There are a number of back pain and related conditions that women are more susceptible to developing. In addition, for women, back pain is more likely to become chronic over time.1 Several conditions are more common (and may be exclusive) in women. Problems related to back pain are usually seen in postmenopausal age (over 50 years). Read on to learn more about the common causes of back pain in women and the reasons they occur.
Pain caused by spasms in the piriformis muscle, a large muscle located deep in the buttock, is called piriformis syndrome. 2 Women are most affected due to hormonal and pregnancy-related changes in the pelvis. Read more about Symptoms and Diagnosis of Piriformis Syndrome Pain in the sacroiliac joint (SI) that connects the lower part of the spine to the pelvis is called sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis. SI joint problems are among the most common causes of low back pain.
Women typically have a smaller SI joint surface area compared to men, resulting in a higher concentration of stresses throughout the joint. The sacrum is also wider, more irregular, less curved, and is more inclined backwards in women, which can cause problems in the SI joint. 4 These factors and several other anatomical differences can lead to an increased risk of SI joint misalignment, especially in younger women.5 Read more about Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Symptoms and Causes When a vertebra of the spine slides over the one below it due to degeneration, it becomes called degenerative spondylolisthesis. The condition is more common in postmenopausal women due to lower estrogen levels, 8 When estrogen is low, degradation of the vertebral disc increases and the ligaments that hold the vertebrae together loosen, causing instability of the spine.
There is also an increased likelihood of associated spinal osteoarthritis in this age group, which increases the risk of vertebral slippage. 8 Read more about Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Symptoms Pain in the tail of the spine (coccyx) occurs mainly due to trauma. The condition is more common in women due to differences in the shape and angle of the pelvis and injuries during childbirth, 10 Coccidynia pain is abruptly relieved once you stand up. You may prefer to sit leaning forward or lean on one buttock at a time to avoid coccyx pain, 10 Read more about Coccydynia (pain in the coccyx) Symptoms Depending on the severity, this condition can become a medical emergency, 1 Women may also experience back pain due to a cause not identifiable.
Typical changes in a woman's life cycle, including pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal imbalances, and weight gain (especially in the abdomen) can trigger a cascade of events that cause back pain, 15 treatment options for sacroiliac joint dysfunction Treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to replace professional medical advice. The information is produced and reviewed by more than 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing reliable and unique information for people with painful health conditions. The way we move (lift our bags off the floor, bend down to tie our shoes, squat) and the ways we don't move (sit, stand, sleep) often influence health. There are many muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work together to help move, stabilize and protect the spine.
And the spine itself, which is made up of 24 small bones (vertebrae), each of which is cushioned by gel-like pads called discs, is also made up of many pieces. Therefore, when one of these parts (whether muscular, skeletal, or neurological) is out of phase, you may experience pain, stiffness, numbness, and an inability to perform normal daily activities. Similarly, poor posture can cause or worsen lower back pain. This doesn't just mean slouching or falling at your desk; poor posture could also include leaning on one leg while standing or walking with your butt so far that you have an arch in your lower back.
While these postures aren't inherently “bad” for a moment, holding these positions for prolonged periods can increase strain on the muscles and ligaments around the lumbar spine. If your back pain doesn't resolve within 6 to 12 weeks, see your primary care doctor. You may be referred to physical therapy or an orthopedist. With doctor's approval, massage therapy could also be a benefit.
May be the result of injury, activity, and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons. As people age, the likelihood of developing low back pain increases, due to factors such as previous occupation and degenerative disc disease. In addition, pain may radiate down the leg or worsen when bending, twisting, getting up, standing, or walking.
Typical changes in a woman's life cycle, including pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal imbalances, and weight gain (especially in the abdomen) can trigger a cascade of events that cause back pain. Low back pain may be related to the bony lumbar spine, the discs between the vertebrae, the ligaments around the spine and discs, the spinal cord and nerves, the muscles of the lower back, the internal abdominal and pelvic organs, and the skin around the lumbar area. However, before taking a “wait and see” approach, there are also some red flags to look out for to understand if your back pain could be a more serious problem. The pain can be sharp or dull and aching, and can radiate to the buttocks or the back of the legs (sciatica).
The patient will be encouraged to practice the techniques regularly, even after the pain has subsided, to prevent recurrence of back pain. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications, usually nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can relieve discomfort. Sacroiliac joint (SI) pain that connects the lower part of the spine to the pelvis is called sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis. Low back pain can result from many different injuries, conditions, or diseases, most often an injury to the muscles or tendons of the back.
In some cases, pain can make it difficult or impossible to walk, sleep, work, or perform daily activities. Pain caused by spasms in the piriformis muscle, a large muscle located deep in the buttock, is called piriformis syndrome. Upper back pain may be due to aortic disorders, chest tumors, and inflammation of the spine. If a patient has a herniated disc, surgery may be an option, especially if there is persistent pain and nerve compression, which can lead to muscle weakness.
If home treatments don't relieve back pain, your doctor may recommend the following medications, physical therapy, or both. . .
