Women often experience back pain, especially in the lower back. Back pain can be caused by conditions that affect both women and men, such as muscle strain, disc herniation, arthritis, and degenerative spine conditions. Back pain may also be caused by conditions that affect women specifically, such as endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and pregnancy.
A common misconception about back problems is that rest is always the best back pain treatment. Rest may reduce pain and inflammation initially, but it will not treat the root cause of the injury. Prolonged rest may lead to weakened muscles and paradoxically prolong the period of recovery. While rest is essential, proper diagnosis and treatment are required to fully recover from your back problems.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions related to spine problems. A common cause is gradual injury to the lower back muscles due to chronic overuse, poor posture, improper sleeping position or inappropriate lifting techniques. Back strain and muscular aches can also occur in women during pregnancy or when caring for their young child.
These injuries may affect the facet joint that links 2 vertebrae together in the spinal column and the intervertebral discs that absorb shock between each vertebra. Everyday activities may over time lead to micro trauma in these areas and hinder smooth movement and function. As a result, there is pain, movement limitation and degeneration which may lead to general, non-specific lower back pain.
Other possible causes of lower back pain in women include:
- Disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Fracture due to osteoporosis
- Endometriosis
- Dysmenorrhea
- Premenstrual syndrome
Symptoms of back pain in women
Signs and symptoms include pain in the back, pain or numbness in the feet, pain upon weight bearing, pain during coughing or sneezing, muscle spasms and limitation in movement.
Treatment varies depending on the condition and severity of the injury. If you experience persistent pain in the neck or back, especially if associated with pain, numbness or weakness in the arms and legs, you should see a doctor for a clinical assessment. Suitable tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be needed for a proper diagnosis. Most of the time, treatment is conservative with rest, physiotherapy, appropriate exercise and medication. In some cases, surgery may become necessary to prevent disability. Speak to your doctor to understand the injury affecting your mobility and the treatment options available.
Spondylosis
Spondylosis commonly affects older women, and is more prevalent in women than in men. This may be due to the hormonal differences and lower bone density in women. Spondylosis, also known as spinal osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition of the joints, ligaments and discs of the spine. Repetitive stress to the spine, trauma and age-related wear and tear are the primary causes of spondylosis. Other possible causes of spondylosis including bone overgrowths (called bone spurs), spinal disc dehydration, and stiff ligaments.
Symptoms of spondylosis in women
Common signs and symptoms include back pain, pain radiating down the legs and difficulty maintaining an upright posture. In severe cases, spondylosis may cause pressure on the nerve roots, leading to pain or a tingling sensation in the legs or arms. If there is persistent pain, it is recommended to see a doctor for a clinical assessment. Suitable tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be needed for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDS) to help alleviate the pain and physiotherapy. If your symptoms persist, or there is evidence of a severely compressed nerve, you may be recommended to undergo decompression surgery or a procedure known as spinal fusion. Talk to your doctor to understand your condition and the treatment that best suits you.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the gradual narrowing of the spinal canal. The narrowed spinal canal places pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Spinal stenosis commonly affects women of older age.
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis, which is the gradual wear and tear of the joints in the spine. Other possible causes include:
- Disc herniation
- Past surgery of the spine
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spinal tumour
- Trauma to the spine
Symptoms of spinal stenosis in women
Symptoms of spinal stenosis include back pain, burning pain in the buttocks or legs, numbness or tingling in the buttocks or legs, reduced pain when leaning forward or sitting, and weakness in the legs.
If there is persistent pain, it is recommended to see a doctor for a clinical assessment. Suitable tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be needed for a proper diagnosis. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent disability.
Spinal stenosis may result in a condition known as cervical myelopathy. In the late stages, cervical myelopathy results in degenerative changes in the neck and leads to severe dysfunction of the nerves. This may cause weakness, inability to control movement, loss of urine and bowel function, as well as the loss of ability to stand or walk. Speak to your doctor to understand your condition and the treatment options available.