Introduction
Lower back pain is a common problem for women. But what causes it? Let's take a look. The causes of lower back pain in women are diverse, ranging from daily habits to physiological factors. While symptoms may come and go, if left untreated for long periods of time, they can impact your health and your daily life. In this article, we'll explore the causes of lower back pain that women often experience and how to prevent it. Let's take a look!
list of contents
Introduction
Lower back pain in women. Causes of frequent lower back pain in women. When should you see a doctor? How to initially treat lower back pain yourself. How to live your life to prevent frequent lower back pain. Diseases that are commonly found when having lower back pain.
End of article
Lower back pain in women
Lower back pain is a common problem in women. It typically causes a tight ache that extends from the waist down to the hips, and sometimes radiates down the legs. The pain often worsens with prolonged sitting, such as long hours at work, or when lifting heavy objects or engaging in activities that put a lot of strain on the back. Women with these symptoms may find it difficult to live their daily lives, experience disturbed sleep, or feel irritated easily. Low back pain can be acute, subacute, or chronic, depending on the duration of the pain. Each type requires different treatment. Understanding the nature of the pain and duration can help us find the right relief.
Reasons why women often experience lower back pain
Lower back pain is a problem that women experience more often than men. It's caused by a variety of physical and behavioral factors, from different body structures to hormonal changes and lifestyle changes. Let's understand the causes so you can take care of yourself and see what changes you can make in your life.
Let's take a look at some of the things that cause us to have frequent lower back pain.
Body structure
Women have thinner back muscles than men, which means they can support less weight. Additionally, monthly hormonal changes affect the flexibility of your muscles and tendons.
pregnancy
The weight gain and hormonal changes during pregnancy put extra strain on your back, making it easier for you to experience back pain.
period
A very common occurrence is during menstruation when hormones in the body fluctuate, weakening the muscles and tendons, which can lead to back pain.
high-heels
Frequent wearing of high heels causes an unnatural walking posture, forcing the back muscles to work harder to maintain balance, which can lead to pain.
Inappropriate behavior
Sitting or standing in an incorrect posture for a long time, such as looking down at your phone or sitting with your back bent, can cause your back muscles to function abnormally and cause pain.
Heavy shoulder bag
Another thing you might not think about is that using a heavy backpack, carrying a lot of stuff every day, or frequently lifting heavy objects, puts excessive strain on your back muscles, which can also cause lower back pain.
When should you see a doctor?
But when abnormal symptoms occur, knowing how to observe the symptoms and deciding to see a doctor for a timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment will prevent the symptoms from becoming more severe or chronic, or prevent possible complications.
The pain is getting worse.
Persistent, severe pain may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a tumor or infection. See your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Chronic pain lasting more than 3 months
If the pain persists for more than three months, it is considered chronic pain and may be caused by osteoarthritis or a nervous system problem. A thorough diagnosis is also required.
The pain is too severe to live a normal life.
When pain affects your daily life and prevents you from performing normal activities, consult your doctor to find ways to relieve the pain and treat the underlying cause.
Pain radiating down the leg
Pain that radiates down the leg may be a symptom of a herniated disc or a pinched nerve.
There is also numbness or weakness.
Numbness or weakness that occurs with pain may indicate a neurological problem and should be diagnosed and treated.
Have symptoms of leg weakness
Leg weakness can be caused by problems with the spine or nerves, which can affect movement and balance.
Pain with fever
Pain that accompanies a fever can be a sign of an infection in the body, which can spread and become dangerous if not treated promptly.
Unable to sit, stand, or walk
When the pain is so severe that you cannot sit, stand, or walk normally, it means that the pain is significantly affecting your daily life and you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Pain does not improve after self-treatment
If self-treatment does not improve your symptoms or if they worsen, consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
How to relieve lower back pain yourself
- Apply hot or cold compresses to the painful area.
- Lie flat on your back on the floor to stretch your back muscles.
- Do a cross-legged yoga pose with a twist at the waist to increase flexibility in your back muscles.
- Massage the painful area to increase blood circulation.
- Keep your weight within normal limits.
- Correct your sitting and standing posture.
- Exercises to strengthen your back muscles
- Avoid lifting heavy objects or overworking.
How to live your life to prevent frequent lower back pain
Preventing lower back pain is something you can do in your daily life. Start by adjusting your posture. Whether sitting, standing, or lifting, sit up straight in a chair that supports your back and get up and walk around regularly. Stand so that your weight is evenly distributed between your feet. When lifting, bend your knees and hips instead of bending your back. Sleep on a mattress that's neither too soft nor too hard, and use a pillow under your knees to reduce pressure on your back. Regular exercise is also very helpful, especially those that strengthen your back and core muscles. Stretch your back and hamstrings, as well as light exercises like walking or swimming. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding wearing high heels can also reduce the risk of back pain. Doing this regularly will help strengthen your back and reduce the likelihood of lower back pain.
Common diseases that occur when experiencing lower back pain
Acute Back Strain
- This condition is the most common cause of lower back pain. It is often caused by overuse of the back muscles or acute injury, causing inflammation and pain in the back muscles. Patients will experience back pain but it does not radiate down the legs. The back muscles will become stiff and tense, causing the normal curvature of the back to disappear. When the muscles around the spine are pressed, there is pain. Symptoms generally improve on their own within 1-2 weeks, which is why most patients do not seek medical attention.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
- This condition typically occurs in patients under 50 years of age and often occurs acutely after lifting heavy objects or twisting in an abnormal position. When a herniated disc ruptures and compresses a nerve, it causes pain radiating down the leg, along with numbness and muscle weakness. The pain is often severe and significantly impacts daily life. Patients may experience worse pain when coughing, sneezing, or straining.
Spinal Stenosis
- This disease is common in older adults. It is caused by degeneration of the spine and joints, which narrows the nerve pathways. Patients experience back pain radiating down the legs, along with numbness or weakness in the calves when walking long distances. However, symptoms improve after sitting and resting for just a few minutes. A characteristic of this disease is that symptoms develop gradually. In some cases, it may take years for symptoms to become apparent. Patients often feel more comfortable sitting or bending forward, as this position widens the nerve pathways.
End of article
The author believes that as we gain a deeper understanding of our own bodies, we'll find ways to solve our problems. From the content, it's clear that lower back pain is often caused by our lifestyles. And of course, the author believes everyone has the potential to overcome this pain. I'd like to offer my support to anyone experiencing pain. I'd like to remind you that every problem has a solution. Let's take a closer look at our own lifestyles and identify the factors that contribute to lower back pain, and then work together to resolve the issue. May everyone be free from the pain!
