Backache or pain in back is a fairly common problem in adult women. Almost all women, irrespective of age, universally suffer from pain in back some time or another. One can see advertisements of pain relieving medicines, showing a woman holding her back, with the facial expression of being in pain.

The most common reason for backache in women is use of the back like elastic, bending it forwards or side words while doing routine domestic chores. This puts stress on the joints of the back, and over the years chronic pain sets in.

Calcium deficiency is another factor contributing to back pain. During adolescence, pregnancy, lactation and menopause, the requirement of calcium is increased in the body. If this demand is not met with, all bones of the body including the backbone tend to become soft. Slightest movement puts these bones to stress resulting in back pain. Many women 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. The deficient diet results in weakness, vague pains and also back pain.

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

Recurrent urinary tract and pelvic infections cause low back pain chronically in women. Women are more susceptible to it due to multiple reasons, like short length of urethra (tube connecting bladder to the exterior for voiding), blood flow during menses causing dampness and a favourable environment for germs to grow.

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

Women can also suffer from backache from other problems in the spine 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 in onset mild to severe in intensity. Associated compression of the spinal nerve roots may cause abnormal sensations or weakness in the limbs.

Whatever the reason for backpain, immediate treatment consists of painkillers to reduce the pain, along with rest. Complete bed-rest on a hard bed is very useful in reducing the pain. Hot compresses can be applied on the back when aching as they give immediate relief. Painkillers should not be used very frequently as they can cause chronic gastritis, ulcers and even kidney failure.  

Keeping the back straight all the time is very helpful in avoiding backaches. While sitting for a long time, back should be duly supported. A balanced nutritious diet containing enough calcium, iron and micronutrients keeps the bones strong and helps in minimising back pain. 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, overtime, backache can reduce significantly or even stop.

Women should be aware of the causes of backache. With due attention to working posture and other precautions, they can avoid this problem and have a comfortable "backache free” life.

Dr. Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine.

rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk