The causes of lower back pain in women are quite diverse, ranging from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, to dysmenorrhea. Understanding the causes can help you deal with this problem well.
Contents
Causes of Lower Back Pain in Women
1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition that women experience before their period. PMS has numerous symptoms, but you may not experience all of them.
Common physical symptoms of PMS include:
- Lower back pain
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Bloating
Emotional and behavioral symptoms of PMS include:
- Mood swings
- Food cravings
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
PMS typically begins a few days before menstruation and ends within 1-2 days after the period starts.
2. Endometriosis
Another possible cause of lower back pain in women is endometriosis. This condition occurs when the tissue lining the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows outside the uterus.
In endometriosis, this tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures. It may even spread to the urinary tract and intestines.
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain. Other symptoms include:
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Lower back and pelvic pain
- Painful urination or bowel movements during menstruation
Endometriosis can also cause irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles. Digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea are also common, especially during menstruation.
3. Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation. While it can often be managed, some women experience severe discomfort. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are under 20 years old
- Smoke
- Experience heavy menstrual bleeding
- Have a family history of painful periods
- Have an underlying condition like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease
Besides lower back pain, dysmenorrhea can cause pain in the lower abdomen, hips, and legs. This condition can last 1-3 days, with pain that may feel dull or sharp.
4. Pregnancy
Lower back pain is common in pregnant women due to shifts in the body’s center of gravity, weight gain, and hormonal changes that relax the ligaments in preparation for childbirth.
Most women experience lower back pain between the 5th and 7th months of pregnancy, though it can occur earlier. The most commonly affected areas include:
- The lower back just below the waist
- The tailbone area
- The middle back and waist
- Pain radiating down the legs
5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection affecting reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This condition can cause:
- Lower abdominal and back pain
- Fever
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
Antibiotic treatment is necessary for PID to prevent complications such as infertility or chronic pelvic pain.
6. Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop inside or on the uterus. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can cause:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Frequent urination
- Lower back pain
Treatment options include medication to control symptoms, hormone therapy, and surgery to remove fibroids or the uterus.
7. Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on the ovaries. Small cysts may not cause symptoms, but larger ones can lead to:
- Pelvic pain
- Lower back pain
If a cyst ruptures or twists, it can cause severe pain and require immediate medical attention. Treatment depends on the cyst’s size and type. Small cysts often resolve on their own, while larger ones may need medical intervention.
What to Do If You Have Lower Back Pain?
If your lower back pain is related to reproductive health issues, consult an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) for proper diagnosis and treatment. At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, you can meet our experienced OB-GYN specialists.
Additionally, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is equipped with advanced 4D ultrasound technology, offering more detailed imaging than standard 4D ultrasounds.
The advanced 4D ultrasound at Mandaya Puri provides:
- Detailed imaging of blood flow in the heart, umbilical cord, and tumor or cyst blood vessels
- Clear visualization of fetal heart motion to detect abnormalities
- Comprehensive views of the fetus and organs from multiple angles for accurate evaluation
- Clear imaging of fetal vital organ development, including the brain, abdominal organs, and fingers
Are you experiencing lower back pain that interferes with daily activities? Consult the specialist team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. Our hospital features advanced medical technology and experienced specialist doctors.
Use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play and the App Store for easy visits, queue monitoring, and complete information.
