Ovarian cysts, fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within an ovary, can be a source of lower back pain. While lower back pain is a common complaint with many potential origins, gynecological conditions can sometimes contribute. This article explores the connection between ovarian cysts and lower back pain, other associated symptoms, and when to seek medical evaluation.
How Ovarian Cysts Cause Lower Back Pain
Ovarian cysts can cause lower back pain through several mechanisms, primarily due to their size, location, or complications. A cyst that grows large enough can exert direct pressure on nerves and organs within the pelvic cavity, and this pressure can radiate pain to the lower back. This referred pain occurs because the internal reproductive organs and the lower back share nerve pathways, causing the brain to interpret pain from the pelvis as originating in the back.
Complications such as a ruptured cyst can lead to sudden, severe pain that may include the lower back. When a cyst ruptures, its contents spill into the pelvic cavity, causing irritation and inflammation that can be felt as sharp pain in the abdomen and back. Ovarian torsion, a serious complication, involves the twisting of the ovary and sometimes the fallopian tube around its blood supply. This twisting can cause intense, acute pain that often radiates to the back, alongside nausea and vomiting, due to the interruption of blood flow.
Other Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
While lower back pain can be a symptom, ovarian cysts often present with a range of other indications. Many small cysts may not cause any symptoms at all, or they might cause only mild discomfort. Larger cysts commonly lead to pelvic pain, which can manifest as a dull ache or a sharp sensation in the lower abdomen, often on one side.
Individuals may also experience a feeling of fullness, pressure, or bloating in the abdomen. Other symptoms include pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) and painful or irregular menstrual periods. A cyst pressing on nearby structures can also lead to difficulty with bowel movements, frequent urination, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Nausea and vomiting may also occur, particularly if the cyst twists or ruptures.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or unexplained lower back pain, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms that could indicate an ovarian cyst. Immediate medical attention is warranted for sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, which could signal a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion.
If pain is accompanied by fever, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or rapid breathing, seek emergency care. These symptoms may suggest a serious complication such as internal bleeding or infection.
Diagnosing and Treating Ovarian Cysts
Diagnosing an ovarian cyst typically begins with a physical examination, where a healthcare provider may feel for any lumps or changes in the pelvis. Imaging tests are commonly used to confirm the presence of a cyst and assess its characteristics. An ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of pelvic organs, is often the first-line imaging test to determine the cyst’s location, size, and whether it is fluid-filled or solid. For a more detailed view or if there are concerns about the cyst’s nature, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be utilized.
Blood tests, such as a CA-125 test, may be ordered, particularly if there is a concern for malignancy, especially in postmenopausal individuals. Elevated CA-125 levels can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions. Treatment approaches depend on factors such as the cyst’s size, symptoms, and appearance. Many functional cysts, which are the most common type, are benign and resolve on their own within a few menstrual cycles, often managed with watchful waiting and follow-up ultrasounds.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used. Hormonal birth control may prevent new cysts but does not shrink existing ones. If a cyst is large, persistent, causing significant symptoms, or appears suspicious, surgical removal may be recommended. This can be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery through small incisions or, for larger or complex cysts, via a laparotomy, which involves a larger incision.