Researchers reported that back pain in females is more common than in men. Women experience more lower back pain compared to men. This can be attributed to various factors such as hormonal changes, lifestyle, and differences in spinal alignment between men and women.
Women may experience backaches due to hormonal changes during the premenstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. The pain resulting from these factors can be managed through lifestyle modifications. If self-care strategies do not alleviate the pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Let’s dive deeper to learn more about the causes of back pain in females.
The difference in spinal alignment between men and women
There is a difference between the spinal alignment of men and women. Women’s spine is dorsally inclined, specifically in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrates of the spine. They have greater pelvic and sacral mobility than men and tend to sit and stand with more extended lumbar alignment.
The greater mobility of the sacral and pelvic joint in women causes spinal misalignment. Research has indicated that pain perception is also different in men and women, and the pain activation process also differs, which can lead to differences in how pain is perceived emotionally.
Premenstrual cycle and Back pain
Back pain in females can be related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is caused by hormonal changes during puberty that increase pain sensitivity and affect the muscles. During the menstrual cycle, females might experience pain from the lower abdomen to the lower back, along with the following physical symptoms, which start before and end two to three days after the menstrual cycle.
- Lower back pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Bloating
Pelvic changes during pregnancy
During pregnancy, women gain weight, hormones relax ligaments in preparation for birth, and the center of gravity shifts. All these factors contribute to back pain during pregnancy. Those who already have lower back complications are likely to have back pain during pregnancy. It usually begins during the third trimester. This pain could be localized or radiated towards the legs. A sore back while pregnant happens right below the waist, center of the back, or across the tailbone for most women.
Spinal Conditions
Several attributes can affect the spinal health of women, including spinal infection, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia. These conditions are common in women due to weight gain and hormonal changes.
- Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become fragile. It can lead to pain throughout the back. At the post-menopausal stage, women who have had multiple children are prone to osteoporosis.
- Fibromyalgia can cause back pain. This widespread pain affects the upper and lower body parts, including the back, legs, arms, abdomen, and chest. This chronic condition is more common in women and is accompanied by tenderness, sleep disturbances, and pressure sensitivity.
- Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which occurs when cartilage breaks down and grinds bones together, causing extreme pain. This is common in women over 50, causing crunching noises while moving and stiffness in the back and neck area.
Psychological Factors
Anxiety, depression, and overthinking can exacerbate back pain. Prolonged stress can strain back muscles and contribute to chronic pain while also increasing pain sensitivity. It’s essential to seek help when you feel emotionally taxed and to practice meditation to relax your muscles.
Research indicates that individuals who maintain an optimistic outlook on life tend to lead healthier lives than those who are prone to overthinking and depression. Surround yourself with a positive environment and engage in various activities. This shift in focus has been proven effective in reducing sensitivity to pain.
Self-Care Strategies
Most women are physically active but do not adopt proper posture techniques in their daily activities, leading to back pain. To address this issue, it is essential to incorporate self-care practices. Remember these tips for maintaining a healthy back:
- Posture: Avoid slouching and sitting or standing for extended periods.
- Lifting: When lifting heavy weights, use your leg muscles, not your back muscles.
- Sleep: Poor sleep quality over time increases the risk of chronic back pain.
- Weight: Being overweight can stress the back muscles, particularly in the lower region.
- Exercise: Staying physically active can help ease back pain. Before starting your exercise routine, perform stretches to warm up the muscles and reduce muscle spasms.
- Inflammation and pain: If you experience inflammation, apply a cold pack for fifteen minutes twice daily for two to three days. Once the inflammation subsides, switch to a heat pack. Ice can constrict blood vessels and numb the area, while heat packs can improve blood flow and relieve pain.
P.S: Do not apply ice or a heat pack directly to bare skin. Cover the ice or heat pack with a cloth before applying it.
Nutrition
Food is a crucial part of our lives, playing a significant role. A healthy, nutritional diet optimizes spinal health, while inflammatory and high-cholesterol foods can lead to obesity and exert pressure on spinal muscles. Here are some nutrients you must add to your diet to live pain-free.
- Calcium maintains bone density and promotes stronger bones. Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt are enriched with calcium.
- Magnesium is found in whole grains, legumes, nuts, and bananas.
- Vitamin B12 is most commonly found in meat.
- Anti-inflammatory foods, such as berries and olive oil, help to reduce inflammation and pain.
When to seek medical attention
When back pain does not improve even after self-care strategies and persists for six months, along with the following red flags, you must seek medical help.
- Numbness in legs
- Loss of bowel control
- Back pain after injury
- Difficulty in standing or walking
- Spinal infections
After a physical examination, the doctor might suggest a therapy or different medicine based on your symptoms.
Treatment Approaches
Most back pain gets better within a month. However, chronic pain lasts longer. Continue your activity as much as you can. Don’t avoid activity out of fear of pain. You can try treatment approaches as below.
- Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal and non-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium relieve pain. Take medicines only on prescription. Overusing medicine can cause serious side effects.
- Muscle relaxants: Muscle relaxants help relieve pain but can also cause sleepiness and dizziness.
- Topical pain relievers: Ointments, patches, and creams penetrate pain relievers through the skin and help in managing pain.
Conclusion
There is a difference between the spinal alignment of men and women, which can lead to spinal imbalances and cause back pain. Moreover, hormonal changes in women are a leading cause of back pain, and these changes also increase the sensitivity of pain. Women are at greater risk of developing conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia. Back pain is a common issue that most people overlook unless it worsens. Observing signs and seeking prompt medical health is essential if the condition worsens and does not improve with self-medication and self-care remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the causes of back pain in females?
Back pain in females may have many causes, including endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome, and pelvic changes during pregnancy.
When is back pain serious?
Back pain is severe if you have numbness and tingling sensation, and pain does not go away with rest and medications.
How to reduce back pain?
There are various ways to reduce pain: exercising, applying ice or heat packs, taking medication to relieve pain, or getting rest.
How to rest lower back pain?
Observe how your body changes under stress; reduce stress, maintain proper posture, sleep comfortably, and stay active.
Can back pain be hormonal?
Hormonal changes, such as those during menopause, the premenstrual cycle, pregnancy, and endometriosis, can lead to back pain.
Back pain during pregnancy 3rd trimester
Back pain during the third trimester is expected due to weight gain, hormonal changes, and stretched and weakened abdominal muscles, including pelvic girdle pain.
Back Pain Conditions That Mainly Affect Women
Piriformis syndrome, spinal osteoarthritis, endometriosis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, osteoporosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts are the primary conditions leading to back pain in females.
Make an appointment with KKT Orthopedic Spine Center.