One of the most common reasons for coming to our consultation is lower back pain. An issue that is almost unavoidable in the lifespan of an average person. For some people, pain can appear one day and go away the next, while for others, it can become a chronic condition that requires medical attention. Among the cases that we have received here in New Jersey, there is a curious topic that we want to talk about:

Blond woman suffering from a lower back pain

Why Do Women Experience More Lower Back Pain?

Men’s and women’s bodies exhibit notable differences that influence factors such as strength, resistance, and hormonal health. From the get-go, the anatomy of women is different. Women have wider pelvises, resulting in their spines curving more inward at the bottom, creating more pressure at that point in the lower section.

Also, in general, women have less muscle mass in the “core” (the muscles of the abdomen and back that act like a natural corset), which results in less support for the spine and often more problems.

Hormones also play a part in this responsibility. Depending on the stage she’s passing through, estrogens can increase ligament flexibility, resulting in reduced vertebral stability and (already) more fragile joints. Women can also be more vulnerable in stages such as pregnancy and menopause to pain in the lower back.

The Most Common Causes

While various conditions can lead to back pain, women are more prone to certain lower back conditions, such as:

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often affecting other parts of the pelvis. It can involve the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and even nearby organs like the bowels and urinary tract.

This can lead to intense menstrual cramps, uncomfortable lower back and pelvic pain, pain during sex, and discomfort while urinating or having bowel movements during periods. You might also notice bleeding between periods, diarrhea, or bloating. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage these symptoms with the help of a healthcare provider.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra deteriorates and slips forward over the one below it. It is more frequently seen in women after menopause, due to decreased estrogen levels that accelerate vertebral degeneration.

This condition causes women to experience pain that radiates down the legs. The pain worsens during walking as movement compresses the spine. Bending forward can help restore the natural spine alignment and reduce pain.

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome involves pain resulting from spasms in the piriformis muscle, which is deep within the buttocks. It is frequently triggered by pelvic and hormonal shifts during pregnancy. Symptoms include persistent pain in the hip and buttocks, soreness after sitting for a long time, radiating pain down the back of the thighs and legs (similar to sciatica), and discomfort when getting out of bed or moving the hips.

Pregnancy

Lower back pain is common during pregnancy due to various body changes, including weight gain, hormonal shifts, shifting center of gravity, and pelvis positioning. It most often occurs between the fifth and seventh months, although some women may feel it earlier.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joints (SI) link the lower part of your spine to the pelvis, and issues here can lead to lower back pain. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is more frequent in women, as they tend to have smaller SI joints and a differently shaped sacrum. This condition causes lower back pain that can flare up and radiate down to the buttocks and thigh, but it rarely extends beyond the knee.

Where to Get Help for Lower Back Pain in New Jersey?

If you are a woman experiencing pain in your lower back, you may want to seek professional medical help to prevent the condition from deteriorating. Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine is here to help you.

The team will evaluate your symptoms and recommend the most suitable pain management treatments for you, as well as provide suggestions for lifestyle changes that can help minimize your pain. Options for treatment include: