Common Back Pain Conditions That Mainly Affect Women

There are a variety of health conditions and traumatic injuries that cause or contribute to back pain. Some of them are known to affect women more than men. If you are a woman who is experiencing any type of back discomfort, it can help to know the source. Once you determine what is causing your pain, you can find a helpful solution. Read over this list to help you narrow down your symptoms. Having a conversation about how you are feeling with your doctor, as well as the information you learned in this guide, can help you start on your road to help treat back pain.

1. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

Also known as sacroiliitis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction causes symptoms such as lower back pain, stabbing or shooting pains in the thighs, or dull pain in the area directly over the buttocks. Since its symptoms are concentrated in the lower part of the body, it presents itself similarly to another chronic back condition known as sciatica.

Since women tend to have a smaller SI joint surface area than men do, the joint is more susceptible to stress from impact and movement. Another reason why it mainly affects women is because they’re wider and a more uneven sacrum can cause problems with function.  

Dysfunction of the SI joint is common during pregnancy. Women who play contact sports or have labor-intensive careers are also more likely to experience pain in this area. If this sounds like you, talk to your doctor. You should also consider an evaluation for sacroiliitis if you had prior lower back surgery, have been treated for scoliosis in the past, or engage in regular heavy lifting.

2. Osteoporosis & Spinal Fractures

According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoporosis is a condition that affects women much more often than men. White women and Asian women are particularly susceptible. Symptoms include back pain, a gradual loss of height, and an increased risk for bone breaks. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that the most common osteoporosis-related fracture happens in the spine. In fact, these injuries are twice as likely to occur than broken hips or wrists.

If you are a woman with osteoporosis, you should take care to create a wellness plan with your doctor. You should also take steps to avoid serious injuries such as spinal fractures. Start by making an appointment with your physician. They will give you a physical examination, recommend any necessary imaging tests such as MRI scans or x-rays, and may even order a bone density scan.

With this information in hand, you will be able to make lifestyle changes to help strengthen your bones. There are also a variety of non-surgical and surgical treatments available to treat your back pain.

3. Endometriosis  

Gynecological disorders can also cause back pain. Endometriosis is a condition found exclusively in women, characterized by an abnormal growth of uterine tissue outside of the womb. The most common symptom is a painful menstrual cycle along with significant pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort. It is also possible to feel pain in the genital region, as well as severe lower back pain. If you have endometriosis, the symptoms you feel in your back may increase during your period. It is also possible for the pain to become chronic, occurring even outside of menses.

Any woman with endometriosis should be cared for by a gynecologist. As you and your provider work to create your treatment plan, ask them how to best manage your pain. They will help you get to the root cause of your symptoms, as well as the best way to reduce discomfort at home.

Caring for Your Back Pain

While there are a variety of therapies available for back pain on the market today, many women are interested in finding a solution without the need for surgery or medications. It is also important for pregnant women and those with additional health conditions such as endometriosis to avoid side effects. Laser therapy for back pain is gentle enough for women in all phases of life and has no known side effects.

This solution uses a device called a laser light therapy belt to harness the power of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), aka low-level light therapy or LLLT. The device effectively and safely penetrates the skin without the use of any invasive treatments. Best of all, it is helpful enough to relieve mild to moderate aches, muscle spasms, and inflammation.