Top 5 Causes of Back Pain in Indian Women and How to Manage Them

Highlights:

Sedentary lifestyle and poor posture are major causes of back pain
Pregnancy and hormonal changes can lead to back discomfort
Obesity and endometriosis are significant risk factors for chronic pain

Back pain is a prevalent issue affecting many individuals globally, and Indian women are no exception. This discomfort can range from mild and occasional to severe and chronic, impacting daily life and overall well-being. Understanding the specific causes of back pain can help in effective management and prevention.

Top 5 Causes of Back Pain

The five most common causes of back pain in Indian women are:
1. Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading causes of back pain among Indian women. With increasing urbanization, many individuals are spending long hours sitting at desks or engaging in minimal physical activity ().

Back Pain – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Back pain or Backache is common due to poor posture, postural deformities and life style. Back pain can be classified anatomically as upper, lower and middle back pain.

‘Did You Know?
Sedentary lifestyles and obesity significantly contribute to back pain in women. #medindia #backpain’

Impact

Muscle Weakness: Lack of exercise leads to weakened core muscles that support the spine.
Posture Issues: Prolonged sitting can contribute to poor posture, causing additional strain on the back.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Regular Exercise: Incorporate exercises that strengthen the back and core muscles.
Ergonomic Workspaces: Ensure proper posture while working and take frequent breaks to stretch.

2. Pregnancy and Postpartum Changes
Pregnancy brings significant changes to a woman's body, including alterations in posture and weight distribution, which can lead to back pain. Additionally, postpartum recovery can also be a period of back discomfort ().

Home Remedies to Manage Back Pain
Back pain is discomforting. It can be tough to perform daily activities while experiencing back pain. Here are some remedies that help you manage back pain at home.

Impact

Weight Gain: Increased weight during pregnancy puts extra stress on the back.
Hormonal Changes: Hormones such as relaxin, which are essential during pregnancy, can cause the ligaments to loosen, affecting spinal stability.

Self-Care Tips

Prenatal Exercises: Engage in safe exercises that strengthen the back and improve posture during pregnancy.
Postpartum Care: Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate exercises and treatments after childbirth.

Are you Experiencing Back Pain Along with Abdominal/Stomach Pain?
Common back pain, often from muscle knots or spinal changes, may signal medical issues if it extends to the stomach or coincides with abdominal pain.

3. Menstrual and Hormonal Issues
Menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations can also be linked to back pain in women. Conditions like dysmenorrhea and endometriosis are known to cause significant discomfort ().

Impact

Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstrual cramps can radiate to the back.
Endometriosis: This condition involves the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus, which can cause chronic back pain ().

Rising Global Burden of Low Back Pain Calls for Proactive Measures
Take action against the escalating global prevalence of low back pain. Explore the impact, risk factors, and necessary steps to alleviate this growing burden.

Management Options

Pain Management: Use heat therapy and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage menstrual pain.
Medical Consultation: Seek professional advice for persistent pain and consider treatments for underlying conditions like endometriosis.

4. Obesity and Weight Gain
Obesity is a significant risk factor for back pain. Excess body weight puts additional stress on the spine and its supporting structures ().

Impact

Increased Load: Extra weight strains the spinal column and its supporting muscles.
Inflammation: Obesity can lead to inflammation, which may exacerbate back pain.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet to manage weight and reduce stress on the back.
Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity to support weight management and overall health.

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the reproductive organs, often resulting from sexually transmitted infections. It can cause significant lower back pain along with other symptoms.

Symptoms:

Lower abdominal and back pain
Fever
Unusual vaginal discharge
Irregular menstrual bleeding

Treatment Options:

Antibiotics: To treat the underlying infection.
Pain Relief: NSAIDs can help manage pain.
Prevention: Practicing safe sex and regular gynecological screenings can help prevent PID (6^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Go to source).

Back pain is a multifaceted issue with various causes, particularly affecting Indian women due to lifestyle, physiological changes, and health conditions. Addressing these causes through preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and medical intervention can help manage and reduce back pain effectively. If you experience persistent or severe back pain, it is essential to seek professional medical advice to determine the appropriate treatment and management plan.

References:

Sedentary behavior is associated with musculoskeletal pain in adolescents: A cross sectional study - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36257097/)
Pregnancy-related low back pain - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306025/)
Dysmenorrhea - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560834/)
Endometriosis - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567777/)
Body Mass Index and Its Influence on Chronic Low Back Pain in the Spanish Population:A Secondary Analysis from the European Health Survey (2020) - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10452522/)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - (https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0415/p797.html)

Source-Medindia