This article is part of our Back Pain series at Warwick Chiropractic & Massage in Lacey, WA. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
Women with Back Pain… The Silent Majority? Part 1
As humans, we tend to find that our spines endure heavier loads than most of our four legged friends. This extra burden means that we experience degeneration in our discs earlier in life in comparison to other animals. Moreover, most of us also have a leg that’s slightly shorter than the other meaning our pelvis is constantly under pressure. But it’s women who tend to suffer the most, and we see many more women with back pain at our Lacey chiropractic office than men.
Why is this?
Primarily, women have a wider pelvis for child bearing reasons. This means they have what’s known as a greater Q angle than men. Simply put, the greater this Q angle, the less table the pelvis is. A good analogy is to imagine a card table with the legs folded in and it becomes unsteady. This puts pressure on the back to counter the instability.
A second factor with women with back pain is of course their anatomy. And this is particularly prevalent in women with larger breast sizes as this puts pressure on the mid back as well as the neck and lower back. A high quality support bra can really help with this, or to the extreme, breast reduction surgery can also be an option.
Another factor is the woman’s physiology, a woman experiences many varying levels of hormones and the like throughout her life, which has a significant impact on her physical structure. For example, during adolescence, growth spurts are commom and idiopathic scoliosis or spine curvature are prone to occur. Treatment can be in the form of wait and watch to see what happens, or manual therapies may be applied to correct posture, such as heel lifts for a short leg, head exercises for forward head carriage and even back bracing in more extreme circumstances.
Why Women Are More Vulnerable to Back Pain
Several factors make women more susceptible to chronic back pain than men — and many of them are hormonal or structural in nature.
Hormonal changes play a significant role. During menstruation, the hormone relaxin causes ligaments throughout the body to loosen, which can reduce spinal stability and increase the likelihood of joint irritation. During pregnancy, the same hormone — combined with a shifting center of gravity – places enormous strain on the lower back and pelvis. And during menopause, declining oestrogen levels accelerate bone density loss, increasing the risk of compression fractures and degenerative disc disease.
Postural demands are another factor. Women who spend long hours sitting at a desk, wearing unsupportive footwear, or carrying young children on one hip are putting asymmetrical loads on their spine day after day. Over time, these habits create muscular imbalances that the spine has to compensate for.
Osteoporosis affects women far more than men – particularly after menopause. As bone density decreases, the vertebrae become more vulnerable to fracture and compression, which is a leading cause of the stooped posture many older women develop.
What You Can Do
The good news is that chiropractic care addresses many of the underlying mechanical causes of back pain in women very effectively. Regular adjustments help restore proper spinal alignment, reduce joint irritation, and keep the supporting muscles working as they should.
At Warwick Chiropractic in Lacey, we have extensive experience working with women at all stages of life — from young athletes to new mothers to post-menopausal patients. Dr. Warwick takes the time to understand each patient’s specific situation and adapts care accordingly.
If back pain has been a recurring issue for you, don’t accept it as normal. Walk in to see us in Lacey – Monday through Thursday 9am to 6pm, Friday 9am to 1pm. Most patients are seen within 10-15 minutes of walking through the door.
Dr David Warwick, your Lacey chiropractor is well versed in women with back pain and has helped many to relieve their pain. You can contact him on 360 951 4504 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Dr. David Warwick, DC, is a board-certified chiropractor with over two decades of experience helping people find fast, effective relief from back and neck pain. He is the only chiropractor in Lacey, WA certified in the Zone Technique — a specialized healing method that restores balance to the body’s six systems for long-term wellness.
At Warwick Chiropractic & Massage, Dr. Warwick focuses on short-term, results-driven care, helping patients return to life without unnecessary long-term treatment plans. His clinic welcomes walk-ins and offers convenient online scheduling for modern, flexible chiropractic care.
Dr. Warwick is committed to educating his patients and the public about natural pain relief, spinal health, and how chiropractic care can be both simple and life-changing.
