7 Reasons for Female Lower Back Pain

Female lower back pain can be caused by many different things and can vary greatly based on location. Unfortunately, lower back pain in women is an all too common phenomenon. In general, almost everyone will experience some form of back pain or back problems during their lifetime. This guide will help you determine the causes and treatments for your back pain. Begin by locating the correct region of your back pain. Once you’ve found the pain location, continue reading more on the conditions that may be causing your female low back pain and how you can treat it!

Lower Back Pain in Women 

1. Lower Back Overuse Injuries

   Low Back Injury Symptoms

   Overuse injuries to your body's muscles, ligaments, and/or joints are especially common for women to suffer from while pregnant. The strain of the extra weight on the body can cause chronic discomfort, ranging from the middle to lower back. We offer maternity support belts if you’re suffering from back pain during pregnancy. 

   Causes of Low Back Overuse 

   Injuries like muscle sprains and strains commonly occur due to sudden movement or improper lifting techniques (especially while lifting heavy objects). It is common for women to suffer from middle to lower back pain when they are carrying extra pounds around the waist. The excess weight can pull the pelvis forward, straining the lower back.

   Treatments for Injured Lower Back 

   In all cases, a combination of rest and bracing will greatly improve your pain. If the pain is stemming from excess weight, the best solution is healthy weight loss. In the meantime, an abdominal support belt will help ease discomfort in your lower back. Practicing using proper lifting techniques throughout your day and workouts will also make worlds of difference. If you’re like most people, suffering from some form of strain or sprain we recommend checking out the variety of lumbar support belts and ice or heat treatments for women.

2. Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

   Symptoms of Kidney Infection

   With pyelonephritis, you will notice that your pain is isolated to one side of your back. Chills, fever, nausea and sometimes vomiting come with kidney infections and can be rather painful. You may feel the constant urge to urinate, and your urine may appear cloudy, bloody or dark. 

   Causes of Kidney Infections

   It is common for the bacteria from a bladder infection to travel to the kidneys. Women are more likely to get UTI’s (urinary tract infections) because the urethra is much shorter than men. This makes bacteria more accessible to the urinary tract. A prior infection in the body is likely the cause. 

   Kidney Infection Treatments

   Treatments for this type of urinary tract infection typically involve the use of antibiotics and possibly hospitalization if left untreated. You can use a heating pad for your stomach or back to reduce pain. Hydration is key to flushing bacteria from your system as well. 

   

Hip & Groin Pain in Women 

1. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

   Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction 

   Sacroiliac joint dysfunction feels like a dull, achy pain in your lower back region that can run down your leg, groin, butt, and hip in women. The pain typically spreads beyond just your low back and occurs on one side. 

   Causes of Sacroiliac JD

   An SI joint that is overly mobile, or not mobile enough can cause this discomfort as well as a burning sensation in the pelvis. This is especially common among pregnant women. High stress activities that create repeated strain on your low back as well as prolonged sitting can cause sacroiliac joint dysfunction. 

   Treatments for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction 

   An SI joint belt will help stabilize the joint to minimize your symptoms. Rest, ice and heat can assist in relieving any discomfort. As with any injury, be sure to keep your body moving with light stretching and walking as getting stiff only makes matters worse. 

2. Sciatica

   Sciatica Symptoms

   The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that extends from your lower back through each leg. Sciatica usually affects one side of the body, either left or right. The pain can feel moderate or severe and may worsen with movement. 

   Causes for Sciatica 

   This condition is caused by irritation of the roots or lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine. Sciatica is common for women during pregnancy or women that are overweight. If you lack core strength, smoke, have diabetes or sit for long periods of time, you may be at higher risk for sciatica. 

   Sciatica Treatment 

   When treating sciatica, movement is important. Perform gentle stretches to keep your body from stiffening up. You may also apply ice several times a day to reduce pain and swelling. On top of these treatments, try our sciatica brace with trigger point therapy!

Female Pain in Lower Abdomen

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

   Signs of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease 

   A bacterial infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause lower stomach pain, abdominal pain and back pain in women, along with fatigue, fever, vomiting/diarrhea, unusual vaginal discharge or pain during sex.

   PID Causes

   PID is essentially an infection of the female reproductive system. Left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage to the female reproductive system and infertility. PID begins with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that become more serious when left untreated. 

   PID Treatment

   Treatment of this condition depends upon its severity and may consist of taking antibiotics, or might even involve surgery if the condition causes an abscess (a collection of pus). It’s important to act on STDs early before PID develops. 

2. Pancreatitis

   Signs & Symptoms of Pancreatitis 

   Pancreatitis might develop suddenly or over time and is sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting, as well as smelly stool and indigestion. This abdominal and lower back pain in women typically worsen after eating and lessens when leaning forward or curling into a ball.

   Causes of Pancreatitis 

   This condition refers to inflammation of the pancreas, which is responsible for producing the hormones and enzymes that are necessary for processing food. Gallstones are the leading cause of pancreatitis. Heavy alcohol use has been a common cause of pancreatitis as well. 

   Treatments for Pancreatitis 

   Treating pancreatitis typically involves several days in the hospital where you will receive pain medications and fluids via an IV. If a gallbladder is a culprit or the pancreas has been compromised, surgery might be needed.

3. Flank Pain

   Flank Pain Symptoms

   This is a term referring to discomfort or pain in your upper abdomen, back, or sides. This pain is commonly worse on one side of your body and varies from sharp, to dull pains.

   Flank Pain Causes

   Most people will experience some type of flank pain in their lifetime and unfortunately, there is not one leading cause for the discomfort. 

   Flank Pain Treatment

   Flank pain is usually temporary, however, if your pain is persistent, it may be a more serious medical condition. Over-the-counter antacids and eating smaller meals can help to reduce gas or heartburn eliminating some discomfort. If your symptoms progress into a fever, vomiting, abdominal swelling, or chest pressure, seek medical attention.

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