Period pains to muscle problems: 7 reasons why your lower back hurts
Lower back pain feels uncomfortable. Sometimes, you worry about potential causes. Don’t worry, though. Many of them remain issues that you can deal with. Although if you’re in severe pain that interferes with daily life, please see a doctor as soon as possible. Of course, doctors can identify why you have the pain and refer you for the right treatment. However, sometimes, women experience lower back pain, which has a different explanation that could be a sign of a few different things.
From period pain to muscle problems, here are reasons why your lower back hurts:
Premenstrual pain
This could be a sign for your monthly visitor. So, it’s worth checking your calendar to know more about your cycle. The premenstrual syndrome tends to affect women a few days before their period starts and continues until a couple of days after it starts. Many women also tend to cite lower back pain as a symptom of PMS, as well as stomach cramps, fatigue and bloating.
Endometriosis
Just in case you didn’t know, endometriosis refers to the condition where the type of tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it. Usually, it also tends to grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other tissue surrounding the pelvis. Lower back and pelvic pain are key symptoms. If you think you suffer from it, you should also make an appointment with your doctor. That way, they can investigate.
Pregnancy
Lower back pain can also be a symptom of pregnancy. However, it generally doesn’t occur until later in the pregnancy when you have started to carry a heavier load. You’re more than likely going to know you’re expecting. For most pregnant women, lower back pain happens between five to seven months. As they gain weight, their hormones relax their ligaments while their body prepares for birth.
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts refer to fluid-filled sacs that develop on an ovary. The vast majority remains benign. It tends to cause pain if it ruptures. However, sometimes it becomes so large that it blocks the blood supply to the ovaries. If this is the case, lower back pain tends to be a symptom. Aside from that, symptoms also include pelvic pain, irregular and heavy periods, and frequent need to urinate. Of course, doctors will be able to advise you on the next steps if you’re worried you have an ovarian cyst.
Muscle strain
If your lower back pain flares up after a vigorous workout. Or, if you first noticed it after an injury, you might have strained a muscle. It is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Aside from that, it also often occurs due to repeated heavy lifting, bending, or twisting, a sudden awkward movement, or overstretching the muscle. Many strains can also heal by themselves. However, if it takes too long, head to your doctor’s who can refer you to a physiotherapist.
Kidney infections
This, on the other hand, tends to come on suddenly and is accompanied by feeling feverish, shivery, or sick. If this happens, you have to speak to your doctor. They could run tests and treat you immediately.
Bone issues
Several bone issues exist that can cause lower back pain. These include a slipped disc. Or, it could also be spondylolisthesis where one of the bones in your spine slips out of position. And, ankylosing spondylitis, a long-term condition in which the spine and other areas of the body become inflamed.
Angela Grace P. Baltan has been writing professionally since 2017. She doesn’t hesitate to be opinionated in analyzing movies and television series. Aside from that, she has an affinity for writing anything under the sun. As a writer, she uses her articles to advocate for feminism, gender equality, the LGBTQIA+ community, and mental health among others.