Why Does My Lower Back Hurt (Female)?

June 24, 2024
Posted by Sylvia C
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Why does my lower back hurt? That is a frequent question asked by many. According to the WHO, the number of people suffering from low back pain is estimated to be 843 million by 2050.[1] Among such a huge group, women can be more prone to LBP (low back pain).

If you are one of the women who are suffering, this article offers a comprehensive guide to the question: Why does my lower back hurt (female)? Whether you experience severe lower back and hip pain (in females) or stomach and back pain simultaneously, you may find the cause on this page.

Fivali A Woman with Lower Back Pain - Guide

Why Does My Lower Back Hurt (Female)?

There are many causes of lower back pain in women. Some of them include:

1. Menstruation

This is a condition that can happen to many women. Before or while menstruating, hormonal changes can cause uterine cramps and constrictions. This may lead to periodic back pain, which may be combined with abdominal cramps and discomfort.

2. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is also a common cause of stomach and back pain. This pain may intensify as the pregnancy proceeds, as the fetus is getting bigger and the mother feels extra pressure on her abdomen and backbone of the pregnancy. The hormonal change can also increase back pain, which is often characterized by persistent dullness or aching.

3. Muscle Tension and Strain

Muscle strain and tension can result in back pain, including severe lower back and hip pain. Lower back pain can be caused by:

Holding the same posture for long periods can result in imbalanced and stretched muscles.
A lack of physical activity leads to muscle weakness.
Incorrect lifting techniques, such as bending at the waist instead of bending the knees, exert excessive strain on the lower back and spine.
Overloading while lifting can cause excessive stress to muscles and ligaments.

4. Gynecological Diseases

Your lower back pain can be a warning sign of some gynecological diseases. Some typical causes are:

Pelvic inflammation: Inflammatory changes in the pelvic region can cause dull lower back pain.
Ovarian cysts: Larger cysts may induce pain in the abdomen or lower back. This type of back pain can be dull and aching.
Uterine fibroids: Fibroids may develop and press on surrounding tissues, resulting in pain in the abdomen and lower back.
Endometriosis: It is a condition in which the lining tissue of the uterus develops outside the uterine cavity. It can trigger lower back pain by resulting in inflammation or tension on the nerves.

5. Spinal Diseases

The reason your lower back hurts can be due to spinal problems. Some of them are:

Herniated disc: The herniated disc can stimulate similar nearby nerves, causing lower back pain that may migrate down the leg.
Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine can provoke lower back pain, depending on the severity and location of the curve.
Spinal osteoarthritis can affect the neck and back, causing stiffness and pain.

How to Alleviate Lower Back Pain by Yourself

The above helps you figure out the question: Why does my lower back hurt (female)? Except for those cases requiring professional medical attention, what can you do to alleviate your lower back pain? This section provides you with valuable tips.

1. Try Hot and Cold Therapy

Applying a cold pack to the affected area reduces inflammation. It relieves pain, while a hot pack soothes tense muscles and improves blood circulation to the area, aiding in the healing process.

2. Wear a Back Brace

A modern approach to alleviating chronic back pain is to utilize a back brace. By allowing for additional control and pressure, back braces can help minimize the pressure on the spine and its surrounding muscles. Several brands, including Fivali, offer back braces for back pain that specialize in addressing this condition. For example, in some cases, back braces deliver both pleasant warmth and a vibrational massage, resulting in a focused soothing of the pain.

Fivali Heating Pad for Back Pain, Massage Body and Alleviate Fatigue - Guide

Product shown in the picture: Fivali Heating Pad for Back Pain, Massage Body, and Alleviate Fatigue

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points on various parts of the body, including the lower back. This promotes rehabilitation by regulating the flow of energy known as “qi”. You can try acupuncture with professional guidance, since studies have shown that it can provide short-term relief from chronic lower back pain.

4. Massage

Massage treatment is another method worth trying to ease lower back pain. Periodic massages are used to help loosen tension, lower muscle spasms, and improve blood circulation. Nevertheless, massage therapy should be carried out by a licensed practitioner, as it may lead to new complaints or complications if the wrong muscles are targeted instead of the intended ones.

5. Sustain a Proper Fitness Habit

A well-planned daily exercise routine can also help ease that lower back pain. Some ordinary aerobic exercises, such as walking and cycling, are beneficial for healing and reducing inflammation. Low-impact exercises, such as yoga and Pilates, can also be beneficial.

Professional Medical Methods to Cure Lower Back Pain

If your lower back pain persists or worsens, it's time to consult a medical professional.

1. Physical Therapists

Physical therapists will develop a customized exercise and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They guide patients through exercises that strengthen the back muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture, all of which can help reduce lower back pain. They may also perform manual therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to alleviate pain and boost healing.

2. Specialist Doctors

Specialist doctors will diagnose the issue by conducting diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds, which provide a detailed view of spinal or gynecological cases. Additionally, the blood test can be another feasible way to determine the situation.

Note: For spinal issues, an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon may be consulted, while for gynecological issues, an obstetrician-gynecologist is more appropriate.

Once the core of the issue is diagnosed, the treatment becomes easier. The doctor will better know where to advise you on some medications or, in the worst case, go for a surgical option. But surgery is considered when conservative treatments have not been effective, or when the condition poses a significant risk to the patient's health.

How to Prevent Back Pain

To avoid annoying lower back pain, there are some tips that you can practice:

1. Adjust Lifestyle

Pay attention to your lifestyle. Try to get yourself more involved in physical activities. It can strengthen the back muscles and increase flexibility. Also, when sitting and sleeping, ensure that you maintain a posture that does not put continuous strain on any one body part.

Some important helpers in preventing back pain are a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine and helps you keep your feet flat on the floor, and a mattress that provides good support and maintains a neutral spine position.

2. Daily Back Exercise Recommendations

If you properly follow some daily back exercises, you will free yourself from having to ask the question: Why does my back hurt (female)? Some common exercises for this purpose include:

Pelvic tilts
Bridges
Leg raises
Cat-cow stretches
Hamstring stretches

3. Healthy Diet Routine

The most underrated solution to prevent lower back pain is improving your diet. A well-balanced diet helps control your weight, which in turn reduces stress on the spine. The key is to consume high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Combat inflammation by incorporating Omega-3-rich foods such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds into your daily diet. These foods have anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate pain. Adequate calcium intake is also essential for improving bone strength. This can be achieved by consuming low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.

The causes vary for the question: "Why does my lower back hurt (female)?". Finding the right cause can lead to the most effective way to alleviate back pain and return to an everyday life. In addition, engaging in preventive measures, such as proper exercise and a balanced diet, plays a crucial role in mitigating and possibly eliminating this common yet debilitating condition. If you are experiencing this type of pain, remember to seek medical advice if your home remedies are not helping. Fivali may offer back brace solutions to alleviate your condition or support your healing process.