Lower back pain is a common problem for many women, disrupting everyday tasks and lowering overall quality of life. Understanding the underlying causes can help you manage and prevent this discomfort.
In this article, we are going to look in depth at the most common causes of lower back pain in females.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition that affects the intervertebral discs of the spine, causing pain, decreased flexibility, and potential nerve damage. It is a common cause of lower back pain, especially among older adults.
This condition is caused by Intervertebral Disc Composition, dehydration, breakdown of collagen, loss of height, Osteophytes.
2. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and emotional symptoms that appear in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, usually one to two weeks before menstruation. PMS affects a large number of women and can lead to lower back pain.
Common Symptoms of PMS:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Lower back pain
- Cramps
Emotional and behavioral symptoms of PMS:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
3. Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a serious form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects some women in the days preceding menstruation. PMDD is defined by severe mood swings, irritability, depression, and physical symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life.
The symptoms can be the same as PMS but these symptoms can be worse.PMDD can be caused by several factors such as Hormonal changes, Serotonin Levels, Genetic Factors, Stress.
4.Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition that occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium, the lining inside the uterus, begins to grow outside the uterine cavity.
Symptoms such as:
- Very painful menstrual cramps
- low back and pelvic pain
- Pain with bowel movements or urination during your period.
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life, causing chronic pain, mental health issues (such as depression and anxiety), and infertility.
5.Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative time for a woman’s body that causes many discomforts.One of the common discomforts many women experience during this period is lower back pain.
Women gain weight as their pregnancy progresses. This additional weight puts extra strain on the spine, particularly the lower back, which must support the growing baby.
Elevated progesterone levels can also cause ligament and joint loosening in the lower back, increasing the risk of injury and pain.
6. Muscle Strain and Ligament Sprain
Muscle strain, also known as a pulled muscle, happens when the muscle fibers become overstretched or torn. A sprain occurs when ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range, frequently resulting in tears.These problems can also be caused by overexertion and poor posture.
- Lifting heavy objects without proper technique causes excessive stress in the lower back, resulting in muscle strain or sprains. Sudden jerky movements, such as twisting or bending, can strain the lower back muscles.
- Sitting with a slouched back or without proper lumbar support, as well as standing for long periods with an incorrect posture, can cause lower back muscles to fatigue.This can cause muscle imbalances and pain over time.
Some other lower back pain causes:
Lifestyle Factors
A lack of physical activity can cause weakened muscles in the lower back. This weakness increases the risk of lower back pain and discomfort.
Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on the lower back, increasing pain and the risk of developing lower back problems.
Injuries and Accidents
Gymnastics, football, and weightlifting are all activities that can put a lot of strain on the lower back and cause injuries.Using incorrect form during physical activities can strain the lower back muscles and ligaments, resulting in pain.
Any significant impact or injury to the lower back area, whether from falls, car accidents, or other trauma, can cause both immediate and long-term pain. Falls, including slips and trips, can cause sudden trauma to the lower back, resulting in acute pain.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors such as stress, depression, and anxiety can have a significant impact on female lower back pain. Chronic stress causes muscle tension in the lower back, whereas depression and anxiety may increase your sense of pain, making it more intense and persistent.
These mental health conditions can lead to a vicious cycle in which emotional distress exacerbates physical pain, resulting in chronic lower back pain.
Here are some remedies for low back pain:
- Cold Packs: During the first 48 hours of pain, apply a cold pack to the affected area for 20 minutes, several times per day. This relieves inflammation and numbs the area.
- Heating Pads: After the first 48 hours, use a heating pad or warm towel to relax tight muscles and increase blood flow to the area.
- Self-Massage: Using a tennis ball or foam roller, gently massage the lower back muscles to relieve knots and improve blood flow.
- Essential Oils: Massage with essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint mixed with a carrier oil to promote relaxation and pain relief.
- Regular Movement: Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity or bed rest, as these can exacerbate back pain. Take short walks and move around every hour.
- Sleep on Your Back:Sleeping on your back, with a pillow under your knees, helps to maintain your spine’s natural curve.
Conclusion
Lower back pain in females can result from a variety of causes, ranging from lifestyle factors and hormonal changes to medical conditions and injuries. Understanding these triggers is critical to effective management and prevention.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good posture, and seeking medical advice when needed can help in alleviating lower back pain and improving overall well-being.
FAQS
Hot and cold therapy, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, massage therapy, maintaining good posture, staying active, using over-the-counter pain relief creams and medications, practicing mind-body techniques, staying hydrated, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and sleeping in the right positions are all effective home remedies for lower back pain.
- Cold therapy : Reduces inflammation and numbs the affected area, providing relief by constricting blood vessels and decreasing blood flow to the area.
- Heat Therapy: Relaxes tight muscles and increases blood flow to the area, reducing pain and promoting healing.
Gentle stretches, such as the child’s pose, cat-cow stretch, and pelvic tilts, as well as core-strengthening exercises like planks, bridges, and leg raises, can help relieve lower back pain and improve stability.
To maintain good posture, make sure your workstation is ergonomically set up, use a chair with adequate lumbar support, keep your feet flat on the ground, sit up straight with your shoulders back, and avoid slouching.