Back pain can be caused by a variety of different reasons. Some causes of back pain are more common within women. Keep reading to learn about three common causes of back pain in women and tips to help reduce back pain.
Back-pain associated with pregnancy
Pregnancy causes many shifts within the body both hormonally and physically. As these changes occur, back pain often manifests. Unfortunately, back pain does not stay limited to the pregnancy itself and can extend past childbirth.
Back pain during pregnancy. As the baby continues to grow throughout pregnancy, the uterus becomes heavier and starts to shift down in anticipation of childbirth. This shift in the center of gravity and increase in weight on the front side of the body creates back pain as the muscles become strained. In addition to this, hormones cause the joints and ligaments to loosen which can affect the back and create back pain.
Back pain postpartum. After childbirth, the muscles within the abdomen are still recovering from being stretched. Pair that with the intense stress applied to the body while giving birth and endless hours spent bending, holding, and caring for the new baby, and you have a perfect storm of strain on the lower back. If you believe you or someone you know might be suffering from postpartum back pain this article has great tips to decrease your back pain.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
This condition is caused when you are unable to control the muscles within your pelvic region. Often women will suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth, although it is not limited to them. This condition is accompanied by many issues including low back pain.
A proper diagnosis of this condition is crucial to ensure the appropriate treatment. If you believe you may be suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction make sure to consult with a physician. Other common signs and symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Inability to control bladder or bowel function
- Sharp shooting pain down one or both legs
- Pain in your pelvic region
- Frequent need to urinate
Osteoporosis causing disc degeneration
Osteoporosis is a common condition that occurs in women, especially after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels caused by this shift in hormones. A side effect that occurs from this is decreased bone mineral density, which can lead to osteoporosis.
What is bone mineral density you may be asking? It describes how closely packed the cells within the bones are. If bone mineral density decreases, there are more gaps between these cells which can create pockets with no cells at all.
This eventually causes issues with the ability of bones to support the weight. When this happens to the bones of the spine (vertebrae) it can wear down the discs that cushion these bones. As the discs wear down, back pain often becomes more frequent.
Tips to reduce back pain
Back pain is frustrating no matter what the cause is. If you are in high levels of back pain this article outlines tips to help you lessen your pain. Otherwise, here are simple things you can do each day to help keep your back healthy:
- Use proper sitting posture
- Contract your inner core muscles
- Avoid carrying things on only one side of your body
- Use proper lifting mechanics
- Bend at your knees, not at your waist, no matter what you’re picking up
Navigating your back pain diagnosis
Understanding what is causing your back pain is the first step to healing your back. Check with your primary care physician about the signs and symptoms associated with your back pain to help find your correct diagnosis. If you would like to learn more information about the conditions outlined in this article please connect with one of our Telespine Health Coaches.