Most women experience pain in the low back and abdomen when they have their menstrual period. However, there are other conditions that can result in pain in the lower abdomen and back in females. This may include reproductive issues like endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Some commonly available treatments are antibiotics, pain medications, and anti-depressants. In some cases where symptoms are very bad, there may be an issue that requires surgery to fix.
There are ways to deal with abdominal and back pain. Home remedies like stretching and applying heat and cold can help ease the pain. Medications are available as well that a doctor can prescribe. Even just drinking more water can help. In this article, you will learn about the causes of lower abdomen and back pain, its treatments. It will also cover how you can use Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy to treat your pain.
Female Lower Abdomen and Back Pain Causes
Female lower abdomen and back pain can be caused by several conditions. The most common reason for this pain can be a gynecological problem. Other conditions may also be related to menstrual cycle, endometriosis, or pregnancy, and may also vary based on location.
For back pain, it could be a kidney infection if the pain is isolated to just one side of the back. This infection can bring fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. There may be a constant urge to urinate. Another example is injury. Injuries to the back muscles, ligaments, and joints are common in pregnant women due to overuse. Additionally, injuries from sprains or strains occur due to incorrect lifting of objects and sudden movements.
For lower abdominal pain, it may be indigestion, a hernia, ovarian torsion, or ectopic pregnancy. Other causes are pancreatitis, flank pain, placental abruption, fibroids, and cancer. However, the most common reason is menstruation. Lower abdominal pain can be a sign of different medical issues. Some may need a simple remedy and some may take more time to treat.
Back Pain Conditions Related to Women
There are several common health conditions relating to back pain exclusively for women. These problems occur in the post-menopausal age:
- Endometriosis causes the tissues of the uterus to grow outside the womb.
- Spinal osteoarthritis causes a breakdown of the cartilage in the joints that connect to the vertebrae.
- Piriformis syndrome is a pain that originates from spasms in the large muscle located deep in the buttock.
- Pain from the sacroiliac joint that connects the bottom of the spine to the pelvis.
- Tailbone pain due to trauma.
- A vertebra in the spine slips over the one below due to degeneration.
- Spinal osteoporosis fractures.
Female Lower Abdomen and Back Pain Treatments
The most common treatments for pain in the lower abdomen and back in females are antibiotics, pain medications, and anti-depressants. Hormonal medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and relaxation exercises may help relieve pain. Furthermore, conducting surgery may be needed in serious cases.
It is very important to locate the region of the pain in the back. The treatment may vary from the conditions and causes. Once you know the cause, you can address the pain. Practice using proper lifting techniques, healthy weight loss, and using abdominal and lumbar support belts to treat back pain. Ice and heat treatments are also good types of at-home therapy. Moreover, hydration is a key to flush out bacteria from your body system.
For lower abdominal pain due to menstrual cramping, a heating pad and mild pain medications are the most common treatments. If the pain is severe, it is best to consult a doctor. They may be able to diagnose the problem or prescribe medication. For reliable pain relief, consider using a TENS device like those offered by iTENS Australia.
Lifestyle and Prevention Tips
The causes of abdomen and back pain are often unavoidable for females. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce its risk or intensity. Avoid muscle strain by lifting heavy objects slowly and with proper form. Do not go past your limits and injure your back. An active lifestyle keeps your body strong and healthy.
A proper diet helps too. Indigestion is a potential cause of abdominal pain. Eating foods that are easy for your body to process lowers the chances of stomach-related pain. It will also help you stay at a healthy weight, which reduces the strain on your back.
Female Lower Abdomen and Back Pain using TENS
TENS therapy is a fast and easy way to relieve pain in the lower abdomen and back in females. TENS sends electric pulses to specific nerves via electrode pads connected to the body. These pulses trigger the body to release endorphins, while simultaneously cutting off pain signals from the brain. The combined effect provides immediate pain relief. TENS can treat many different types of pain, including back pain.
To start, simply place the electrode pads as close to the painful area as possible. For lower abdomen and back pain, it is often best to place them on either side of the base of the spine. Once in place, turn the device on and start a therapy session. With the wireless devices from iTENS Australia, you can control your session via an app on your phone.
TENS is non-invasive and has no major side effects, making it an ideal pain management tool. You can conduct several sessions in a day if you need to, as long as you wait 20 minutes between each one. This means that you will always have access to relief, no matter what is causing your pain.
Things to Know When Using a TENS Unit
There are a few guidelines about TENS to keep in mind when using it. Firstly, consider where you place the pads on your body. They should not go over wounds, on the spine, or near the chest if you have a heart condition. Monitor your skin during use. If it starts to hurt or redden, take a break from the therapy or move the pads to a different spot.
Secondly, take good care of your device. Clean your skin before attaching pads to avoid dirtying the pads and ensure a strong connection. After use, wipe the pads off to keep them clean and adhesive.
Conclusion
Sometimes, the pain in the lower abdomen and back in females is tolerable and does not need any treatment. However, if the pain is constant and extreme, it should never be overlooked. This could signify a severe underlying gynecological problem. It may just be menstrual pain, but could in fact be a far worse issue, even cancer. Consulting a doctor is always best to ensure you receive professional advice. Nevertheless, there are simple ways to treat pain on your own.
Light exercise can help warm up your muscles. Hot and cold presses can help blood flow. Keeping a healthy diet will improve all of your body functions and may help as well. In some cases, medications may be available to help. For a reliable and versatile pain relief method, try iTENS from iTENS Australia. These devices are easy to use for any number of ailments and provide a safe way to manage your pain.