Muscle overuse or strain, usually due to repetitive movements or improper lifting of objects or children. 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's 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. Piriformis syndrome: Many women will experience pain caused by spasms in the piriformis muscle, which is the large muscle deep in the buttock region.
Because of pelvic changes caused by hormones and pregnancy, women are more susceptible to this pain. It can cause irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates to the back of the leg. This is often confused with back pain associated with spinal problems. Women will experience pain in the buttocks and hip area, especially when moving the hips.
There may be pain when getting out of bed and sitting for long periods of time. You can get pain relief if you lie on your back. Sacroiliac joint (SI) dysfunction: The sacroiliac joint connects the lower part of the spine to the pelvis. Women usually have a smaller SI joint surface area compared to men, which can cause stresses throughout the joint.
This anatomical difference can lead to an increased risk of SI joint misalignment, especially in younger women. The pain is concentrated in the lower back and will usually be dull or aching, but it can exacerbate and cause a sharp pain in the thigh. This is often confused with sciatica. Pain may increase when sitting or climbing stairs.
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. Scoliosis is a disorder that causes the spine to curve abnormally.
It has no known cause and is not a common source of low back pain, specifically, but it may play a role. 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.
Because back pain is so common, numerous products promise prevention or relief. But there is no definitive evidence that special shoes, shoe inserts, back supports, specially designed furniture, or stress management programs can help. Home remedies for these conditions and other back pain may include over-the-counter medications, ice or heat, or a combination of both. PMS: PMS: Another hormonal condition that can cause back pain in women is PMS, a condition that many women have before menstruation.
Contact National Spine & Pain Centers to schedule an appointment with an affiliated pain specialist today. You may notice pain and stiffness in the morning with breakouts on the side of your back when you bend down. Coccydynia: Also known as coccyx pain, this pain is usually the result of chronic injury or irritation. However, there are several causes of back pain in women that are specific to women because of their anatomy or hormones.
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. Pain caused by spasms in the piriformis muscle, a large muscle located deep in the buttock, is called piriformis syndrome. Traumatic accidents and sudden movements can also put too much pressure on a disc and cause it to rupture, protrude, and cause pain. Without this “shock absorber”, bones can collide and rub, causing pain in the upper or lower back, groin, buttocks and thighs.
Therefore, it is important to note that surgery is only indicated for a relatively small proportion of back pain. Measures to reduce the risk of developing back pain are mainly to address some of the risk factors. Experts believe that TENS stimulates the body to produce endorphins and can block pain signals returning to the brain. If you have back pain that is not relieved by self-care, causes neurological symptoms (numbness or weakness), or affects your daily work, see a doctor.
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. . .
