for more than a few days or it is difficult to move, then talk to your doctor about it.

Effective Relief and Treatment Options

There are several treatments to choose from including:

Home Remedies (Temporary Relief)

• Heat or cold therapy: A hot pad or warm compress will relax the tense muscles, while a cold pack can relieve inflammation.
• Stretching and light exercise: Gentle stretching and a nice walk can improve strength and flexibility to ease back pain.

Medical Treatments (Long-Term Relief)

• Medications: Over the counter pain relievers can help manage back pain. Using dietary supplements like magnesium, vitamin, or calcium can support the joints too.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that will strengthen the back and core, which can limit pain.
• Surgical options: In severe cases, your doctor may discuss surgery as a necessary treatment option for debilitating pain.