We all have had back pain at some point in life. In some of us, it just comes and goes, and in others, it stays long enough to cause a greater disabling effect. Back pain can be caused due to old age, weak muscles, injury, bad posture, and much more. It is one of the leading causes of chronic pain in Americans. However, interestingly, as per a study, women are more likely to develop chronic low back pain and sciatica as compared to males. Beware, ladies! According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s Summer Health Statistics for U.S. Adults in 2009, 30% of women suffered from low back pain, compared to 26% of men.
Pregnancy is one of the commonest causes of back pain in women. Several studies indicate that about 50%-70% of women experience back pain while pregnant. The increased hormones, additional weight , postural changes, and stress all contribute to the back problems. Loss of minerals from bones during pregnancy can be a major contributing cause of back pain in pregnant women. Between the age of 30 and the onset of menopause, women lose bone density more quickly than average, causing the bones to become more prone to fractures. Osteoporosis can lead to a compression fracture in the spine.
There are several other problems related to back that are more common in females like coccydynia, compression fracture, degenerative spondylolisthesis, fibromyalgia, piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and spinal osteoarthritis. Women are 5 times more likely to develop coccydynia which is most common after the age of 40. Degenerative spondylolisthesis usually occurs above the age of 50. Men to women ratio are 3:1. About 80% to 90% of those with fibromyalgia are women, generally between age 40 and 75. Women are 6 times more prevalent with piriformis syndrome than males. Piriformis syndrome mimics sciatica pain. Differences in pelvic structures, hormonal factors, and the impact of pregnancy are often cited to explain why women have chronic back pain
Beware, ladies! the answer to all these problems is adopting a healthy lifestyle. Proper diet and regular exercise can keep you fit and going. If you feel pain in your back, do not avoid it and contact your physician. Physical therapy plays a very major role in dealing with back pain and its complications. Be careful, live pain-free. Read More
