Do you pop a painkiller as and when your back starts aching? If yes, then its time to sit up and take a notice.
Back pain is a common problem but out of all the types of back pains, lower backache is a common complaint in India. A surprising fact is that 9 in 10 patients do not know the exact cause behind it and wait to see a doctor until it becomes chronic.
Another fact here is that lower back pain is more common in women than in men. So all the fairer sex out there, know the reason behind your back pain because you are the pillar of your family and backache will not only affect you but also your family.
So let us have a look at the most common reasons behind back pain:
A) Gynecological reasons
1. Pregnancy
i) Because of increase in weight during pregnancy, a pressure is put on the back muscles which causes strain leading to lower back pain.
ii) Change in posture as your bump grows.
“According to Dr. Aditi Kalra Arya, Physiotherapist and Antenatal Instructor formerly at Apollo Cradle, adopting a wrong posture and gait during pregnancy is the most common cause of low backache in women.”
iii) The sudden hormonal rush in your body during this time can make the ligaments in the pelvic area to soften, as a result of which the joints become looser leading to low back pain.
iv) Post-partum depression and increase in workload soon after pregnancy be at home or at the office.
2. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menstruation
Lower back pain caused by PMS and Menstruation isn’t dangerous as it’s a normal process that occurs in your body every month. But if you experience severe pain that affects your body functioning, it is better to see your gynecologist.
Overlooking recurring pain and stiffness can be dangerous..!! Start your treatment now.
3. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus extends outside the uterus and attaches to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, as well as the pelvic area. With a change in hormones during the menstrual cycle, this extended lining breaks down and can cause pain in the lower back.
4. Ovarian cyst
One of the most prominent symptoms of ovarian cyst is a dull ache in the lower pelvic area. This pain can transmit to the back area and can interfere with daily functioning.
5. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are hard tumors which are composed of fibrous tissue and smooth muscle. It can cause back pain as well as pelvic pain radiating to the lower back, hip, thighs, and buttocks by pressing upon spinal nerves that exit the spine in the lower back.
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6. Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious conditions which is associated with low back pain.
B) Structural reasons
1. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) or Herniated discs
Spinal discs act as a cushion to your vertebrae that make up your spine and in case of DDD the discs either lose cushioning or slip through a crack of the spine which is known as Herniated discs. This can be really painful.
2. Sciatica
Due to a herniated disk pressing on the nerve, you might experience a sharp and a shooting pain that radiates through the lower back down the back of your leg. This condition is known as Sciatica. Do not delay and consult your doctor if you continue to feel this excruciating pain.
3. Osteoporosis
You won’t know if you are a victim of osteoporosis but one major symptom which can tell you that you are is- Severe back pain.
C) Internal problems
1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs (the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, vagina, and cervix) and is usually caused by an STI.
2. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is another condition that causes lower back pain in women. Lower back pain in women with pancreatitis typically worsens after consuming food.
3. Kidney disease
An infection in the kidneys can cause a lot of pain in the lower back, abdomen and groin.
D) Others
1. Obesity
If you are an obese, extra stress is put on muscles and the discs in the backbone which leads to pain in the lower back.
2. Improper posture
Your lower back pain can also be the result of some everyday activity or poor posture. Some of the examples of improper posture can be:
-Sitting in a hunched position in office chairs in front of computers for a long time
-Bending awkwardly or bending down for long periods
-Standing for long periods
-Pushing, pulling, lifting or carrying something heavy
-Over-stretching or twisting in gym
-Improper weight lifting
-Coughing or sneezing suddenly with a jerk
-Excess driving every day
3. Mommy duties
Being a mommy takes a heavy toll on your complete health. Whether you are bending to pick your kid, their toys, bending over dirty dishes to get them clean or running from one room to another in order to feed your child, all can strain the lower back.
4. Bad mattress
It is equally important to choose the right mattress as a bad mattress can cause and worsen existing back pain. But do remember that your mattress should neither be too firm nor too soft. This is because if your mattress is soft and sinks it won’t keep your spine straight, leading to a greater risk of developing lower back pain. And if your mattress is too firm, it won’t give the lower back support when you’re lying on your back causing backache.
5. Sleep disorder
Researchers have found that individuals with sleep disorders are more likely to experience low back pain. So try to have a good night sleep or consult your doctor to overcome sleep disorders.
6. Lack of vitamin D in diet
The diet followed by Indian women are generally low in vitamin D causing weaker bones and lower back aches. Also, today’s women tend to spend half of their time working indoors be at the office or at home, depleting them from vitamin D received naturally from the sun.
7. Smoking
Do you know that smokers are almost three times more likely to develop low back pain than nonsmokers? Yes, it’s true. Studies have said that the nicotine in cigarette smoke thickens the walls of the blood vessels. This restricts the flow of blood through the blood vessels of the lower back and increases the time to recover from an existing back pain.
So what are you waiting for? Find out the precise reason for your lower back pain and get started with the required treatment without delay. Take care!
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