What causes lower back discomfort in women?
Jul 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, waist discomfort in women may be caused by factors such as pelvic congestion during menstruation, long-term poor posture, lumbar muscle strain, pelvic inflammatory disease, or lumbar disc herniation. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to choose an appropriate mattress, avoiding those that are excessively soft or firm.
Under normal circumstances, waist fatigue in women may be caused by pelvic congestion during menstruation, long-term poor posture, lumbar muscle strain, pelvic inflammatory disease, lumbar disc herniation, and other related factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Pelvic Congestion During Menstruation: During menstruation, blood vessels in the pelvic area expand and become congested, compressing surrounding tissues and causing aching and heaviness in the waist. This typically subsides once the menstrual period ends. Applying heat to the waist and minimizing prolonged sitting can help alleviate symptoms. Avoid strenuous exercise and cold foods.
2. Long-Term Poor Posture: Prolonged sitting, standing, or slouching can cause continuous tension in the waist muscles, leading to poor blood circulation and resulting in waist fatigue, often accompanied by stiffness. Adjusting posture, getting up and moving around every hour, performing back-stretching exercises, and strengthening muscle strength can help alleviate this condition.
3. Lumbar Muscle Strain: Chronic injury to the waist muscles caused by prolonged physical strain or improper exercise can lead to persistent waist fatigue, which worsens with activity. Patients may use medications such as diclofenac diethylamine gel, musk-plaster for strengthening bones, or capsule for promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, as directed by a physician. Heat application and massage may also aid recovery.
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Inflammation caused by bacterial infection in the pelvis can irritate surrounding tissues, causing a heavy sensation in the waist, often accompanied by lower abdominal pain and increased vaginal discharge. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, metronidazole tablets, or capsules of Gynandropsis pentaphylla to control the infection.
5. Lumbar Disc Herniation: Compression of nerve roots due to lumbar disc herniation can cause fatigue and pain in the waist, possibly accompanied by numbness in the lower limbs. Mild symptoms can be relieved with bed rest and traction therapy. In severe cases, surgical removal of the herniated disc material may be required to relieve nerve compression and improve symptoms.
In daily life, choose a suitable mattress—not too soft or too hard. Pay attention to posture when lifting heavy objects; avoid bending over to exert force. Keep the waist warm to prevent cold exposure, and perform appropriate back and waist muscle exercises, such as "swallow flying" or "five-point support," to help prevent waist fatigue.
