Common Causes of Back Pain in Women-
And How to Relieve It!
Women are powerful beings–think about it: women literally grow human life in their wombs, where they carry it for nine months, and then bring a new, beautiful soul into this world through the miracle of childbirth! But it’s not just pregnancy and childbirth that show us how strong women are, it’s also the little things they do every day that go unnoticed.
Women are the glue that hold families and society together, and they do it all without complaint…at least in theory;) But there is one thing that women do complain about, and that’s back pain.
Embracing the fullness of womanhood means dealing with a variety of issues, back pain among them. But what are the exact causes of back pain in women? Why is it different from the cause of back pain in men?
Let’s take a closer look.
Weak Core Muscles
One of the most common causes of back pain in women is weak core muscles. The core muscles are located in the abdominal and low back regions, and they work together to support the spine.
These muscles can become weak for a number of reasons. Pregnancy and childbirth are two major culprits, as they cause the abdominal muscles to stretch and tear. This can cause the lower back muscles to overcompensate, leading to pain and discomfort.
Other causes of weak core muscles include poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, and carrying excess weight around the middle. Fortunately, massage therapy, physical therapy, and core-strengthening exercises can help to alleviate this type of back pain.
Wearing High Heels
High heels are a fashion staple for many women, but they can cause serious problems with posture and alignment. When worn for extended periods of time, high heels can cause the spine to curve and put pressure on the lower back. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and even long-term problems like scoliosis.
If you must wear high heels, try to limit yourself to short periods of time, and make sure to stretch your back and legs afterwards. Wearing flats or low-heeled shoes as often as possible will also help to alleviate back pain caused by high heels.
Ovarian Cyst
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on the ovaries. While most are benign and cause no symptoms, some can cause bloating, pelvic pain, and lower back pain. In addition, if the cyst ruptures, it can cause sudden, more severe pain.
Ovarian cysts are usually diagnosed with a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or CT scan. Treatment depends on the size and type of cyst, but may include pain medication, hormone therapy, or surgery. Often, a massage or heating pad can help to ease the lower back pain caused by an ovarian cyst.
This is nothing to fear though, as ovarian cysts are relatively common, and most cause no problems. However, if you experience sudden and severe pain, it’s essential to see a doctor to rule out any serious problems.
Poor Posture
If you have a desk job, you’re probably familiar with the term “text neck.” This refers to the pain and discomfort caused by looking down at a screen all day. When you tilt your head forward, it puts pressure on the spine and can cause pain in the neck and shoulders. This pain can radiate down into the lower back, causing even more discomfort.
To avoid text neck, try to keep your head up and your shoulders back when looking at a screen. Taking frequent breaks to walk around and stretch will also help. If you find that you’re struggling with chronic pain, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your posture, or book some time in with a massage therapist or chiropractor. Adjustable height desks have also become a popular alternative to sitting at a desk all day, giving you the option to stand for a period, and then sit for a period, as it suits your body.
Hormonal Changes
Another common cause of back pain in women is hormonal changes. These changes can occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
- During puberty, girls’ bodies go through a lot of transformations. Their bones grow, their muscles develop, and their hormones start to fluctuate. This can cause the spine to curve and put pressure on the lower back.
- Pregnancy is another time when hormonal changes can cause back pain. As the baby grows, it puts strain on the spine and causes the pelvis to tilt forward. This change in alignment can lead to pain and discomfort in the lower back.
- Finally, we have menopause, the time that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. As estrogen levels decline, the bones can start to thin, and the muscles can weaken. Once again, this can cause the spine to curve and put pressure on the lower back.
If you’re experiencing back pain due to hormonal changes, there are a few things you can do to alleviate it. Exercise, stretching, and massage can all help. You can also talk to your doctor about taking hormone replacement therapy or other medications.
Can Therapeutic Massage Help Relieve Back Pain?
By now, you have probably noticed that we have mentioned massage therapy a few times as a possible remedy for back pain. That’s because therapeutic massage can be an extremely effective way to relieve pain and discomfort throughout the body, especially the back!
Massage therapy can help to improve circulation, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle tension. It can also help to alleviate stress and anxiety, which can also contribute to back pain.
If you’re struggling with back pain, check out just some of the services offered by our team of expert massage therapists at Aquarius Wellness:
- Aquarius Wellness Signature Massage: A wonderful combination of smooth, flowing techniques will ensure complete tranquility from head to toe. We begin with an inhalation to help you feel calm and grounded, and follow with a full body massage and scalp massage. Lastly, we end with a soothing foot massage.
- Aromatherapy Massage: Herb-infused essential oils are gently warmed and lightly massaged into the skin using soothing friction strokes. As the oils penetrate, toxins and impurities are loosened, reducing muscle tension, and calming the nervous system.
- Himalayan Salt Stone Massage: This technique uses salt crystals that are harvested from the sea underneath the Himalayan Mountains. The stones are heated to a temperature of 120-135 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an ideal full-body massage for anyone who enjoys the additional benefits of heat, has deep muscle tension, or simply wants to experience next level nurturing and relaxation.
- Myofascial Release: This is a gentle, hands-on technique that releases restrictions in the connective tissue that surrounds and supports the muscles. This type of massage can help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase flexibility.
Relieve Back Pain with Aquarius Wellness Massage Services
Nestled in beautiful St Louis County, Aquarius Wellness Center for Healing Arts is an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. If you are one of the many women who suffer from back pain combined with poor sleep, we encourage you to try our unique blend of massage therapy and energy work.
As you can see, we offer a variety of massage services that are designed to target the specific muscles that are causing your back pain. With regular massage therapy, you can finally say goodbye to endless nights of tossing and turning, and hello to sweet, restful sleep.
So, what are you waiting for, please click here to contact us with any questions, or click here to book your appointment now online. You have nothing to lose but your pain!
In Wellness,
The Aquarius Wellness Team