LifestyleWhen pain signals more: lower back pain and gynecological issues

When pain signals more: lower back pain and gynecological issues

A dangerous signal, it may indicate cancer.
A dangerous signal, it may indicate cancer.
Images source: © Getty Images | Andrey Popov

5:02 PM EST, November 17, 2023

Lower back pain can have various causes. It's doesn't always originate from spine issues - sometimes it can indicate diseases and conditions related to women's health. Now, what are these conditions?

Pain as a signal of gynecological diseases

Gynecological diseases can often be a cause of lower back pain.

Conditions like cervical erosion, a common gynecological disorder, can lead to lower back pain due to inflammation and irritation of surrounding tissues. Uterine fibroids, benign muscular tumors that develop in the walls of the uterus, can put pressure on nearby structures, including nerves, resulting in pain.

Endometriosis is another potential source of lower back pain. In this disease, cells of the mucous membrane grow on the surface of other organs in the abdomen, leading to inflammation and adhesions that can cause pain.

Pain as a signal of cervical cancer

One of serious causes of lower back pain could be cervical cancer. This can cause lower back pain due to the pressure of the tumor on nerve structures and the subsequent inflammatory processes and infiltration of surrounding tissues.

Back pain might also be the result of cancer spreading, or metastasizing, to the spine. These metastases can compromise the structural integrity of the vertebrae and result in pain.

If you're experiencing persistent lower back pain, especially if it's associated with other symptoms such as genital tract bleeding, unusual discharge, or pain during sexual intercourse, it's strongly recommended to consult a gynecologist immediately. Early detection and treatment of cervical cancer can profoundly improve prognosis and overall quality of life for patients.

Other possible causes of lower back pain

Degenerative changes, sciatica, or the development of a herniated nucleus pulposus (disc prolapse) are typical causes of lower back pain. Other ones include:

  • Urinary system diseases (such as kidney inflammation, kidney stones, bladder inflammation or urinary tract infections),
  • Prostate gland issues in men,
  • Neurotic-based disorders,
  • Dysfunction of internal organs,
  • Gastric ulcer disease, gallbladder inflammation, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Should you experience persistent back pain, please consult your doctor immediately.