Back pain is a very common condition that can affect anyone at any age. However, some conditions that cause back pain are only common and severe in women.
There are many causes of back pain, ranging from mild to severe. However, in reality, some health conditions that cause back pain are only common in women due to differences in pelvic structure and hormones between men and women. So what are those conditions? Let’s find out what causes back pain in females in this article!
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Compression fractures
Have you ever wondered what causes back pain in women? According to many health experts, compression fractures cause back pain in women is one of the leading causes. In fact, women are twice as likely to suffer a compression fracture than men because they are more prone to osteoporosis. If you’re a woman over 45 with sudden and severe back pain, especially if you’re at high risk for osteoporosis, see your doctor promptly.
A compression fracture occurs when osteoporosis causes the bones of the spine to break, specifically the anterior portion of the spine. However, the back of the spine is not affected.
Compression fractures often affect the lower back, which can cause sudden, severe pain. Even so, some people will not be able to feel the pain. But this condition will limit your mobility, so you need to see a doctor immediately (if there are suspicious signs).
Spondylolisthesis causes back pain in women
What causes low back pain in women? Answer: Spondylolisthesis can be the culprit behind low back pain in women.
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one lumbar vertebra slips forward. This condition irritates nearby spinal nerve roots, causing pain in the lower back and legs. Symptoms of spondylolisthesis include pain and weakness in the legs when standing or walking. Usually, the pain can be relieved when the patient is sitting. In fact, the pain from spondylolisthesis is so severe that the person cannot function as usual.
Women are more prone to back pain from spondylolisthesis because of hormonal differences, pelvic structure, and low bone density.
Fibromyalgia syndrome
According to statistics, 80-90% of cases of fibromyalgia are women. Currently, health experts have not found out why women are more susceptible to this disease. Hormonal factors can contribute to fibromyalgia because the condition often occurs around the time of menopause when estrogen levels drop.
If you have fibromyalgia, you may experience pain in your upper and lower back, neck, and hips. Symptoms may disappear after a period of time and reappear, possibly in a new area.
Pear muscle syndrome (pyramidal muscle)
If you’re still wondering what causes back pain in women, the answer could be pear muscle syndrome. Pear muscle syndrome occurs when the pear-shaped (pyramidal) muscles in the buttocks contract and push or press on the sciatic nerve. This can cause pain, numbness, and itching from the lower back to the toes.
Pear muscle syndrome is most common in women aged 40-60 years. Women are 6 times more likely to develop this disease than men. Experts still don’t know the exact reason why women are more susceptible to pear muscle syndrome, possibly due to a difference in the structure of the pelvis. Hormonal changes, especially those that affect the pelvic muscles during pregnancy, also contribute to pear muscle syndrome. In addition, other factors that increase a woman’s risk of developing pear muscle syndrome include:
- Pelvic changes in pregnancy.
- Muscle abuse or injury.
- Regularly run or perform repetitive movements.
Osteoarthritis of the spine causes low back pain in women
When we think of osteoarthritis, we often think of pain in the knees and hips. However, osteoarthritis can also occur in the back. In fact, osteoarthritis of the spine is a common cause of back pain in women. Osteoarthritis affects all ages but is more common in men under 45 and women over 45.
Osteoarthritis of the spine can cause pain in the upper and lower back, neck, shoulders, groin, buttocks, and posterior thighs. The symptoms of the disease are varied, but the most common are back stiffness, pain in the morning (after waking up), and dull pain (occasionally with sudden sharp pains). In the early stages of the disease, many people often confuse osteoarthritis of the spine with muscle pain because of similar symptoms.
The cure for this type of back pain in women is stretching exercises, water therapy, and physical therapy.
Sacroiliac joint disorder
According to musculoskeletal health experts, sacroiliac joint disorders can be the cause of low back pain in women.
The sacroiliac joint, also known as the SI joint, plays an important role as a shock absorber between the upper body and the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint disorders occur when the sacroiliac joint has problems, causing low back pain.
Sacroiliitis (or sacroiliac joint disorder) is more common in young and middle-aged women. One factor that makes women more susceptible to this disorder is the effects of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body releases a substance that relaxes the ligaments and joints to make it easier for the mother to give birth. This can change the way the sacroiliac joint works, causing low back pain in women.
In addition, the pressure and weight of the fetus also put pressure on the pelvis, causing pain for the mother. In some cases, sacroiliac joint disorders can be caused by a ligament injury.
In fact, chronic back pain in women is not only more common, but its symptoms are also more severe. It is important that you recognize the disease early so that you can get relief and avoid making the problem worse.
Herniated disc causes back pain in women
Herniated discs are a common cause of back pain, specifically low back pain. This condition occurs when the outer fibrous layer of the disc degenerates or tears, causing the nucleus pulposus to flow out of its original position, compressing the nerve roots and spinal canal.
The most recognizable sign of a herniated disc is a pain in the lower back, which can then spread to the legs, limiting the patient’s mobility. Other symptoms of the disease include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Numbness in limbs
- Sensory disturbances
- Dizziness, headache
Most cases of a herniated disc don’t require surgery, just medication and exercise. However, long-term use of the drug often causes many side effects for the body. Experts often recommend physical therapy for effective treatment.
Spondylolisthesis causes back pain in women
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the spine that causes the spine to gradually lose its normal structure and function.
The disease can affect anyone but is more common in women and people over the age of 50. There are many causes of this condition such as lifestyle, nutrition, and health problems. Although the disease is not life-threatening, if it lasts for a long time, it can cause many dangerous complications, such as bone and joint pain, spinal numbness, difficulty in movement, loss of sensation in the limbs, muscle atrophy, and even paralysis for life.
The characteristic symptom of spondylolisthesis is dull and long-lasting pain in the spine, specifically in the neck and back. Patients may feel the pain increase when sitting for a long time or performing postures of bending, turning, and lifting heavy objects. Even, if severe, the pain can spread down the leg and paralyze, making it difficult for the person to move.
Final thought
Top News hopes this article has helped you to know the causes of back pain in women. Depending on the cause, the patient will have a different treatment. Therefore, if you have persistent back pain, you should see a doctor for a timely and effective examination and treatment.
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