Total Health Hip, pelvic and lower back pain are extremely common in women. These symptoms can arise from a wide range of causes — some related to joints and muscles, others to hormones, nerves, bone health or even internal organs.
While many conditions affect both men and women, certain anatomical and hormonal differences mean women may experience these issues more frequently or differently across life stages.
Below is a breakdown of the most common contributing factors.
Common Causes of Hip Pain in Women
1. Joint-Related Causes
Osteoarthritis
Wear-and-tear of the hip joint cartilage.
More common after age 50.
Causes stiffness, especially in the morning
Often felt as deep groin pain
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune condition that inflames joints.
Can affect both hips.
Often includes fatigue
May involve swelling in other joints
2. Muscle, Tendon & Bursa Problems
Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis)
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac on the outer hip.
Sharp pain on the outside of the hip
Often worse when lying on that side
Tendonitis
Inflamed hip tendons from overuse, such as running, stair climbing or workouts.
Muscle Strain
Pulled groin, glute or hip flexor muscles — common with exercise or sudden movement.
3. Structural & Alignment Issues
Hip Labral Tear
Damage to the cartilage ring around the hip socket.
Clicking, locking or catching sensation
Deep hip pain
Hip Impingement (FAI)
When hip bones rub abnormally.
Often affects younger, active women.
Leg Length Differences or Pelvic Misalignment
May gradually increase hip strain over time.
4. Bone Conditions
Osteoporosis
More common after menopause due to lower oestrogen levels.
Can increase fracture risk
May lead to stress fractures in the hip
Stress Fracture
A tiny crack in the bone, often from overuse or reduced bone density.
Deep pain that worsens with weight-bearing
5. Nerve-Related Causes
Sciatica
Pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, often originating in the lower back.
Pain may radiate down the leg
May include numbness or tingling
Meralgia Paresthetica
Compression of a nerve supplying the outer thigh.
Burning or tingling on the outer thigh
6. Hormonal & Female-Specific Factors
Pregnancy
The hormone relaxin loosens ligaments to prepare for birth.
Reduced joint stability
Pelvic girdle pain is common
Endometriosis
Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and may irritate nearby nerves.
Often linked with painful periods
May contribute to hip or pelvic pain
Why Lower Back Pain Is So Common in Women
Lower back pain in women is also very common. Causes may involve muscles, joints, discs, nerves, hormones or internal organs.
Some causes are shared across genders, while others are more strongly influenced by female anatomy and hormonal changes.
1. Muscle & Ligament Strain (Most Common)
Often triggered by:
Sudden awkward movement
Weak core muscles
Pain is typically dull or achy and often worsens with movement.
2. Disc Problems
Herniated or Bulging Disc
Occurs when a spinal disc presses on a nearby nerve.
Sharp pain
Pain radiating down the leg (sciatica)
Numbness or tingling
Commonly affects the lower lumbar spine.
3. Arthritis of the Spine
Osteoarthritis
Wear-and-tear arthritis affecting spinal joints.
Stiffness
Worse in the morning or after inactivity
Ankylosing Spondylitis
An inflammatory form of arthritis, now recognised as more common in younger women than previously thought.
Morning stiffness
Often improves with movement
4. Hormonal & Female-Specific Causes
Menstrual-Related Back Pain
Prostaglandins cause uterine contractions that can radiate into the lower back.
Pregnancy
Relaxin loosens ligaments
Increased body weight places additional strain on the spine
Shift in centre of gravity changes load distribution
Endometriosis
Chronic lower back pain
Often worse during periods
May include pelvic pain
Uterine Fibroids
Can cause pressure-related lower back discomfort.
Why Women Experience Back Pain Differently
Low back pain in women is influenced by a combination of biological, hormonal, structural, lifestyle and psychosocial factors.
1. Hormonal Influences
Oestrogen Fluctuations
Affect ligament laxity and joint stability
Pain may worsen before or during menstruation
Lower oestrogen after menopause increases risk of disc degeneration and bone loss
Relaxin (Pregnancy Hormone)
Loosens pelvic ligaments
Reduces spinal stability
Increases mechanical strain on the lower back
2. Anatomical & Biomechanical Differences
Wider pelvis alters spinal alignment
Greater lumbar curvature (lordosis)
Differences in hip structure affect load distribution
Lower average muscle mass compared to men
These differences influence how force travels through the spine and pelvis.
3. Core & Pelvic Floor Strength
Weak abdominal muscles
Diastasis recti (post-pregnancy abdominal separation)
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Reduced core stability increases strain on lumbar structures.
Prevention Strategies for Low Back Pain in Women
Prevention focuses on core stability, posture, bone health, hormonal awareness and daily movement habits. Because women experience additional influences such as pregnancy, menopause and pelvic floor changes, prevention strategies may need to be tailored.
Below are practical, realistic approaches.
Improve Posture & Ergonomics
Sitting
Hips slightly higher than knees
Feet flat on the floor
Standing
Avoid locking knees
Keep ribs stacked over pelvis
Workstation Setup
Screen at eye level
Avoid prolonged static positions
Stand or stretch every 30–60 minutes
Wear Supportive Footwear
High heels increase lumbar arch and spinal compression.
If wearing heels:
Limit duration
Alternate with supportive footwear
Support Core Strength
Gradual strengthening of abdominal and glute muscles
Pelvic floor rehabilitation if needed
Individualised exercise programs
Pain reduction is often most effective when movement, strength and stability are addressed together.
Reduce Stress & Improve Sleep
Chronic stress can increase muscle tension and pain sensitivity.
Helpful habits may include:
Where Chiropractic Care May Fit
Chiropractic care may be one strategy for managing mechanical (movement-related) low back pain. Its role depends on the underlying cause, your health history and your goals.
Chiropractors focus on the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system. Care may include:
Spinal manipulation (adjustments)
Joint mobilisation
Soft tissue therapy
Exercise prescription
Postural correction
Ergonomic advice
Spinal manipulation may:
Improve joint mobility
Reduce muscle guarding
Stimulate nervous system responses that decrease pain
Improve movement patterns
For many people, outcomes are optimised when hands-on care is combined with strengthening and active rehabilitation.
If hip, pelvic or lower back pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, further assessment may be appropriate to determine the underlying cause.
Early understanding of contributing factors — including hormonal, structural and lifestyle influences — can make a meaningful difference in long-term spinal and pelvic health.