Back pain in women: origins and remedies
Lower back pain is a common complaint among women, often stemming from factors beyond the usual muscle strain and osteoarthritis. Here's a closer look at some specific causes that are more prevalent in females:
Degenerative Disc Disease
This condition, more common in women due to aging and hormonal changes, leads to disc dehydration and degeneration. Symptoms include chronic lower back or neck pain and numbness or tingling in limbs.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
SI joint issues are common in women, especially during or after pregnancy, due to ligament stretching and postural changes. This can cause pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks.
Scoliosis
Adult-onset scoliosis, often due to degenerative changes, is more frequent in women. It can cause nerve compression, uneven hips or shoulders, and mobility limitations.
Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can lead to joint instability and pain due to ligament relaxation and weight gain.
Fibromyalgia
This condition affects muscle pain, tension, and spasms throughout the body, including the lower back, and is more prevalent in women than men. Symptoms also include sleep disturbances and psychological issues like depression and anxiety.
Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Conditions like osteoporosis, which is more common in postmenopausal women, can lead to compression fractures, causing sudden severe back pain.
Endometriosis and Fibroids
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sexual intercourse, fertility issues, and in some cases, lower back pain and gastrointestinal symptoms during menstruation.
Fibroids are benign growths that develop in or on the uterus and can cause various symptoms depending on their size and location.
These factors highlight the complex nature of lower back pain in women, which often involves a combination of physical, hormonal, and systemic influences. If you're experiencing persistent or severe lower back pain, it's essential to seek medical attention for a proper assessment, diagnosis, and recommended treatment to alleviate the pain.
