Research suggests 60-80% of people in the U.S. suffer from lower back pain with a higher prevalence in females than males. According to a 2016 study, females of all age groups showed a higher prevalence of lower back pain than males as female sex hormones are one of the primary causes behind various musculoskeletal degenerative diseases.
But what exactly causes lower back pain in females? First of all, here are the main reasons behind female lower back pain
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Dysmenorrhea
- Pregnancy
- Muscle Strain
- Arthritis
- Bulging or ruptured discs
- Hormone imbalance
Of course, you don’t need to read another article that provides no clarity. Now that we’ve provided a list of general causes of female lower back pain, let’s break it down and go a bit deeper into the subject.
Lower Back Pain in Pregnancy
Back and lower back pain is very common throughout pregnancy, but especially during the first trimester. During early pregnancy, your ligaments are softened. As days go by, they stretch to prepare you for labor. Unfortunately, this could put strain on your lower back and pelvis joints and thus cause lower back pain in pregnancy.
Lower Back Pain From Period
If your back hurts before or during “those days,” you are dealing with premenstrual syndrome (PM). Lower back pain during period is usually muscle pain and is believed to be the result of hormonal change as your body releases prostaglandins during period to promote uterine contraction to shed the uterine lining. This can affect lower back muscles and cause soreness or lingering pain.
Lower Back Pain when Sitting
Posture is the main reason why women may feel lower back pain when sitting. The slender, elegant way of sitting may not be the best for your back and spine. And wearing heels, even when sitting, causes a shift in your body’s focal point and therefore changes how force is applied to your spine.
Lower Back Pain on the Side
If you feel lower back pain on the sides of your body, it’s usually caused by soft tissue or muscle damage. Injured discs or spine facet joints could also cause lower back pain on the side.
However, if you feel lower back pain on the left, right side, or both sides, it could indicate potential kidney diseases, such as kidney stones. It could also suggest you may have other underlying conditions related to your reproductive organs or intestines.
Female Lower Back Pain Treatment
Physical therapy is still the most effective treatment for lower back pain in females. You can do stretches and yoga for lower back pain at home, or talk to a professional if your lower back pain is caused by actual diseases. Hormonal therapy is also highly effective in treating female lower back pain.
Meanwhile, invest in a handheld massage gun so you can give yourself a quick relief when it’s necessary. Massage guns don’t fix the real cause, but is extremely effective in quick pain relief.
