6 Common Causes of Lower Back Pain in Women
Lower back pain is a common experience amongst people of any age. Whether it’s an acute injury from actions like lifting improperly, a sports injury you experience while being active, the result of excess weight, or any other of a plethora of possibilities, the key to relief is identifying what's caused it. While many causes of back pain can happen to anyone, there are also some conditions specific to lower back pain in women that need addressing.
Today, we’re looking at 6 common causes of lower back pain in women as well as simple adjustments you can make to assist with natural back pain relief. Read on, and get back to feeling your best!
Causes of Lower Back Pain in Women (and Solutions!)
As previously mentioned, while there are plenty of common causes of back pain for people of any age or sex, some of these are specific to women. From pregnancy and new mom back pain to PMS and health conditions like endometriosis, some of the common causes of lower back pain in women have natural remedies that may help. Identifying the catalyst of lower back pain in women is crucial to determining the best course of action. As always, if the pain or experience persists, be sure to consult a doctor for professional medical advice and treatment.
Some of the most common causes of lower back pain in women include:
- Pregnancy back pain
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Endometriosis
- Sciatica
- Dysmenorrhea
Pregnancy Back Pain
One of the most obvious common causes of lower back pain in women is pregnancy back pain. This is due to the combination of a shift in your center of gravity as you carry your growing baby as well as the relaxing of ligaments inside your body as it prepares for giving birth. Pregnancy back pain has been shown to be most prevalent between the fifth and seventh months of pregnancy, but can occur at any time, especially if you already have pre-existing back issues.
While you may not be able to do anything about your shifted center of gravity or your body’s adaptation to the birthing process, there are options available for how to help with pregnancy back pain relief. One of the most popular options that moms-to-be are turning to today are zero gravity chairs. The potential health benefits of the zero gravity position during pregnancy includes back pain relief as excess pressure is taken off the spine and weight is distributed evenly along the body. This position also works to promote better blood circulation, which can help reduce swelling experienced by many pregnant women.
Beyond alleviating lower back pain in women who are pregnant, zero gravity chairs also offer a safe sleeping position during pregnancy as well as an ideal nursery chair for feeding, holding, and looking after your baby. Once you no longer need it as a pregnancy chair, they easily adapt to become the perfect chair for people of all ages that fits into a living room or any other space in your home!
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is another of the most common causes of lower back pain in women. PMS is a condition many women get before their periods that brings with it many potential symptoms (though you’re unlikely to experience them all). One of the most common physical symptoms is lower back pain in women that can radiate further down the legs similar to sciatic nerve pain.
Some of the most common natural remedies for lower back pain in women caused by PMS include heat therapy, getting a back massage, and even exercising. Bringing another opportunity for adding a zero gravity chair to your home, the top models may have bonus features such as heat therapy functions and vibration or air pressure massage (sometimes referred to as air cell massage).
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Continuing on our exploration of common causes of lower back pain in women, let’s talk about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a more severe form of PMS that interferes with more your daily life. Symptoms associated with PMDD are similar to those of PMS, but worsened. In fact, some women who experience PMDD may find themselves having trouble functioning in their daily lives when dealing with this health condition. Symptoms of PMDD typically start the week before your period and end a few days after it begins.
Options for helping relieve lower back pain in women with PMDD are similar to those used for PMS back pain. Heat therapy, massage, exercise, and sleep may all be beneficial. The elevated effects of PMDD lower back pain in women may preclude exercise from being a top choice, however.
Endometriosis
Next on our list of common causes of lower back pain in women is endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition resulting from the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This tissue, which is meant to be inside the uterus, often grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other tissues lining the pelvis.
Endometrial tissue gets thicker at the start of a period and sheds during it. Women with endometriosis may experience pain, cramping, or even develop scar tissue during this time as the affected tissue outside the uterus also starts to drop away. This can cause pain and cramping, as well as the formation of scar tissue. Unfortunately, lower back pain in women from endometriosis can be intense.
While there is no cure for endometriosis, there are a variety of natural remedies that may help alleviate painful symptoms associated with it. These include options such as:
- Heat therapy
- Pelvic massage
- Minimizing red meat while eating fruits and vegetables
- Managing stress levels
- Resting
Sciatica
While sciatica is not a condition that affects only women, studies have shown that it may affect more women than men in older age groups. While men are more likely to experience sciatica symptoms from ages 30 to 50, post-menopausal women may develop sciatic nerve pain symptoms more often, making it a common cause of lower back pain in women that needs to be addressed.
Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain include intense lower back pain that radiates down one leg. This is caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, which runs from the lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
Cold and heat therapy, exercising, stretching, and practicing good posture are all potentially effective natural ways to provide relief from lower back pain in women associated with sciatica. This condition is another opportunity for zero gravity chairs to be useful, as well. Their design and functions enhance zero gravity chair benefits for sciatica, helping you relax physically and mentally as your body heals itself.
Dysmenorrhea
Also associated with PMS and PMDD is dysmenorrhea. This condition is characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during your period. This may include intense lower back pain in women before, during, and after menstruation. Where PMS is made up of the emotional and physical factors women experience prior to their period, dysmenorrhea is the physical pain or cramping caused by menstruation itself.
As with PMS and PMDD, some of the natural methods to alleviate lower back pain in women (along with other symptoms caused by dysmenorrhea) include heat therapy, back and pelvic massage, as well as getting enough rest. Furthermore, you should limit your intake of caffeine or alcohol during this time.
While roughly 80% of adults in the United States will experience back pain at some point in their lives, there are common causes of lower back pain in women that are specific to their sex. Identifying these catalysts is crucial to being able to find relief. As always, consult your doctor before you begin any new health routine for guidance and instruction. Once you’re given the go-ahead, try these remedies out and see what works best to get you back on your feet and ready to take on each day.
Want to know more about using a zero gravity chair for lower back pain in women? Check out the Svago ZGR Zero Gravity Recliner and see how it’s the perfect chair for your needs (and everyone in the family!).