Back pain is a widespread issue, but women face unique challenges that make them more prone to specific conditions. Hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and age-related changes contribute to a higher incidence of chronic back pain in women. In this article, we’ll dive into eight back pain conditions that predominantly affect women, explore their causes, and discuss how to find relief. Whether it’s pregnancy back pain, menopause-related discomfort, or other women’s back pain conditions, understanding these issues is the first step toward effective treatment.
1. Coccydynia
Coccydynia, or tailbone pain, is five times more common in women, often triggered by childbirth or falls. This condition causes tenderness and discomfort, especially when sitting, which can disrupt daily tasks like driving or household chores. Poor posture or pregnancy-related injuries can also contribute to this persistent pain.
2. Women’s Back Pain During and After Pregnancy
Pregnancy introduces significant changes that lead to back pain. The hormone relaxin loosens pelvic muscles to accommodate a growing fetus, while weight gain shifts the body’s center of gravity, putting pressure on the spine. This can result in lower back pain, hormonal back pain, or even sciatica. For many, the discomfort lingers post-delivery due to weakened muscle support, making pregnancy back pain one of the most common complaints during and after this life stage.
3. Compression Fracture
After menopause, women face a higher risk of osteoporosis, a condition where bones lose density and become fragile. This often leads to compression fractures in the spine, which may go unnoticed until symptoms like severe back pain or height loss appear. These fractures, caused by weakened bones, are a significant source of women’s back pain in later years.
4. Spinal Osteoarthritis
Spinal osteoarthritis is an age-related condition that becomes more prevalent in women over 45. As cartilage in the spine wears down and intervertebral discs lose height, it causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Degenerative changes in the facet joints further diminish cushioning, making this a common culprit of chronic back pain in women.
5. Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Syndrome arises when the piriformis muscle, located near the sciatic nerve, becomes inflamed—often due to pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations. This inflammation compresses the sciatic nerve, sending pain radiating down the leg. Routine activities can become excruciating without proper care, highlighting its impact on women’s back pain conditions.
6. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain, and it disproportionately affects women. Triggers like stress, surgery, or accidents can set it off, though symptoms may develop gradually without a clear cause. Alongside back pain, women may experience fatigue, tension headaches, and emotional challenges like anxiety or depression.
7. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
After age 50, women are more likely to develop degenerative spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward over another. This slippage can compress nerves, leading to intense back and leg pain. While not always tied to a fracture, the condition often requires targeted treatment to alleviate discomfort and restore function.
8. Tailbone Pain in Menopause
Menopause brings hormonal changes, including falling estrogen levels that deplete vitamin D, contributing to tailbone pain. Research links this discomfort to perimenopause, with severity tied to vitamin D insufficiency. Whether gradual or sudden—often following an impact like a fall—this menopause back pain can become chronic, hindering activities like bending or driving.
Treatment for Back Pain in Women
Back pain can strike at any age, influenced by life stages such as pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. Hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, and physical demands—like caregiving roles—play a role in its onset. A thorough examination by a specialist is key to pinpointing the cause and crafting an effective treatment plan. From physical therapy to lifestyle adjustments, relief is within reach.
Don’t let back pain dictate your life. Take control by booking an appointment today at the Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Health Centre. With expert care, you can address these women’s back pain conditions and reclaim your comfort.
References:
www.physiotavia.com
Compiled By:
Nellie Nthiga,
BDM,
Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Health Centre
