Lower back pain is a common health issue affecting millions of people worldwide, but women experience it more frequently and severely than men. A combination of biological and lifestyle factors makes women more vulnerable to spinal discomfort. Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, osteoporosis, and daily habits such as wearing high heels or prolonged sitting contribute to increased back pain.
Understanding these causes can help women take preventive steps and seek effective treatments to maintain spinal health and improve overall well-being.
Biological Factors
The following biological factors are the most impactful.
Hormonal Changes Affect Ligaments and Joints
Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in women’s spinal health.
- Estrogen and progesterone, two primary female hormones, influence the elasticity of ligaments and joints.
- During menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, hormonal changes can lead to increased joint laxity, making the spine less stable and more prone to pain.
- Conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to chronic pain that radiates to the lower back.
Pregnancy-Related Spine Strain
Pregnancy is one of the biggest contributors to lower back pain in women.
- As the baby grows, the increasing weight shifts the mother’s centre of gravity forward, putting additional stress on the lower spine.
- The release of the hormone relaxin further weakens ligaments in preparation for childbirth, making the spine more vulnerable to strain.
- Many pregnant women experience sciatica, a condition where the expanding uterus compresses the sciatic nerve, leading to sharp pain radiating from the lower back to the legs.
Post-pregnancy, weakened abdominal muscles and carrying a baby for extended periods can continue to strain the lower back.
Osteoporosis Risk Increases Spinal Issues
Women are more prone to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.
- Reduced bone density, particularly after menopause due to a drop in estrogen levels, makes women more vulnerable to spinal compression fractures, which can lead to chronic back pain.
- Osteoporosis-related fractures can occur even with minimal trauma, making it essential for women to focus on bone health through proper nutrition, weight-bearing exercises, and medical screening.
Lifestyle Factors
The following lifestyle factors all contribute to increased spinal stress.
High Heels and Poor Posture Impact Spinal Alignment
Wearing high heels may enhance posture temporarily, but over time, they alter the natural alignment of the spine. High heels push the lower back into an exaggerated curve, increasing pressure on the lumbar discs. This unnatural position strains the lower back muscles and can lead to chronic pain over time.
Additionally, poor posture while working on computers or using mobile phones contributes to spinal misalignment, increasing the likelihood of back pain.
Sedentary Jobs Increase Muscle Stiffness
Many women work in office environments where prolonged sitting is common.
- Sitting for long hours weakens core and back muscles, leading to a lack of spinal support.
- Poor ergonomic setups, such as low desks, non-adjustable chairs, and improper screen height, further strain the lower back.
- A sedentary lifestyle also reduces circulation to the spinal discs, slowing down their ability to heal from daily wear and tear.
Heavy Lifting in Daily Life Strains the Back
Many women engage in repetitive lifting tasks, whether it’s carrying children, lifting groceries, or handling household chores.
Lifting objects incorrectly—bending at the waist instead of the knees—puts excessive pressure on the lumbar spine. Over time, these repetitive movements lead to disc problems, muscle strains, and an increased risk of developing conditions like herniated discs. Learning proper lifting techniques and strengthening core muscles can help reduce strain on the lower back.
Preventive Measures
By adopting the following preventive measures, women can significantly reduce their risk of chronic back pain.
Strength Training Improves Spinal Support
Building strong core and back muscles is crucial for maintaining spinal health.
- Strength training exercises like planks, bridges, and resistance training help stabilise the spine and reduce the risk of injury.
- Women should focus on weight-bearing exercises to improve bone density and prevent osteoporosis-related fractures.
- Additionally, yoga and Pilates enhance flexibility and posture, relieving tension in the lower back.
Ergonomic Posture Reduces Stress on the Back
Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting can significantly reduce the risk of lower back pain.
To accomplish this, one should:
- Sit with their back fully supported and feet flat on the floor.
- Adjust chair height to keep knees at a 90-degree angle.
- Use lumbar support cushions to maintain the spine’s natural curve.
- Keep computer screens at eye level to prevent slouching.
- Wear supportive footwear and avoid prolonged use of high heels.
Spinal Decompression Treatment Provides Non-Surgical Relief
Prioritising spinal health ensures long-term mobility, improved quality of life, and a pain-free future.
For women suffering from chronic lower back pain, non-surgical spinal decompression treatment is a safe and effective treatment. This treatment gently stretches the spine, relieving pressure on compressed discs and nerves.
Spinal decompression helps treat conditions such as:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Sciatica and nerve compression
- Chronic lower back stiffness
- Postural imbalances
Unlike painkillers or invasive surgeries, spinal decompression treatment promotes natural healing by improving circulation and encouraging disc rehydration. Many women experience significant pain relief and improved mobility after regular spinal decompression sessions.
About ANSSI:
ANSSI Wellness focuses on improving the quality of life for patients suffering from spinal issues, aiming to provide relief where other conventional treatments have failed. Through advanced non-surgical spinal decompression treatment, ANSSI is committed to helping patients avoid surgery and recover in a safe, effective, and compassionate environment.
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