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Women with Back Pain

Woman with the word PAIN written on her backIn comparison with men, women generally lead a healthier lifestyle and are more rarely over weight, have less stressful jobs, or are not employed outside of the home. Nevertheless, women have a higher prevalence of back pain. According to a representative prevalence study in the federal republic of Germany. Lets take a look at how the lives of women with back pain are affected.

A stressful job

Woman at a desk looking at filesHunching over a computer is a leading reason why four in five women end up with crippling back pain at some point in their lives. Try keeping your head up, aligning your head and neck right above your shoulders, and avoid leaning forward. Breathing from your belly can help with engaging your core muscles while supporting your upper body.

Pregnancy

It is estimated between 50% and 80% of women experience some form of back pain during pregnancy. This pain can range from mild pain associated with activities to acute back pain that can progress into chronic back pain. In some cases, pregnancy pain can begin as early as 8 to 12 weeks after becoming pregnant. However, women with pre-existing back problems are at a higher risk for back pain. Conservatives methods of treatment for back pain during pregnancy generally include performances of appropriate exercises, Proper posture and Self-help techniques for pain. Often, a few visits to a physical therapist experienced in pre/post partum treatment can be helpful to alleviate unwanted pregnancy pain. Remember, while back pain is fairly common during pregnancy, it should not be accepted as part of the process. Back pain symptoms should always be addressed as quickly as possible and managed throughout your pregnancy.

Woman With her hands on her back

Sedentary lifestyle

Consider how much you sit in a day, or in total during the workweek. Driving during your morning commute, to an 8-hour-a-day job then unwinding on the couch at home during the evening. As daily levels of activity continue to decline, research suggests that musculoskeletal pain is more common now than it was 40 years ago. This decline in physical activity is contributing to the rise in chronic diseases like, obesity and diabetes but also musculoskeletal pain, injuries and disorders that may lead to disability.

Age

Over time, general use of our backs can cause back pain. It’s just normal wear and tear. As we grow older, the discs between the vertebrae wear away which causes pain and stiffness as the bones start to rub against each other. In addition, the space around the spinal cord narrows over time. Relief may be a game of finding what works for you. The pain can be treated in three ways. With medication, therapeutic treatments or physical medicine such as exercise and physical therapy.

Obesity/Overweight

Your weight does play a role. Back pain is a very common problem for heavy people. Carrying that extra weight can increase your risk for developing back disorders. Extra weight puts added pressure on the spine, which results in pain. So, encouraging your children to be active and achieve or maintain appropriate body weight may go along way toward helping them avoid back pain later.

To learn more about Dr. Kushwaha, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us on (713) 587-6263

About Vivek Kushwaha

Vivek P. Kushwaha attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned his B.A. from the College of Natural Sciences. He then earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio, Texas.

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