Back pain is one of the most common health issues among women but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many women chalk it up to stress, bad posture, or a long day. The truth is, female body, hormones, and lifestyle influence how and why back pain develops.
At Center for Brain and Spine Delhi, we see hundreds of women every year dealing with back pain, some temporary, some chronic pain. Here’s what every woman should know about the real causes behind that aching back as per top neurosurgeon in Delhi.
Common Reasons for Back Pain in Females
Hormonal Changes (Especially Around Menstruation)
Yes, your hormones cause back pain. During the menstrual cycle, hormone levels (like prostaglandins and estrogen) fluctuate. These affect the muscles and ligaments in the lower back and pelvis.
- Period-related back pain (dull, achy) is common before or during menstruation
- Women with endometriosis or PCOS experience even stronger pain in the lower back and abdomen
Pregnancy-Related Changes
Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity and stretches abdominal muscles.
- Increased weight and loosened ligaments (thanks to the hormone relaxin) strain the lower back
- Postural changes during the 2nd and 3rd trimester lead to sciatica or hip pain
Even after childbirth, many women report back issues due to weak core muscles or incorrect breastfeeding posture.
Poor Posture and Sedentary Lifestyle
Whether it’s long hours at a desk, scrolling on your phone, or slouching on the couch posture is the main culprit for your spine health.
Poor posture leads to:
- Weakening of core muscles
- Pressure on spinal discs
- Neck and shoulder tension
Women juggling office work and home responsibilities also ignore their posture until pain shows up.
Osteoporosis and Bone Health
Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis post-menopause due to declining estrogen levels.
Weakened bones, higher risk of compression fractures in the spine, chronic mid or lower back pain
Bone health screening is especially important for women over 40.
Urinary Tract or Kidney Infections
Not all back pain is muscular. UTIs or kidney infections can cause:
- Sharp lower back pain
- Accompanied by burning sensation during urination
- Sometimes fever or chills
This needs immediate medical attention, not home remedies.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
As women age, especially post-menopause, the spinal discs which act as cushions between the vertebrae start to shrink or dehydrate.
- This causes chronic lower back pain, stiffness, and pain that worsens after sitting or standing too long.
- Hormonal changes accelerate disc degeneration in women more than men due to estrogen deficiency. Pain typically increases with movement, twisting, or lifting.
Gynecological Conditions
Sometimes the pain that feels like backache is actually caused by reproductive health issues, such as:
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
These cause pelvic and lower back pain, with other symptoms like heavy periods or pelvic pressure.
Weight Fluctuations and Inactivity
Weight gain in the abdominal area pull the pelvis forward, increasing pressure on the lower spine. On the flip side, sudden weight loss without proper muscle strength also cause spinal instability.
Stress and Mental Health
Emotional stress often manifests physically in the form of tension in the upper back, shoulders, and neck.
Women who multitask between work, home, parenting, and caregiving roles carry a lot of stress silently and their back carries the burden.
When to See a Spine Specialist in Delhi
Back pain isn’t always “normal” or something to ignore. See a spine specialist or neurosurgeon if:
- Pain lasts more than a few weeks
- You feel numbness or tingling in legs
- There’s difficulty walking, standing, or sitting for long
- Pain is linked with fever, weight loss, or changes in bladder/bowel movement
At Center for Brain and Spine, Dwarka, we provide:
- Spine assessments
- Neurological testing
- Imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray)
- Physiotherapy + pain management
- Minimally invasive spine surgeries (if needed)
Back Pain Prevention in Women
- Focus on Posture — while working, feeding baby, cooking, or resting
- Strengthen your core — basic exercises like bridges, planks help
- Stay active — 30 minutes walk or light movement daily
- Invest in good sleep ergonomics — mattress + pillow matter
- Use period support products — like heating pads or lumbar belts if needed
- Track your cycle — to spot patterns in period-related pain
- Do regular checkups — especially bone health after 40
Book a consultation with our spine specialists at our Brain and Spine Clinic in Delhi and take the first step toward a pain-free life.