Fibroids and Back Pain Are They Connected

If you have been diagnosed with fibroids, you are likely familiar with symptoms like heavy periods and chronic pelvic pain. However, another common symptom is back pain from fibroids

Fibroids are not always painful, but their size, growth rate, and location can cause pain in different body parts. For example, fibroids are commonly linked to lower back pain because they can press against muscles and nerves in the lower back, causing discomfort.

Understanding the connection between fibroids and back pain is crucial for managing symptoms and finding the proper treatment. 

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY

Do Fibroids Cause Back Pain?

The size and location of fibroids are pivotal in the types of pain women with this condition may experience. Fibroids, especially large ones, can exert pressure on neighboring nerves, muscles, and organs like the lower back and pelvis. This pressure can evolve into inflammation and pain.

What Does Fibroid Back Pain Feel Like?

Fibroid back pain can present in different ways, but it is often a dull or achy pain in the lower back reminiscent of a strained muscle accompanied by persistent stiffness that seems never-ending. This pain can intensify after prolonged periods of sitting or standing and may also cause muscle spasms. 

Specifically, women with fibroid lower back pain might struggle to stand up straight or walk, experiencing limited mobility and general weakness in the lower back. 

How Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Back Pain?

How Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Back Pain

There are five types of fibroids, but when it comes to back pain, the primary fibroid type typically causing these issues is subserosal fibroids. However, intramural fibroids can also cause back pain, especially if they are a large fundal, anterior, or posterior uterine fibroid. These fibroids have the potential to cause back pain in several ways: 

Placing Pressure on Organs and Nerves

One of the ways fibroids cause back pain is by placing pressure on surrounding organs and nerves. Subserosal fibroids grow outside the uterus and sometimes develop a stalk connecting them to the muscle walls, known as pedunculated fibroids. These fibroids take up space in the pelvic cavity and can press against other organs or nerves, exerting pressure on the spine. Aside from back pain, this pressure can lead to additional symptoms such as constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Intramural fibroids expand the uterus, pressing against surrounding organs and tissues, including lower back muscles and nerves. 

Causing Diffuse Pain and Sciatica

Subserosal fibroids may lead to diffuse pain, which includes conditions such as sciatica. Diffuse pain is widespread and not localized to one area of the body. This common symptom causes fibroid back pain as it places pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing back pain radiating into the hips, buttocks, and legs. 

Inflammation and Hormonal Imbalance

Fibroids can cause hormonal imbalances, increasing inflammation and pain throughout the body, including the back. This inflammation can exacerbate pain and contribute to the overall discomfort experienced by women with fibroids.

The Impact of Fibroids and Back Pain

Back pain from fibroids can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. The larger the fibroid, the more likely it is to press against the muscles and nerves of the lower back. This pressure then leads to chronic pain and discomfort that can prevent women from enjoying everyday activities. Additionally, pressure from fibroids on the bladder or rectum can cause urinary frequency, urgency, and difficulty with bowel movements.

If you suspect fibroids might be causing your back pain, consult a fibroid specialist from USA Fibroid Centers. Our specialists can provide the necessary support and guidance for the best treatment options.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

Differentiating Fibroid Back Pain from Other Causes

Differentiating Fibroid Back Pain from Other Causes

Back pain can arise from various conditions, many of which are unrelated to fibroids. However, given the prevalence of fibroids, it is still essential to consider them as a potential cause, especially if you exhibit other fibroid-related symptoms

Back pain can originate from numerous sources, including:

  • Strains or sprains from overuse or sudden movements
  • Poor posture 
  • Inflammation in the joints from arthritis
  • Herniated discs 
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Sciatica
  • Excess weight from conditions such as obesity

Some other symptoms, however, can point to fibroids being the potential cause. These include localized pain in the hips and legs, worsening back pain during menstruation, and noticeable lower back pain during ovulation

Our fibroid symptom checker can help determine whether your symptoms may be fibroids. If you are unsure,  you can consult one of our healthcare professionals who specializes in fibroid diagnosis and care.

FREE SYMPTOM CHECKER

How to Figure Out if Fibroids are Causing Back Pain

The first step in determining if you have fibroid back pain is consulting a fibroid specialist, also known as an interventional radiologist. They can perform a physical examination, such as a pelvic exam, noting your medical history and symptoms. 

During a routine pelvic exam, your doctor can look for other fibroid symptoms, such as an enlarged uterus. Your doctor may order ultrasounds or MRIs for further examination. Ultrasounds use sound waves to create uterine images to detect fibroids’ presence, size, and general location.

Another method of detecting fibroids is through an MRI. MRIs provide more detailed images using magnetic fields and radio waves and show the size and exact location of the fibroids in comparison to other organs. They also can identify fibroids that might not be visible on an ultrasound and are helpful for fibroid mapping.

Managing Back Pain from Fibroids

Managing Back Pain from Fibroids

Fibroids and back pain may negatively impact daily life, but it is possible to manage them while awaiting treatment. Managing this pain involves a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and alternative therapies. 

Some ways you can manage back pain from fibroids include:

  • Over-the-counter pain medications including Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen 
  • A heating pad on your lower back for 15-20 minutes can soothe muscle tension and ease pain.
  • Stress management through deep breathing, meditation, and visualization can help your body relax and manage discomfort.
  • Physical therapy and exercise.

If you have fibroid back pain, the best way to manage the pain is through fibroid treatment, such as uterine fibroid embolization.

Relieve Back Pain with Fibroid Treatment

If you are looking for fibroid back pain relief, many options exist, from non-surgical to surgical interventions. 

Surgical options like myomectomy and hysterectomy are more invasive fibroid treatments. Myomectomy is a removal procedure suitable for women with a small or limited number of fibroids. A myomectomy’s invasiveness and recovery time can vary depending on the procedure.

Hysterectomy, which can be partial or total, consists of removing the uterus and sometimes the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, resulting in infertility and a longer recovery period.

However, another alternative is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This minimally invasive procedure blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It’s performed under local anesthesia and typically requires a short recovery time.

Get UFE Treatment with USA Fibroid Centers

If you are suffering from fibroid back pain, USA Fibroid Centers can help. Scheduling a consultation with our fibroid specialists allows you to discuss your symptoms and the best treatment for your fibroids. 

Contact us today by calling 855.615.2555 or through our online scheduling tool to make your appointment. 

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU