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13 Causes Of Back Pain In Females – You May Not Have Known

Back pain is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including women. Women are more susceptible to back pain due to hormonal changes, anatomy, and lifestyle factors. It is essential to understand the causes of back pain in females to take appropriate measures to prevent and manage it. In this blog post, we’ll explore 13 potential causes of back pain in females that you may not have known.

  1. Poor posture: Poor posture, such as slouching while sitting, can put strain on the spine and lead to back pain.
  2. Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause back pain due to changes in weight distribution and the release of hormones that loosen ligaments.
  3. Menstrual cramps: Menstrual cramps can cause back pain in some women.
  4. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during menopause can cause back pain due to the loss of bone density.
  5. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. It can lead to back pain.
  6. Overuse injuries: Overuse injuries, such as repetitive strain injury, can cause back pain.
  7. Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, which can lead to back pain.
  8. Back pain while sleeping: Sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or too hard can cause back pain.
  9. Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, such as sitting at a desk for long periods, can lead to back pain.
  10. Obesity: Being overweight can put strain on the spine and cause back pain.
  11. Poor lifting technique: Poor lifting technique can cause strain on the back and lead to back pain.
  12. Sciatica: Sciatica results in discomfort in the lower back and legs. It can be caused by a herniated disc or other spinal problem.
  13. Stress: Stress can cause muscles to tense, leading to back pain.

It is essential to take steps to prevent back pain, such as maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Women who are experiencing back pain should see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. This can include chiropractic, physical therapy, medication, or surgery in severe cases.

In conclusion, back pain is a common issue that affects many women. Understanding the potential causes of back pain in females is essential to prevent and manage it. If you are experiencing back pain, it is essential to see a doctor to receive appropriate treatment. Maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, and managing stress are all important steps to prevent back pain.

 

Did you know? Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause low back pain!

Low back pain (LBP) is a condition of localized pain to the lumbar spine with or without symptoms to the distal extremities

Pelvic floor dysfunction and low back pain are often associated because of how the pelvis is a key support for the lower back. Pelvic floor muscle group acts as the floor of your “core” and works in conjunction with your spinal muscles, abdominals, and diaphragm to stabilize your spine. When one muscle group is under or over performing, it alters the mechanics of the lumbopelvic complex and can result in pain, reduced range of motion, or weakness. Lack of neuromuscular control to pelvic floor muscles can be correlated with trunk instability resulting in low back pain.
Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) occur when the muscles that comprise the pelvic floor fail to properly contract or relax, which can adversely cause urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, or other sensory and emptying abnormalities of the lower urinary and GI tracts. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is multifaceted and can be characterized by parameters such as weakness, poor endurance, excessive tension, shortened length and overactivity. Current evidence shows that individuals with low back pain have a significant decrease in pelvic floor function compared to individuals without low back pain.

A study on younger, middle-age and older women reported that women with pre-existing incontinence, gastrointestinal problems, and breathing disorders were more likely to develop LBP than women without such problems. This was considered to be a result of changes in morphology and altered postural activity of the trunk muscles including muscles of respiration and continence which provide mechanical support to the spine and pelvis.

Yes, a Physiotherapist can help you!

Is Running Bad For Your Knees?

No. There are a lot of myths about running being bad for the knees. As a physical therapist and a barefoot runner, I deal with the question in my practice, “Is running a good exercise? Is it good for my knees? Will I end up with early degenerative changes in my knees?”

Knee Anatomy
The knee has cartilage on the surface of the joint which helps to absorb shock. These include two “C-shaped” pieces of cartilage called meniscus. These cartilage help absorb the forces of weight-bearing and running on the knee joint. When functioning properly, the knee joint with its supporting structures of muscles and ligaments, is designed to absorb the shock of running. However, if the conditioning of your body and the knee are not appropriate you may end up in pain or injury, even if you are a novice or veteran.

What is Conditioning?
To be a good runner you need to work on your flexibility, mobility training, strength training and endurance of all the muscles in the body. This should not be compromised. Remember, conditioning is not only for the legs but the whole body.

The Warm Up and Cool Down
This is also a very important aspect of training to prevent injuries. A good amount of time spent on dynamic stretching is paramount so that your muscles are really prepared to perform the run. As well as the importance of performing static stretches at the end of your running as a cool down phase.

Here are some stretches which will help prevent running related injuries so you can lace up those shoes and hit the pavement with confidence. However, if you are experiencing any knee pain, consult your physical therapist to avoid further injury.