Why Does My Lower Back Hurt (Female)?
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)? Be it severe lower back and hip pain (female) or stomach and back pain together, you may find the cause on this page.
Why Does My Lower Back Hurt (Female)?
Several reasons can cause lower back pain in women. Some of them are:
1. Menstruation
This is a condition that can happen to many women. Before or during menstruation, the hormonal change can lead to cramps and contractions in the uterus. It can cause cyclical back pain that may be accompanied by abdominal cramps and discomfort.
2. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is also a famous cause of stomach and back pain together. This pain may start increasing as the pregnancy progresses because the baby gets bigger and the mother feels the extra pressure on her stomach and back. The hormonal change can also increase back pain, which is often persistently dull or aching.
3. Muscle Tension and Strain
Muscle tension and strain can contribute to back pain, like severe lower back and hip pain. Your lower back can hurt due to:
- Prolonged same posture leading to muscle imbalances and stiffness
- Lack of physical exercise contributing to weak muscles
- Incorrect lifting techniques, like bending at the waist instead of bending the knees, exerting excessive strain on the lower back region and spine
- Overloading while lifting that causes excessive muscle and ligament stress
Your lower back pain can be a warning sign of some gynecological diseases. Some typical causes are:
- Pelvic inflammation: The inflammatory changes in the pelvic region can produce 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 grow and press on surrounding tissues, causing pain in the abdomen and lower back.
- Endometriosis: This is a condition in which the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. It can lead to inflammation or nerve compression that triggers lower back pain.
The reason why your lower back hurts can be spinal problems. Some of them are:
- Herniated disc: The bulging disc can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain that may be felt in the lower back and potentially radiating down the leg.
- Scoliosis: The spine in an abnormal curvature can provoke lower back pain, depending on the severity and location of the curve.
- Spinal osteoarthritis: Spinal osteoarthritis can affect the neck and back, creating stiffness or pain.
How to Alleviate Lower Back Pain by Yourself
The above, hopefully, helps you figure out the question: Why does my lower back hurt (female)? Except for those causes requiring professional medical help, what can you do to soothe your lower back pain? This section will give you some helpful tips.
1. Try Hot and Cold Therapy
Placing a cold pack on the affected area reduces inflammation and numbs the pain, while a hot pack is a great way to soothe tense muscles and enhance blood circulation to the impacted area, which results in the healing of the pain.
2. Wear a Back Brace
A modern-day solution to relieve chronic back pain is the use of a back brace. The back brace can provide additional support and compression that helps reduce pressure on the spine and muscles. Some brands, including Fivali, have dedicated back braces for back pain. For instance, there are back braces that can provide warmth for comfort and vibrating massage for targeted relief.
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical practice, involves the insertion of fine needles into designated body points, including the lower back. It works by regulating the energy flow called 'qi' and, thereby, promotes healing. You can try it under professional guidelines, as there are studies that indicate it may provide short-term relief for chronic lower back pain.
4. Massage
Massage therapy is another method that is worth a try to release lower back pain. Regular massages help relax tight muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and improve blood circulation. However, massage therapy should be done under the observation of a licensed practitioner, as targeting the wrong muscles can potentially lead to new complications or discomfort.
5. Maintain a Proper Exercise Routine
A well-planned exercise routine will also help ease lower back pain. Some ordinary aerobic exercises, such as walking and cycling, are beneficial for healing and reducing inflammation. Low-impact activities, including yoga and Pilates, can also help.
Professional Medical Methods to Cure Lower Back Pain
If your lower back pain persists or even worsens, it's time to turn to a medical professional.
1. Physical Therapists
Physical therapists will develop a customized exercise and treatment plan for your needs. They guide patients through exercises that strengthen the back muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture, all of which can be helpful in reducing 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 reach the bottom of the issue by doing diagnostic tests, like X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds, which will give them 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 might be consulted, while for gynecological issues, an obstetrician-gynecologist would be 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 surgery 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, make sure you are maintaining a posture that does not put continuous strain on one body point.
Some important helpers to prevent back pain are a chair that can support the natural curve of your spine and help 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 googling 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
Perhaps the most underrated solution to prevent lower back pain is improving your diet. A well-balanced diet helps control your weight, which will eventually reduce 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 necessary to improve bone strength. This can be done by having low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
The causes vary to the question: "Why does my lower back hurt (female)?". Finding the right cause can lead to the most effective way to stop back pain and get back to normal daily life. In addition, engaging in preventive measures, like proper exercise and a supportive 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 have back brace solutions to soothe your condition or help your healing process.
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