Back Pain in Women: 8 Common Conditions & Effective Treatment Options

We all know at least one woman in our family who suffers from one of these conditions of back pain, whether from a slipped disc, sciatica, hormonal lower back pain, or pregnancy-related back pain. Recent studies have shown that women are more susceptible to several back pain conditions. Women are more likely to suffer from chronic back pain conditions, some exclusively affecting only women.

Higher incidences of pain in the lower back in females can be caused by these reasons - changes in pelvic musculature during pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes throughout the reproductive phase, and changes after menopause and back pain. Another reason for lower back pain in females is the daily strain caused by repetitive movements and poor posture, leading to chronic discomfort. This often begins a cycle of overuse injuries to the back musculature.

8 Common Back Pain Conditions in Women & How They Affect Daily Life

Women are more prone to certain back pain conditions due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause, and bone density loss. These conditions can impact mobility, daily activities, and overall well-being. Here are eight common back pain conditions in women and how they affect daily life.

1. Coccydynia

Coccydynia, or pain in the tailbone at the end of the spine, is four times more common in women than men. The area of pain often feels tender when touched, and it can be painful. It can be caused by accidents, falls, pregnancy-related injury, or poor posture. This lower back pain causes female to affect daily activities like sitting, driving, and household chores.

2. Women's Back Pain During and After Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes the secretion of the relaxing hormone, which allows the muscles around the pelvis to relax. This allows the muscles to relax as the foetus grows during pregnancy. The radical shift in weight distribution and centre of gravity can increase pressure around the spine and cause women's back pain, hormonal lower back pain, and even sciatica. After childbirth, the secretion of relaxation stops, but the loss of adequate muscle support to the spine can make the body vulnerable to backache. 

 Lower back pain in female is one of the most common pregnancy complications, especially in the later months. The pain usually subsides when the baby is born. However, for many women, menopause and back pain persist for months after giving birth. A hormone relaxes the ligaments in your pelvic joints to make them more flexible in preparation for the baby's passage through the birth canal. Hormonal lower back pain can occur if the joints become over-flexible.

3. Compression Fracture

Post menopause, the demineralisation of bones in women, occurs faster. This causes a condition known as osteoporosis. The bones lose their structural integrity and become prone to fractures. 

The most common site among women is the compression fracture at the spine. This may often go unnoticed until loss of height becomes evident. However, pain due to pressure over surrounding structures can cause severe back pain in women.

4. Spinal Osteoarthritis

Arthritis in the spine occurs as age-related changes cause the wearing of cartilage layers. The height of intervertebral discs reduces with their desiccation. Degenerative changes at the facet joints cause a loss of cushioning. This causes women's back pain, particularly after the age of 45.

5. Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome in women is expected due to pregnancy-related changes and hormone level fluctuation. The piriformis muscle gets inflamed and causes compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve. This pain radiates to the leg and makes routine activities painful.

6. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain throughout the body. This usually happens after medical treatment, surgery, an accident, or psychological stress. The symptoms begin gradually and may not have a specific triggering event. The pain is also accompanied by fatigue, tension headaches, TMJ disorder, depression, or anxiety.

7. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Women are likely to develop degenerative spondylolisthesis after the age of 50. One of the vertebrae slips forward over the other. This may or may not be accompanied by a fracture of the pars interarticularis. The spondylolisthesis causes increased pressure over the structures around the area involved. This results in severe pain in the back and leg pain if an existing nerve root is compressed.

8. Tailbone Pain in Menopause

Falling estrogen levels deplete vitamin D levels, which can be painful if not managed properly. Many symptoms, including tailbone pain, are connected with the perimenopausal period. There is a link between tailbone pain and menopause, according to research. The severity of tailbone pain after menopause is linked to vitamin D insufficiency. After an impact to the area near the end of the spine, menopause and back pain might develop gradually or suddenly. While childbirth or a backward fall are the most common causes of tailbone discomfort, doctors can't always pinpoint the cause. Because the tailbone isn't flexible enough to bend under pressure, injury to the tailbone, surrounding ligaments, or both can occur. The discomfort typically goes away in a few weeks or months but can become chronic and obstruct normal activities, such as driving or bending over.

Back pain in women can result from various conditions, from pregnancy-related strain to age-related degeneration. Ignoring these issues can worsen discomfort and limit mobility. Fortunately, effective treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent pain. Let’s explore some of the most effective treatment options available.

Relieving Back Pain in Women: Home Remedies, Physiotherapy & More

Lower back pain in female can happen at any age, beginning from a teenager. The cause of lower back pain causes female varies with the changes a woman’s body undergoes through various stages of life. Pregnancy, birth, weight gain, weight loss, and changes in hormone levels can cause a myriad of symptoms related to pain in lower back females. A thorough examination and treatment can help in getting relief from lower back pain women.

Home Remedies for Back Pain Relief

For mild lower back pain in females, home remedies can be effective. Heat and ice therapy can help reduce inflammation, numb pain, and improve blood circulation to the affected area. Ice packs are effective for acute pain, while heat therapy helps with muscle relaxation. Stretching and low-impact exercises such as yoga, pilates, and swimming can improve flexibility, strengthen core muscles, and relieve tension in the lower back. Maintaining a good sleeping posture and using an ergonomic mattress can also play a key role in alleviating back pain. Additionally, herbal remedies such as turmeric, ginger tea, and essential oils like lavender or peppermint may offer natural pain relief.

Physiotherapy for Back Pain

A structured physiotherapy routine can help in alleviating lower back pain causes females. Strengthening exercises targeting the core muscles, including the abdominal and lower back muscles, provide better spinal support and reduce strain. Spinal adjustments and mobilisation techniques performed by trained physiotherapists can help improve posture, reduce stiffness, and correct spinal misalignments. Manual therapy and massage therapy can enhance muscle relaxation and reduce inflammation. Additionally, electrotherapy techniques, such as ultrasound and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), are commonly used in physiotherapy sessions to relieve back pain in women.

Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent Back Pain

Adopting a healthy posture, avoiding prolonged sitting, and engaging in regular exercise can significantly reduce the reason for lower back pain in female. Avoiding prolonged sitting and using an ergonomic chair and desk setup can prevent unnecessary spinal pressure. Regular physical activity, including walking, swimming, or cycling, helps maintain spinal flexibility and muscle strength. A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium supports bone health and prevents osteoporosis-related fractures. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also crucial, as excess weight can increase strain on the spine. Developing stress management techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can prevent tension build up in the back muscles.

Consultation with a Specialist

If pain in lower back female persists despite home remedies and physiotherapy, seeking medical advice is essential. A doctor or orthopedic specialist can conduct a thorough examination and recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to determine the root cause of the pain. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include medications like pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be suggested for severe pain management. If non-invasive treatments do not provide relief, surgical procedures like spinal fusion, laminectomy, or discectomy may be considered.

Trust Physiotattva for Effective Back Pain Treatment in Women

At Physiotattva, we understand that back pain in women requires specialised care tailored to individual needs. Our team of experienced physiotherapists and chiropractors is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based treatments to relieve pain and restore mobility.

With state-of-the-art physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, we offer personalised treatment plans that address the root cause of your back pain, whether it’s due to pregnancy, menopause, posture issues, or chronic conditions. Our innovative approach combines advanced physiotherapy techniques, manual therapy, and rehabilitation exercises to ensure long-term relief and improved spinal health.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

‍

‍FAQs

How do I know it is time to seek professional help for my back pain?

If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, here are signs that indicate it's time to see a doctor: 

• You've been in pain for more than a week. 
• Your pain has spread to other parts of your body. 
• You have numbness, tingling, or weakness.
• You have pain after an accident.
• Your pain is worse at certain times or in certain positions.
• You have bowel or urination issues.
• You're experiencing unexplained weight loss and fever.

How do I know if my back pain is kidney-related?

 The reason for lower back pain in female is felt higher and deeper in the body than kidney pain. It may be felt in the upper half of your back. Unlike back pain, it is felt on one or both sides, usually beneath the rib cage.

Can gynaecological problems cause back pain?

Dysmenorrhea, a uterine dysfunction that causes severe cramping in women during menstruation, also predisposes women to back pain. The condition is classified as either primary or secondary, and low back pain is a common symptom in both.

What is the fastest way to relieve back pain?

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to relieve back pain. Physiotherapists can teach you how to sit, stand, and move in a way that keeps your spine aligned and reduces back strain. They can also teach you exercises to strengthen the core muscles that support your back.