When Your Back Says "Enough": A Conversation for Every Woman

Sue here…..

Lately, I've been experiencing back pain.

Not the kind that disappears after a good night's sleep or a gentle stretch. The kind that makes you think twice before bending over, getting out of bed, carrying groceries, or even planning a walk with a friend.

It has made me wonder...

How many other women are quietly living with back pain too?

As women, we often become experts at pushing through discomfort. We take care of everyone else. We keep working, cooking, cleaning, traveling, exercising, volunteering, and showing up for life. Sometimes we become so accustomed to ignoring our own aches that we don't realize how much they've slowly become part of our daily experience.

The truth is—we are not alone.

*Sitting is very challenging for a healthy spine*

Back Pain Is Incredibly Common

Research shows that nearly 8 out of 10 adults will experience significant back pain during their lifetime. Women, particularly after age 50, are more likely than men to experience chronic low back pain.

As we move through menopause and beyond, several factors can contribute:

Natural age-related changes in our spine
Decreased muscle mass and strength
Hormonal changes that affect connective tissues
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis and spinal compression fractures
Degenerative disc changes
Previous injuries that begin to surface years later
Joint hypermobility in some women
Years of repetitive movements, caregiving, lifting children, or sitting at a desk
Compensation patterns that create instability

Sometimes there is a clear diagnosis.

Sometimes imaging doesn't explain the amount of pain we feel.

And sometimes it seems to arrive without warning.

*Restorative spinal twist can bring vitality*

I know mine did.

Looking back, I realize my back had been trying to get my attention for quite some time. There were little warning signs—a slight ache here, a twinge there—but nothing that seemed serious enough to slow me down. Until one day, it did.

I was doing all the "right" things. I exercised regularly, kept my body strong, and made movement a priority. But sometimes, even when we take good care of ourselves, life has other plans.

I had been traveling for several weeks, hauling a 50-pound suitcase in and out of cars, up and down stairs, through airports, and lifting and carrying far more than my body was prepared for. Then one morning, while doing the simplest everyday task, something gave way. A sharp pain shot through my back, and I dropped to my knees.

That was in late May, and I'm still navigating daily pain.

One thing I've learned is this: severe back pain is nearly impossible to ignore. It has a way of stopping you in your tracks, forcing you to slow down, pay attention, and listen to what your body has been trying to tell you all along.

What Can Help?

Every woman's situation is unique, but many women find relief through a combination of approaches:

Gentle movement rather than prolonged rest
Yoga adapted for their individual body
Walking
Core and hip strengthening
Breathwork to calm the nervous system
Good sleep
Anti-inflammatory nutrition
Stress reduction
Physical therapy when appropriate
Massage or other supportive bodywork
Patience and consistency

Movement doesn't have to be intense.

In fact, some of the greatest healing comes from moving with awareness instead of pushing harder.

*Gentle stretching to hips and lower back*

A Different Kind of Strength

As women, we often measure strength by what we can accomplish.

How much we can lift.

How much we can do.

How much we can endure.

But perhaps there is another kind of strength.

The strength to slow down.

The strength to receive help.

The strength to listen.

The strength to honor what our body needs instead of fighting it.

That kind of strength grows wisdom.

If You're Hurting Too...

If you're reading this while dealing with back pain, I want you to know something.

You are not weak.

You are not broken.

You are not alone.

Your body has carried you through decades of life. It has adapted through pregnancies, careers, caregiving, stress, loss, joy, menopause, and countless ordinary days.

It is still doing everything it can to support you.

Treat it with kindness.

Speak to it gently.

Move it with love.

Trust that healing is possible, even if it unfolds more slowly than you'd like.

And remember, sometimes the first step toward healing isn't finding the perfect exercise.

It's believing that your body is worthy of your patience, your compassion, and your care.

May we all learn to trust the incredible wisdom within our own bodies—one gentle step at a time.

Watch for my follow up story next time!

As always, Chris & Sue

Have you experienced back pain? We'd love to hear what has helped you. Share your story in the comments or join us at an upcoming Wise Women's Wellness workshop, where we explore gentle movement, breath, and self-care practices that support healthy spines."