Pelvic pain is felt in the lower part of your tummy. The type of pain varies, and it may be sudden and severe (acute pelvic pain) or last 6 months or longer (chronic pelvic pain).
Symptoms of pelvic pain
Pelvic pain varies. It may affect a small area around your pelvis (your lower tummy) or the whole area.
Types of pelvic pain include:
- a sharp, stabbing or burning pain that happens suddenly
- a pain that comes on slowly but does not go away
- a dull or heavy ache, or feeling of pressure
- a twisted or knotted feeling
- a cramping or throbbing pain, which may come and go
- pain only when you’re doing something, like exercising, having sex, or peeing
Common causes of pelvic pain
There are lots of causes of pelvic pain. It might be caused by an infection or a condition affecting one of the organs in the pelvic area, such as the bowel or bladder.
Common causes include:
- constipation or irritable bowel syndrome
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Most causes of pelvic pain are not serious. But there a few conditions that cause pelvic pain and need emergency treatment, such as appendicitis and peritonitis.
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REFERENCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
American Society of Reproductive Medicine.
CDC: "Can PID be cured?"
Cleveland Clinic.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.
March of Dimes.
Medscape Reference.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Salminen, P. The Journal of the American Medical Association. Volume 313, Number 23.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guide.
U.S. Dept. Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health.
Female lower back pain can be caused by many different things and can vary greatly based on location. Unfortunately, lower back pain in women is an all too common phenomenon. In general, almost everyone will experience some form of back pain or back problems during their lifetime. This guide will help you determine the causes and treatments for your back pain. Begin by locating the correct region of your back pain. Once you’ve found the pain location, continue reading more on the conditions that may be causing your female low back pain and how you can treat it!
Lower Back Pain in Women
Lower Back Overuse Injuries
Low Back Injury Symptoms
Overuse injuries to your body's muscles, ligaments, and/or joints are especially common for women to suffer from while pregnant. The strain of the extra weight on the body can cause chronic discomfort, ranging from the middle to lower back. We offer maternity support belts if you’re suffering from back pain during pregnancy.
Causes of Low Back Overuse
Injuries like muscle sprains and strains commonly occur due to sudden movement or improper lifting techniques (especially while lifting heavy objects). It is common for women to suffer from middle to lower back pain when they are carrying extra pounds around the waist. The excess weight can pull the pelvis forward, straining the lower back.
Treatments for Injured Lower Back
In all cases, a combination of rest and bracing will greatly improve your pain. If the pain is stemming from excess weight, the best solution is healthy weight loss. In the meantime, an abdominal support belt will help ease discomfort in your lower back. Practicing using proper lifting techniques throughout your day and workouts will also make worlds of difference. If you’re like most people, suffering from some form of strain or sprain we recommend checking out the variety of lumbar support belts and ice or heat treatments for women.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
Symptoms of Kidney Infection
With pyelonephritis, you will notice that your pain is isolated to one side of your back. Chills, fever, nausea and sometimes vomiting come with kidney infections and can be rather painful. You may feel the constant urge to urinate, and your urine may appear cloudy, bloody or dark.
Causes of Kidney Infections
It is common for the bacteria from a bladder infection to travel to the kidneys. Women are more likely to get UTI’s (urinary tract infections) because the urethra is much shorter than men. This makes bacteria more accessible to the urinary tract. A prior infection in the body is likely the cause.
Kidney Infection Treatments
Treatments for this type of urinary tract infection typically involve the use of antibiotics and possibly hospitalization if left untreated. You can use a heating pad for your stomach or back to reduce pain. Hydration is key to flushing bacteria from your system as well.
Hip & Groin Pain in Women
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction feels like a dull, achy pain in your lower back region that can run down your leg, groin, butt, and hip in women. The pain typically spreads beyond just your low back and occurs on one side.
Causes of Sacroiliac JD
An SI joint that is overly mobile, or not mobile enough can cause this discomfort as well as a burning sensation in the pelvis. This is especially common among pregnant women. High stress activities that create repeated strain on your low back as well as prolonged sitting can cause sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Treatments for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
An SI joint belt will help stabilize the joint to minimize your symptoms. Rest, ice and heat can assist in relieving any discomfort. As with any injury, be sure to keep your body moving with light stretching and walking as getting stiff only makes matters worse.
Sciatica
Sciatica Symptoms
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that extends from your lower back through each leg. Sciatica usually affects one side of the body, either left or right. The pain can feel moderate or severe and may worsen with movement.
Causes for Sciatica
This condition is caused by irritation of the roots or lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine. Sciatica is common for women during pregnancy or women that are overweight. If you lack core strength, smoke, have diabetes or sit for long periods of time, you may be at higher risk for sciatica.
Sciatica Treatment
When treating sciatica, movement is important. Perform gentle stretches to keep your body from stiffening up. You may also apply ice several times a day to reduce pain and swelling. On top of these treatments, try our sciatica brace with trigger point therapy!
Female Pain in Lower Abdomen
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Signs of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
A bacterial infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause lower stomach pain, abdominal pain and back pain in women, along with fatigue, fever, vomiting/diarrhea, unusual vaginal discharge or pain during sex.
PID Causes
PID is essentially an infection of the female reproductive system. Left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage to the female reproductive system and infertility. PID begins with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that become more serious when left untreated.
PID Treatment
Treatment of this condition depends upon its severity and may consist of taking antibiotics, or might even involve surgery if the condition causes an abscess (a collection of pus). It’s important to act on STDs early before PID develops.
Pancreatitis
Signs & Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis might develop suddenly or over time and is sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting, as well as smelly stool and indigestion. This abdominal and lower back pain in women typically worsen after eating and lessens when leaning forward or curling into a ball.
Causes of Pancreatitis
This condition refers to inflammation of the pancreas, which is responsible for producing the hormones and enzymes that are necessary for processing food. Gallstones are the leading cause of pancreatitis. Heavy alcohol use has been a common cause of pancreatitis as well.
Treatments for Pancreatitis
Treating pancreatitis typically involves several days in the hospital where you will receive pain medications and fluids via an IV. If a gallbladder is a culprit or the pancreas has been compromised, surgery might be needed.
Flank Pain
Flank Pain Symptoms
This is a term referring to discomfort or pain in your upper abdomen, back, or sides. This pain is commonly worse on one side of your body and varies from sharp, to dull pains.
Flank Pain Causes
Most people will experience some type of flank pain in their lifetime and unfortunately, there is not one leading cause for the discomfort.
Flank Pain Treatment
Flank pain is usually temporary, however, if your pain is persistent, it may be a more serious medical condition. Over-the-counter antacids and eating smaller meals can help to reduce gas or heartburn eliminating some discomfort. If your symptoms progress into a fever, vomiting, abdominal swelling, or chest pressure, seek medical attention.
What causes lower back pain and lower abdominal pain at the same time?
Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections More specifically, as the kidneys are located in the lower region of the back, lower back pain may develop if the kidneys become inflamed. As the infection continues to spread, it may lead to painful contractions of the abdominal or pelvic muscles.Is it normal to have lower back pain and abdominal pain?
Generally, simultaneous occurrences of stomach and back pain are relatively non-threatening and can be naturally remediated at home. However, there are some causes for concern, especially if the pain recurs often or simply does not subside. Some additional symptoms might indicate something more serious is going on.What causes lower abdominal pain in females no period?
Lots of women get pelvic pain and cramping, but your period isn't always to blame. Cysts, constipation, pregnancy -- even cancer -- can make it feel like your monthly visitor is about to stop by. It can be tough to tell whether having cramps without a period is caused by something simple or more serious.What does it mean when a female have lower abdominal pain?
What causes pelvic pain in women? Pelvic pain affects the lowest part of the abdomen, between the belly button and groin. In some people, pelvic pain may signify menstrual cramps, ovulation, or a gastrointestinal issue, such as food intolerance. It can also develop due to a more serious problem.