What Causes Lower Back Pain in Females

In Singapore, chronic pain affects a significant portion of the population, with a 2009 survey published on Channel News Asia indicating that 8.7% of respondents have experienced pain that persists for three months or longer. This statistic sheds light on the widespread issue of persistent pain within the community. For women, this pain often manifests uniquely due to various physiological and hormonal factors. A notable example is primary dysmenorrhea, which involves painful menstrual cramps caused by high levels of prostaglandins. These hormone-like substances trigger intense uterine contractions, resulting in aching pain in the lower abdomen and back that can vary from mild to debilitating. 

This brings us to a critical question: What are the causes of these pains, some specific to females and others not, and how can they be managed effectively?

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain in Women

Lower back pain is not uncommon, particularly among women, with several conditions contributing specifically to discomfort that can manifest on the left or right side of this area within the chronic back pain chart. What are these contributing conditions, and what implications do they hold for everyday wellness?

1. Menstrual Cycle and Hormones

The hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle can have an effect on her body, including an increased susceptibility to lower back pain. This is often more pronounced in those experiencing conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

For instance, PMS encompasses a variety of symptoms, both physical—like lower back pain, headaches, and bloating—and emotional, including mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms typically begin shortly before the menstrual period and subside as it starts. PMDD, on the other hand, represents a more intense form of PMS, with symptoms severe enough to disrupt daily activities and significantly deteriorate quality of life. 

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis, a condition characterised by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, commonly afflicts the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic lining and may extend to surrounding organs. This abnormal tissue growth often results in significant pain, notably during menstrual periods. Symptoms include debilitating menstrual cramps and chronic lower back and pelvic pain, which intensify during menstruation. Complications from endometriosis can extend beyond pain to include fertility issues, making it a condition that can profoundly affect a woman’s life both physically and emotionally.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection that can affect any part of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This condition can manifest as lower abdominal and back pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge, and irregular menstrual bleeding. Early and effective management using antibiotics is crucial to mitigate the risk of serious complications such as chronic pelvic discomfort and infertility.

4. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that form in the muscular tissue of the uterus. While they are not cancerous, their presence can significantly affect a woman’s life, depending on their size and location. Common symptoms caused by fibroids include pelvic discomfort, increased menstrual bleeding, and a frequent need to urinate, which can exert pressure on the pelvic area. Larger fibroids may also cause noticeable lower back pain. 

5. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, lower back pain is commonly triggered by the natural shifts in the female’s centre of gravity, which can significantly strain the lower back muscles. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations tend to loosen ligaments and joints in preparation for birth, potentially contributing to discomfort. 

It’s thus crucial for expectant mothers to focus on proper body mechanics and receive consistent prenatal care to manage these changes and support their well-being throughout the pregnancy. Engaging in gentle physical activities, maintaining correct posture, and utilising support devices like maternity belts may also help in managing this discomfort.

Please Note: Always consult your healthcare professional for personalised management strategies.

6. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs on or within the ovaries, can sometimes become large enough to exert pressure on nearby tissues, resulting in pelvic discomfort and lower back pain. The pain may intensify if a cyst ruptures or undergoes torsion, leading to a sharp, sudden increase in severity. These situations demand immediate medical evaluation. Typically, the management of ovarian cysts varies based on their size and severity. Small cysts might dissolve naturally without intervention, while larger or problematic cysts may require medical or surgical attention to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

7. Adenomyosis

In adenomyosis, the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, grows abnormally into the myometrium, the uterus’s muscular layer. This inward growth often leads to enhanced menstrual discomfort and significant bleeding. The resultant expansion of the uterine walls typically manifests as both pelvic and lower back discomfort. 

8. SI Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) serves as a critical linkage between the spine and pelvis, bearing the brunt of upper body weight and facilitating lower body mobility. Women, due to their anatomically wider pelvis and increased ligament laxity, often experience greater strain on this joint. These structural differences inherently make the female SI joint more susceptible to dysfunction, contributing to discomfort and instability, particularly on one side.

Furthermore, during pregnancy, hormonal changes significantly increase the joint’s mobility—hormones such as relaxin and oestrogen relax the pelvic ligaments in preparation for childbirth. Although these adaptations are essential for delivery, they can lead to SI joint misalignment and heightened pelvic pain during and post-pregnancy. The augmented stress from weight gain and altered postures exacerbates these risks, making proactive management and awareness crucial for expecting mothers.

Other Causes of Lower Back Pain (Not Exclusive to Females)

But, of course, lower back pain transcends gender, impacting individuals universally. Some of the other common triggers that affect the general population include:

• Muscle Strains and Sprains: Activities such as improperly hoisting heavy items, abrupt movements, or even sustained poor posture can overstretch or tear the muscles and ligaments in the back. These strains are frequent culprits behind acute lower back pain.
• Sciatica: Sciatica stems from pressure on the sciatic nerve, extending from the lower spine through the leg. Characterised by sharp, shock-like or burning pain, it often radiates down one leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness or weakness.
• Herniated Discs: The spine’s flexibility and function are enabled by discs between the vertebrae, which can bulge or rupture under strain or due to injury, pressing on a nerve. Often manifesting in the lower back, this can lead to discomfort that ranges from mild to debilitating.
• Spinal Stenosis: This occurs when the spinal canal narrows, compressing the nerves within. This constriction often results in persistent pain in the lower back.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis in the spine results from cartilage deterioration due to ageing, leading to bone friction, pain, and stiffness in the lower back.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Lower Back Pain in Women

If you’re grappling with lower back pain, it’s not just about enduring discomfort—finding the right approach to management is key. Here’s how chiropractic care could serve as a supportive option for relief.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Pregnancy brings numerous changes that can impact a woman’s comfort and health, including the development of back pain. Chiropractic adjustments, particularly through the Webster Technique, can play a role in alleviating this discomfort. 

The Webster Technique is a pivotal method in prenatal chiropractic care designed to address pelvic misalignment. Leveraging this technique, a prenatal chiropractor gently adjusts the pelvis and surrounding structures, reducing tension and improving pelvic function. Such enhancements not only help mitigate lower back pain and sciatica but also aim to optimise conditions for a safer and comfortable delivery. 

Postural Support and Ergonomics

Chiropractors can provide personalised guidance on maintaining optimal posture and designing ergonomic workspaces, crucial for mitigating lower back strain. This advice is tailored to individual needs, focusing on supporting the right posture and enhancing workplace setups to prevent the common discomforts associated with prolonged sitting or suboptimal body alignment.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Advice

Many chiropractors for lower back pain offer wellness plans that encompass lifestyle adjustments and nutritional counselling to support overall health and reduce inflammation. At True Chiropractic, the focus is on educating patients and guiding them in self-care. These plans are meticulously tailored, emphasising personalised wellness care and recovery programmes. 

Non-Invasive Counselling

Emphasising a non-invasive strategy, chiropractic care utilises adjustments and joint mobilisation techniques to manage pain without the need for medications or surgical interventions. This approach is particularly beneficial for women, including those who are pregnant or nursing, providing a safe alternative to manage lower back pain effectively.

When to Contact a Doctor

While minor discomforts can often be managed with home methods, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if lower back pain persists or escalates. This is especially so if you experience severe symptoms such as pain radiating down your legs, numbness, tingling, or weakness, and if any of these symptoms are accompanied by changes in bladder or bowel function. These symptoms could indicate serious underlying conditions requiring prompt care to avoid long-term damage. 

For ongoing or recurrent lower back issues, seeking help from a chiropractor might also be beneficial. Chiropractic care is particularly adept at managing back pain through non-invasive techniques that aim to improve spinal alignment and function. At True Chiropractic, our team includes female chiropractors who have experience in spine health for women and are proficient in the Webster Technique. 

Don’t let back pain hold you back. Take the first step towards back pain relief and explore chiropractic care as an option.