Women have it worse

A DOCTOR I once spoke to quipped that there were three uncertainties in life - death, taxes and backache.

While that may not be an absolute certainty, studies have found that close to 80 per cent of people experience a backache at some point in their lives, said Dr Patrick Goh, a consultant sports physician at SportsMed Central in Gleneagles Hospital.

And it seems that women may have it worse than men.

According to Dr Bernard Lee, director and consultant of Women's Pain Centre at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, women are twice as likely to suffer from lower back pain compared to men.

There are a number of causes that can contribute to lower back pain, which can range from a mild, dull ache in the back to sharp, stabbing pain that occurs with any movement.

Lower back pain is often caused by "mechanical" problems such as arthritis of the facet joints, a slipped disc, and a pinched or compressed nerve in the lower back.

"This has to do with the mechanical disruptions of the back structure - the muscles, ligaments, bones and discs - and the load applied on these areas. While mechanical causes in women and men are largely similar, certain situations may be more peculiar to women," said Dr Goh.

For instance, he said, backaches in women could be linked to their choice of footwear.

"Women who frequently wear high heeled shoes may be more prone to back pain," said Dr Goh.

Other distinctly female causes include changes in the oestrogen and progesterone levels in the body, said Dr Lee (see box for suspicious signs).

At different times during the menstrual cycle, it is also not uncommon for women to experience lower back pain, too.

While a backache is hardly life threatening, the pain can be a sign of something more serious, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases or infections, or osteoporosi-related collapse of the vertebrae, said Dr Goh.

"Further checks and blood tests may be needed to rule out serious conditions if the pain is severe, prolonged or if the spine appears deformed."

In the case of mechanical back pain, regular exercises that slowly improve flexibility, posture and strengthen core muscles can help ease the pain.

"Physical measures such as massage and heat therapy - using warm packs on muscles - can help 'loosen joints' and relax tightened muscles," advised Dr Goh.

But if these methods don't work, then surgery - often seen as a last resort - may be required, he added.