What causes lower back pain in females?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 09, 2026
Lower back pain is a common symptom of PMS, a condition most women experience during menstruation. However, severe lower back pain may be a symptom of conditions like PMDD and dysmenorrhea. It may also be a symptom of a more serious condition called endometriosis.
When should I be worried about lower back pain?
You've Been in Pain for Over a Week
Most back pain will subside after a few days, but if you've been experiencing pain for over a week, then it's time to call a doctor. Your doctor will perform any examinations or tests required to help get to the bottom of your pain before it could become a bigger problem.
What diseases can cause lower back pain?
Low back pain can also be the result of certain diseases, such as:
- cancer of the spinal cord.
- a ruptured or herniated disc.
- sciatica.
- arthritis.
- kidney infections.
- infections of the spine.
What is the most common cause of lower back pain?
While every patient's case is unique, the most common causes of lower back pain include: Muscle or Spinal Ligament Strain. A fast movement, repetitive lifting, an awkward bend, or an attempt to lift something beyond your capabilities can all result in a strain that causes severe discomfort.
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
If your back pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, head to your closest emergency room because you could be dealing with a more serious condition or injury: Sudden spike in pain, discomfort, weakness or numbness. Loss of bladder function. High fever.
41 related questions foundHow can I tell if my back pain is kidney related?
Kidney pain is felt higher and deeper in your body than back pain. You may feel it in the upper half of your back, not the lower part. Unlike back discomfort, it's felt on one or both sides, usually under your rib cage. It's often constant.
What cancers cause lower back pain?
Blood and tissue cancers such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and melanoma can all cause lower back pain.
How do you get rid of lower back pain fast?
Remedies to Relieve Lower Back Pain
- Exercise to Loosen Muscles. Although it may seem counterintuitive to exercise when lower back pain is causing you grief, the right kind of movement can help eliminate the discomfort. ...
- Use Hot/Cold Treatments. ...
- Stretch More. ...
- Get Better Shoes. ...
- Reduce Your Stress. ...
- Get Better Sleep.
What is the fastest way to relieve back pain?
Exercise has been found to be one of the most effective ways to relieve back pain quickly. Try swimming, walking, or yoga.
How do you relieve lower back pain?
10 Ways to Manage Low Back Pain at Home
- Keep Moving. You might not feel like it when you're in pain. ...
- Stretch and Strengthen. Strong muscles, especially in your abdominal core, help support your back. ...
- Keep Good Posture. ...
- Maintain a Healthy Weight. ...
- Quit Smoking. ...
- Try Ice and Heat. ...
- Know Your OTC Medications. ...
- Rub on Medicated Creams.
How can you tell if back pain is muscular or something else?
Symptoms include:
- Pain that gets worse when you move, especially when bending or stretching.
- Difficulty standing up straight.
- Swelling or bruising in a specific area.
- Sharp or achy pain, usually limited to the lower back and buttocks area.
- Spasm-like pain or cramps.
Is lower back pain serious?
Anyone can experience lower back pain at any time, even if you don't have a prior injury or any of the risk factors. It is not always serious and can often get better on its own. But in some cases pain is your body's way of telling you that something isn't right.
Can a virus cause back pain?
In the early stages, the only sign of an infection you might have is back tenderness that doesn't seem to get better. As the infection progresses, more symptoms become apparent, which should clue you in that there's a problem. Often, back pain is one of those symptoms, along with others like: Chills.
What does it mean when back pain comes and goes?
'If back pain can be associated with a specific activity, such as lifting or twisting wrong, and the pain goes away within 72 hours after resting and applying ice, it's usually nothing to worry about. However, if pain creeps on gradually, appears suddenly, or doesn't go away, you might have a more serious condition. '
What drinks help back pain?
Cherry juice can help relieve muscle pain, which may be chronic or exercise-induced. Cherry juice is easily available to buy at grocery stores and commonly contains the tart cherry extract. Try drinking a glass of cherry juice on a daily basis and see if it has positive effects in relieving your back pain.
How should I sleep to avoid back pain?
Top 5 Sleeping Positions for Back Pain
- Lying on your side in a fetal position. ...
- Lying on your back in a reclined position. ...
- Lying on your side with a pillow supporting your knees. ...
- Lying on your stomach with a pillow below your pelvis and lower abdomen. ...
- Lying flat on your back with a pillow underneath your knees.
Is walking good for lower back pain?
The simple movement of walking is one of the best things we can do for chronic lower back pain. Ten to fifteen minutes of walking twice a day will help ease lower back pain. Substitute this activity for a more vigorous type of exercise if you prefer and/or are able.
Is it better to sit or lay down with lower back pain?
You should lie down to relieve the pain, but the goal should be not to return to sitting, but rather to regain your ability to stand and move. "The goal isn't to get into the chair. The goal is to start moving. Walking is better than sitting," he says.
What does a tumor feel like in your back?
About 70% of spinal tumors are located in the thoracic spine. Deep ache. Spinal tumor pain may feel like an achiness or discomfort deep within the back, rather than feeling painful on the surface or skin. Sharp or shock-like pain.
What symptoms associated with back pain should prompt you to see a doctor?
If your back pain is from a recent strain or mild injury, your primary care doctor can probably help. But if the pain is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, it may be time to see a back doctor.
Can lower back pain Be kidneys?
What is kidney pain? People often mistake kidney pain as back pain. Unlike back pain, which usually occurs in the lower back, kidney pain is deeper and higher up the back. The kidneys can be found underneath the ribcage, on each side of the spine.
What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?
Light-brown or tea-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease/failure or muscle breakdown.
Can a urine infection cause back pain?
An upper UTI can cause intense back pain as the infection reaches the kidneys. People will get pain in the lower back and groin area. Back pain comes with two other symptoms: high fever and vomiting. Upper infections happen when a lower UTI goes unchecked or does not respond to antibiotics.
Where does your back hurt with a kidney infection?
The pain of kidney infection may be felt on the sides (flanks) and the back. Unlike the classical back pain due to muscle or bone involvement, which typically affects the lower back, kidney pain is felt higher up and at a greater depth.
Which infection causes back pain?
Infection of the spine: A fever and a tender, warm area on the back could be due to an infection of the spine. Other infections: Pelvic inflammatory disease, bladder, or kidney infections may also lead to back pain.