Backache is a fairly common problem among women of all ages. Almost all women universally suffer from pain in the back sometime or the other.

The most common reason for backache in women is bending the back forwards or sidewise while doing domestic chores. This stresses the back joints giving way to chronic  pain.

Calcium deficiency is another factor contributing to back pain. During adolescence and also during menopause, the need for calcium in the body increases. If this demand is not met, all bones of the body including the backbone tend to become soft. Slightest movement puts these bones to stress resulting in back pain.

Women in general tend to be negligent towards their diet.  Result is deficiency of all necessary macro and micro nutrients in the body. The craze to remain slim leads to malnutrition among preteen and teenage girls. These cause weakness, vague pains and also back pain.

Chronic anemia in women also contributes to backache. As for calcium, requirement of iron is also increased during the two phases of hormonal changes i.e. puberty and menopause. Failing to meet this requirement through diet leads to chronic anaemia and backache in women.

Recurrent urinary tract and pelvic infections cause low back pain in women who are more susceptible to it due to multiple reasons.

Wearing high heeled shoes puts a stress on the spine and this stress occurring repeatedly for long leads to chronic pain in the back and calf muscles.

Women can also suffer from backache from other spinal problems which can occur both in men and women. These are prolapsed intervertebral disc, lumbar and cervical spondylosis.

Depending on the cause, backache can be acute or chronic at the onset to severe in intensity. Associated compression of the spinal nerve roots may cause abnormal sensations or weakness.

Whatever may be the reason for backpain, immediate treatment consists of pain killers like diclofenac, ibuprofen, aspirin etc to reduce the pain and rest. Complete bed rest on a hard bed is very useful in reducing the pain. Hot compresses can be applied on the back in case of pain as they give immediate relief. Pain killers should not be used chronically as they can cause chronic gastritis and even kidney failure.  

Keeping the back straight all the time is very helpful in avoiding backaches. A balanced nutritious diet containing enough calcium and iron and micronutrients keeps the bones strong and helps  in minimising backpain. Drinking plenty of water keeps the urinary system free of germs and thus avoids urinary tract infections an important cause of backache. Good personal hygiene  during menstruation and sex prevents pelvic infections. Wearing high heeled shoes is not good for the back and should be avoided.

If one suffers from chronic back pain, lumbar exercises are very useful to strengthen the lumbar spine and muscles. After doing them regularly, one stops getting back pain after a few months.

Women should be very careful as they are designed to be more prone to pain in back in many ways. But with due precautions they can avoid this problem and lead a comfortable, "back- ache”free life.

Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital