Many women experience lower abdominal pain at some point, which can sometimes extend to the lower back. This occurs because the nerves supplying the pelvic organs—such as the uterus, ovaries, bladder, and intestines—share spinal connections with the lower back. Conditions like menstrual cramps, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids can trigger this “referred pain.”
Non-gynaecological causes, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, early appendicitis, or musculoskeletal problems, may also cause similar symptoms. Pain may start as mild discomfort or menstrual-like cramps but can progress to sharp, persistent, or severe sensations affecting daily life.
Doctors recommend consulting a healthcare professional if the pain is severe, persistent, accompanied by fever, abnormal bleeding, urinary problems, nausea, vomiting, or occurs during pregnancy. Early evaluation, imaging, or lab tests can help identify the cause and ensure timely treatment. Understanding the link between abdominal and back pain empowers women to respond early rather than dismiss symptoms as “normal.”
