Lower back pain can be caused by several conditions that can affect people of any sex. Some causes of lower back pain are specific to people assigned female at birth, including gynecologic factors or conditions related to the reproductive system. Female lower back pain can be chronic or cyclical. It may feel sharp, dull, intense, or burn, and can impact surrounding areas like the hips, pelvis, groin, and abdomen. Pain might occur on one or both sides of the body. Causes of low-back pain range from common premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms to serious conditions like endometriosis.
This article highlights all possible common causes of low back pain in females. As well as symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies for lower back pain.
CAUSES OF LOWER BACK PAIN IN FEMALES
Many potential conditions, both common and severe, can cause low-back pain in specifically in females. The pain is grouped into two main categories: musculoskeletal (like arthritis) and organ systems (like the reproductive organs). The key to identifying the root of lower back pain is tracking intensity and monitoring additional symptoms.
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)
Lower back pain during the luteal phase (two weeks before the start of a menstrual period) is a common PMS symptom.2 It can change from month to month in severity and length. The effects of PMS, including low-back pain, mood swings, and breast tenderness, are caused by the fluctuation of hormones that change throughout the menstrual cycle.
PREMENSTRUAL DYSMORPHIC DISORDER (PMDD)
PMDD is a period-related condition that also includes symptoms like lower back pain but differs from PMS because it often has a bigger impact on mental health. In fact, PMDD is classified as a mood disorder and can cause depressed moods, lack of motivation, binge eating, and anxiety. Lower back pain with PMDD would be intense or severe, potentially impacting your work, school, and social life. Typically, this pain arises during the late-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
DYSMENORRHEA
Dysmenorrhea, or period cramps, can also cause lower back pain. Studies show that more than 40% to 50% of people who menstruate experience lower back pain in the first few days of their period, likely due to uterine contractions or cramps. Cramping is either localized in the lower abdomen or radiates to the inner thighs and lower back.
ENDOMETRIOSIS
Endometriosis (endo) is a chronic disease classified as the growth of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus. Besides heavy periods, a hallmark symptom of endo is intense lower back or pelvic pain around menstruation. This combination, called lumbopelvic pain, is commonly mistaken for a musculoskeletal disorder, so seeking care from a healthcare provider familiar with endometriosis is essential.
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)
PID is a serious infection of the reproductive organs in females. It’s typically caused by an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Symptoms of PID include:
Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back, Unusual vaginal discharge, Fever, Spotting, Pain during sex, Fibroids.
Fibroids on or in the uterus are common and benign (noncancerous) growths that range in size. Some are asymptomatic, but others can cause pelvic or lumbar pain, especially in certain positions like lying down or bending over.10 They can be but are rarely associated with a lumbar nerve condition called sciatica.
Other symptoms of fibroids are: Excessive menstrual bleeding, Spotting between periods, Abdominal discomfort,
Ovarian Cysts.
Ovarian cysts often have no symptoms. However, they can cause pain or pressure in the lower abdomen and pain with certain activities.
ADENOMYOSIS
A bit lesser known than other conditions, adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscle of the uterus wall. (Different from endometriosis, in which the tissue grows and sheds outside the uterus). Adenomyosis causes heavy periods and dysmenorrhea, which can lead to lower back pain.
PREGNANCY
Back pain is a common problem in pregnancy, especially in the later months of pregnancy. As the uterus expands, it changes your posture and strains your back.
LEFT- OR
RIGHT-SIDE PAIN
It’s common to feel more pain on one side of your lower back than the other. Causes include spinal misalignment and muscle, ligament, or bone injury. Pain in the lower right side of the back may also point to more serious conditions like kidney stones or spinal stenosis.
WHAT ELSE COMMONLY CAUSES LOWER
BACK PAIN
Identifying the cause of lower back pain can depend on a number of factors. Sometimes, it’s a combination of a few underlying imbalances, such as: Muscle strain or overuse, Ligament sprains, Herniated or diseased discs,
Spinal misalignment, Poor posture, Kidney pain or stones, Infection, Pinched nerve, Arthritis, Weakness in core/abdominal muscles, Appendicitis.
HOW TO FIND RELIEF FOR LOWER BACK PAIN
Lots can be done at home to relieve lower back pain, especially once you’ve identified the root cause. Find a combination of gentle treatments that work for you, including the following. Lifestyle adjustments, Quality sleep, Limiting refined sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, Maintaining a healthy weight, Wearing low, supportive shoes, Movement, Avoiding prolonged bed rest, Gentle movements such as walking, stretching, or yoga, Topical: ain-relieving creams or gels, Hot/cold therapy, Professional care: Physical therapy, Electro nerve stimulation, Massage, Pelvic floor therapy, Chiropractic care, Acupuncture.
WHEN TO CONTACT A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
If you experience pain that lasts more than four weeks, comes on suddenly, worsens quickly, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, major weight changes, weakness in extremities, bladder problems, or heavy periods, seek immediate medical evaluation. While at-home care can be a great place to find remedies for manageable low-back pain that improve your quality of life, always consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or persist despite self-care measures.
Lower back pain in women is common, especially for those in their reproductive years. From PMS to pregnancy, hormones play a big role in lower back, hip, and pelvic pain. Other causes of low-back pain occur in people of any sex, including injury or stress. Even though low back pain is somewhat common, work with a healthcare provider to diagnose or eliminate the risk of more serious underlying conditions, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, especially if you are experiencing additional concerning symptoms. You can manage low-back pain with lifestyle adjustments and self-care. A healthcare provider can also prescribe treatments to help you manage underlying causes and treat severe pain.
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