Research shows that more than 80% of Americans have experienced back pain at least once in their lifetime, and the majority of them are females. Yes, that’s right. Women are more susceptible to back pain than men, which only worsens with age.
There are several causes why women experience back pain. Pregnancy and dysmenorrhea (very painful menstruation) are prominent ones. Most women experience back pain during the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy. This is because the center of gravity in the body shifts and the pressure starts building right across the tailbone.
Experiencing back pain is debilitating and frustrating and can affect your day-to-day activities. For instance, you may even find yourself going through uncomfortable sleepless nights. But, what are the most popular conditions taking a toll on your body?
Well, in this article, we will discuss common back conditions that affect women and what you can do about them. Read on to learn more:
Table of Contents
Herniated disc
There’s a series of bones known as vertebrae in your spine stretching from the base of your skull to your tailbone. There are rounded cushions called discs between the vertebrae.
Medically speaking, a herniated disc is typically an injury of the spine. The vertebrae cushions get compressed and bulge outward. With age, the condition becomes more prevalent and, if left untreated, can lead to chronic back pain.
According to a top spine surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Stieber, it is now possible to deal with herniated discs with extensive approach and conservative methods. Prescribed medications and ice/heat therapy are some of the other options that can help you treat a herniated disc.
Disc degeneration
With age, your discs in the spine start wearing down. Medical experts confirm that it can also be caused by injuries and repetitive movements. Most women start experiencing disc degeneration in their 40s that affects their lower back and neck. The shooting pains may also extend to your buttocks and thighs.
The chances are excellent for you to feel unbearable pain when holding certain positions, such as sitting or standing for long periods. The condition can be treated with the help of heat therapy and pain medication.
Spondylolisthesis
This back pain condition includes slipping of vertebrae, and the effects can be felt at the base of the spine. If left untreated, it can get painful and can lead to fractures.
In many cases, genetic weakness of the parts of interarticularis is the prime cause of this condition. You may feel aches, stiffness, and shooting pain in your spasm. Suppose the cause of spondylolisthesis is built-up pressure on the surrounding nerves. In that case, you may also feel numbness and tingling along with the pain that radiates in your chest, ribs, and abdominal areas.
The treatment of the condition involves physical therapy focusing on strengthening the supportive abdominal and back muscles. However, if you continue to experience severe pain and disability despite the treatment, your doctor may suggest you undergo decompressive laminectomy. It is the procedure of widening the spinal cord and making more room for the nerves and spinal fusion.
The experts may also use implanted devices in the lower back to support the normal movement to stabilize the vertebrae.
That’s a wrap
While tackling the everyday hustle, women often ignore their health conditions. However, turning a blind eye to these back pain conditions mentioned for too long can worsen things for you. So, make sure you get yourself checked and treat the underlying conditions before they get problematic.
Tiffany is a Medical Student and also works as a fitness coach in part-time. She is also a writer and writes on health and fitness articles. Tiffany loves to engage with users and help them provide various useful information on General Health. She provides researched-based information and also featured on various blogs and magazines.