What Causes Lower Back Pain in Females?: Symptoms & Treatments

What is lower back pain?

Lower back pain is a physical discomfort that occurs in the lumbar area, between the lower edge of your ribs and buttocks. This part of your body is under a lot of pressure because the muscles here support most of your body weight and are responsible for:

• Providing stability for your spine

• Providing attachment points for muscles, ligaments, and tendons that enable different ranges of activities such as running, walking, sitting and moving in all directions

• Maintaining your body's balance and posture

Causes of lower back pain

Lower back pain can be divided into short-term pain (acute), slightly longer-term pain (subacute), and long-term pain (chronic). There are many risk factors that lead to lower back pain, including, but not limited to:

• Strains or sprain: 

  • The most common cause of back pain is injury to the ligaments, muscles, or tendons. These are usually due to heavy weightlifting and wrong postures.

• Spinal fractures: 

  • Bone fractures in the lower back can occur due to trauma such as car accidents and falls.

• Disc problems: 

  • The intervertebral discs function as shock absorbers and cushion the space between your vertebrae. When a disc bulges out from its normal position in your spine, it may impinge (press on) on your nerves, leading to pain.

• Structural problems: 

  • Such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), lumbar scoliosis (curvature of the lower back), and spondylolisthesis (a vertebrae slips out of the normal alignment and presses on the vertebrae below it). Learn more about the above conditions here.

• Arthritis: 

  • Arthritis can cause damage and deterioration in the cartilage of joints in the lower back.

• Diseases: 

  • Spinal-related diseases such as spinal tumours and spinal infections can lead to back pain. Medical conditions such as kidney stones and inflammatory diseases such as fibromyalgia also increase the chances of having back pain. 

What causes lower back pain in women?

There are several specific causes of back pain that affect only women. These are: 

• Menstruation: 

  • Some women experience increased back pain during menstruation and even before the menses (premenstrual syndrome).

  • This occurs when the uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which can cause both uterine cramps and back pain. The pain may radiate from the lower abdomen to the lower back, as the same nerves serve both areas.

• Pregnancy: 

  • An increase in body weight and growing foetus in the abdomen changes the normal curvature of the spine, leading to lower back pain, especially in the second and third trimesters.

• Labour pain: 

  • Pain and discomfort in your lower back can happen during labour.

Learn more about the different stages and symptoms of pregnancy as we break it down for you week by week here.

Risk factors for back pain

• Weight: 

  • Being overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and obese (BMI of 30 and above) increases the pressure on your joints and discs.

• Age: 

  • Women older than 30 years old are more likely to develop lower back pain. As age increases, the discs are weakened, increasing the risk of degeneration.

• Physical activities: 

  • Jobs and hobbies that require heavy lifting and frequent bending increase the risk of low back injury.

• Overall body health: 

  • Those with poor health, sedentary lifestyles, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are more prone to back pain.

• Poor body posture: 

  • Over the long term, poor body posture such as slouching increases pressure on your joints and discs.

Symptoms of lower back pain

The symptoms of lower back pain vary among individuals, but some of the most common signs include: 

• Dull aching pain sensation in the lower back

• Sharp pain or a stabbing sensation that radiates down the leg to foot (sciatica)

• Inability to move or stand up straight with pain

• Reduced range of motion of back

• Stiffness of low back and decreased in flexibility

• May get worse upon bending forwards but feels better upon lying down 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical to get an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Diagnosing lower back pain

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and other relevant history before performing a physical examination to examine your spinal condition. Your doctor may also order additional imaging tests to rule out other possible causes of low back pain.

• X-ray: 

  • X-rays are used to examine the bones for any sign of injuries such as fractures or dislocations.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): 

  • An MRI scan uses radio and magnetic waves to visualise the soft tissues, tendons, ligaments and bones in greater detail. 

• Computed tomography (CT) scan: 

  • A CT scan is used to visualise soft tissues, fats, bones and neighboring structures

• Electromyography (EMG): 

  • EMG is used to assess the function of your nerves and muscles. 

• Other relevant blood and urine tests: 

  • These tests are meant to check for certain diseases, such as infections and cancers, that might be causing your back pain.

Treatment for lower back pain

There are two types of treatment options for lower back pain: non-surgical and surgical treatments. If your lower back pain is significantly affecting your quality of life and does not reduce after conservative treatment, your doctor may suggest surgical treatment instead. Some spinal conditions, such as intervertebral disc prolapses, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis, can only be corrected via surgical treatment.

Non-surgical treatments 

• Rest: 

  • For mild back pain, rest from normal activities can help to reduce the strain on your back.

• Heat therapy: 

  • Applying a heating pad or taking a warm bath can improve circulation and reduce muscle tension. Heat helps in delivering nutrients and oxygen to the back muscles, promoting healing.

• Cold therapy: 

  • Using an ice pack can numb the pain and reduce inflammation, especially after an injury. It’s recommended to apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time.

• Pain relief: 

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and paracetamol are examples of analgesics that can help ease the pain. Topical pain relievers and muscle relaxants can also help. 

• Physical therapy: 

  • A physical therapist can suggest muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises that help improve your postures, alignments and body mechanics.

• Steroid injections: 

  • If physical therapy and over-the-counter medication do not have a significant effect, your doctor may recommend a steroid injection to reduce inflammation and pain.

Surgical treatment 

• Artificial disc replacement: 

  • Disc replacement surgery involves replacing the herniated or damaged intervertebral disc with an artificial one.

• Spinal fusion: 

  • This procedure involves removing damaged discs and fusing the vertebrae together. It is usually done for spinal conditions such as intervertebral disc prolapses, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc diseases.

• Discectomy: 

  • This surgery is used to remove a herniated disc that presses on the nerve and is usually done with laminectomy.

• Spinal laminectomy: 

  • It removes the lamina portion of vertebrae to decompress your spinal cord and reduce nerve compression. It is usually done in spinal stenosis.

• Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty: 

  • Usually used to treat compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, this surgery straightens the vertebrae by injecting glue-like cement into the vertebra. 

If you are experiencing sudden back pain that is affecting your daily life and does not respond to regular treatment options, don’t hesitate to request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Although it may seem like a minor issue, back pain in women can be a sign of other, more serious medical problems. If the injury is severe enough to affect your daily activities and quality of life, request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical.

Preventing lower back pain

Some steps you can take to reduce the chances of getting back pain include: 

• Correction of poor postures: 

  • Avoiding bad posture, like bending forward at work, and fixing bad posture can help lower the risk of low back pain.

• Avoid heavy weight lifting: 

  • Reduce the stress on your spine and discs by not carrying heavy boxes, suitcases, luggage, and other things. Try other methods, such as backpacks or bags with wheels to distribute the weight.

FAQ

When should I worry about lower back pain?

While many cases of lower back pain resolve on their own, it is crucial to be vigilant about the symptoms mentioned below. If you experience any of these warning signs, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

• Age:

  • Those over 50 years of age need to be especially careful if they start experiencing new back pain, as they have an increased risk factor.

• Chronic pain: 

  • If your lower back pain lasts longer than two weeks without improvement, it could indicate an underlying spinal condition that requires evaluation.

• Worsening symptoms:

  • Severe pain that disrupts daily activities or sleep is particularly concerning, especially if the pain does not improve with rest.

• Neurological symptoms:

  • Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet suggest nerve issues or other spinal conditions, which require prompt medical care.

• Loss of control:

  • Back pain that is serious enough to make you lose control of your bowel or bladder could indicate serious health conditions that require immediate medical intervention.

What exercises should I avoid if I have lower back pain?

When dealing with lower back pain, certain exercises can exacerbate your spinal condition and should be avoided. Here are the key exercises to steer clear of:

• Leg lifts/double leg raises:

  • Lifting both legs together while lying on your back can put significant pressure on your lower back, which may worsen pain.

• Sit-ups:

  • This exercise can strain the spine as it often involves using the hips to lift the body, increasing tension on the lower back.

• Standing toe touches:

  • Bending forward to touch your toes can overstretch the lower back and increase stress on the spinal discs and ligaments.

• Abdominal crunches:

  • Similar to sit-ups, crunches can hyperextend the spine and place undue stress on the lumbar region.

• Back squats:

  • Performing squats with weights can be harmful as it adds pressure to the spine, especially if proper form is not maintained.

• Superman back extensions:

  • This exercise involves lifting both arms and legs off the ground simultaneously, which creates high stress on the lower back.

• Twisting exercises:

  • Movements that involve twisting can aggravate existing back injuries and lead to increased pain.

• High-impact activities:

  • Exercises such as running, jumping, or any activities that involve significant impact should be avoided as they can strain the back further.

How do I sleep with lower back pain?

To sleep comfortably, it's essential to choose the right position and use supportive pillows that help to improve your spinal condition. Here are some effective strategies based on the best practices for alleviating discomfort:

• Use extra pillows:

  • Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your knees can reduce the pressure on your lower back.

• Avoid sleeping on your stomach:

  • This position is bad because it flattens the spine's natural curve and can lead to increased strain on your back and neck. If you must sleep this way, use a thin pillow under your head and a pillow under your hips to help maintain spinal alignment. 

• Firm mattresses:

  • Choose a supportive mattress that keeps your spine aligned without sagging.

• Supportive pillows:

  • Get pillows that can provide adequate support for your neck without raising it too high, keeping it aligned with your spine. 

By adopting these sleeping positions and tips, you can improve comfort and potentially reduce lower back pain during sleep. If the pain persists, you should consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.