Pain in the Lower Back and Hips: Female

The human body is closely interconnected. Pain in certain parts of the body can point to problems in other areas, or pain can occur in multiple areas simultaneously. With that in mind, pain in the lower back and hips in females can indicate various conditions and injuries. 

Read on to learn more about the possible causes of pain in the hips and lower back in women. 

Table of Contents

What Causes Lower Back and Hip Pain in Females?

Lower back and hip pain in females can be caused by acute injuries, arthritis, spinal conditions, endometriosis, pelvic floor issues, pelvic inflammatory disease, dysmenorrhea, sacroiliac joint pain, piriformis syndrome, and certain lifestyle factors. 

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries like sprains and strains can lead to lower back and hip pain in women. Sprains occur when muscle tissue is stretched or torn; sprains occur when ligament tissue is stretched or torn. Usually sprains and strains are mild injuries, caused by overusing the back or hip, but can result from a sudden fall or accident. 

Arthritis 

Arthritis can break down the cartilage that protects your joints. It most often comes in the form of osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis. When it impacts the spine and hip joints, it can cause lower back and hip pain. 

Spinal Conditions

Spinal conditions including herniated disc, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and scoliosis can cause lower back and hip pain. 

  • A herniated disc occurs when the tough disc exterior is damaged, allowing the soft disc interior to protrude into the spinal canal. It can press on spinal nerves, including the sciatic nerve, which can cause back pain that radiates to the hip and lower extremities. 
  • Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows abnormally. If the spinal canal becomes too small, it may press on spinal nerves, causing radiating back pain. 
  • Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down the backs of the legs. It can cause lower back that radiates to the hips, especially when you bend, twist, or sit or stand for prolonged periods. 
  • Scoliosis is a deformity that causes a sideways spinal curvature. Oftentimes, the exact cause is unknown, although it can be caused by genetics, vertebral malformations, or spinal degeneration. 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting an estimated 10% of women. It occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, typically causing pain, fatigue, severe cramps, and difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis can trigger lower back and hip pain if the abnormal tissue presses on the nerves that supply these areas.

Pelvic Floor Problems

The pelvic floor muscles are a collection of muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus, bladder, and bowel. It also connects to the back. If these muscles become tight or imbalanced, they can cause dull pain that can be mistaken for back or hip pain.  

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection affecting one or more of the female upper reproductive organs. It’s often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea and chlamydia. Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause pain in the pelvis, abdomen, hips, and lower back, along with:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Pain during intercourse

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is another word for menstrual cramps or period pain. It occurs as the uterus contracts to shed the uterine lining during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea may feel dull and achy or sharp and shooting. 

Usually, dysmenorrhea causes pain in the lower abdomen. However, it can also trigger pain in the lower back and hips. 

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

The sacroiliac joints connect the lower spine to the pelvis. They’re located above the sacrum and sit on either side of the spine. Sacroiliac joint pain occurs when these joints become inflamed (often due to arthritis). It can cause pain in the lower back, hips, and buttocks. 

Piriformis Syndrome

When the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve, it’s known as piriformis syndrome. This condition is rare, but can cause moderate to severe pain in the lower back and hip. It can also make it difficult to sit for extended periods. 

Often, piriformis syndrome results from overusing the hip rotator muscles or sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods. 

Lifestyle Factors 

Lifestyle factors that can trigger lower back and hip pain in women include:

  • Poor posture keeps the spine out of normal alignment, increasing strain on the spine and tissues around the hips. 
  • Wearing high heels can lead to back and hip pain by forcing the body out of its normal alignment and placing excessive stress on your joints. 
  • A sedentary lifestyle weakens the lower back and hip muscles, creating the risk of pain in these areas. 

What Diseases Cause Back and Hip Pain?

Diseases that can cause back and hip pain include arthritis, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, sciatica, scoliosis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. 

Why Does My Back and Hip Hurt at the Same Time?

Your back and hip may hurt at the same time if you have an injury, chronic condition, or certain lifestyle factors, like poor posture. 

When Should I Worry About Hip and Back Pain?

You should worry about hip and back pain if it’s severe, comes on suddenly, doesn’t improve after a few weeks, or interferes with your day-to-day activities. 

  • Severe hip and back pain carries a risk of disability and nerve damage. 
  • Back and hip pain that comes on suddenly can point to a serious injury, kidney infection, or other serious condition that requires prompt medical care. 
  • Back and hip pain that doesn’t improve after a few weeks indicates that the injury or condition requires more extensive medical care. 

Back and hip pain that impacts your day-to-day activities can have lasting complications, both mental and physical.

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What Are Red Flags for Back and Hip Pain?

Red Flags for Back and Hip Pain

Red flags for back and hip pain include:

  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness indicate nerve compression, which requires more intensive medical care
  • Pain after a sudden trauma, like a big fall or car accident, as symptoms can be delayed after these events due to adrenaline
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control can point to serious conditions, like cauda equina syndrome, which poses the risk of permanent paralysis.
  • Fever, chills, or other signs of infection, which requires prompt care in a hospital with antibiotics
  • Unexplained weight loss is a possible symptom of more serious health problems.
  • Pain that occurs or worsens at night can point to serious medical conditions, like cancer, spinal bone infection, and ankylosing spondylitis.

If you experience any of the red flags for back and hip pain listed above, seek emergency medical care. Your physician will complete an evaluation to pinpoint the source of your pain and provide essential care.