Understanding Women’s Unique Spine & Pelvic Health Needs
Women experience spine and pelvic conditions differently from men due to a combination of anatomy, hormones, and life-stage changes. These factors influence how forces are distributed through the lower back and pelvis, making certain conditions—especially low back and pelvic pain—more common in women across all ages.
One key structure in female spine health is the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis and plays a central role in load transfer during standing, walking, and daily movement. Women are more likely to develop SI joint–related pain because:
- The SI joint tends to be more mobile in women, placing greater demand on surrounding ligaments
- Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum increase ligament flexibility, which can reduce joint stability
- Wider pelvic anatomy and shallower joint surfaces increase mechanical stress during routine activities
Together, these factors make female spine and pelvic health a distinct area of care—one where experience and specialized understanding matter.
Common Spine & Pelvic Conditions in Women
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
SI joint dysfunction accounts for up to 25% of chronic low back pain in adults, and women are disproportionately affected.
Common symptoms may include:
- Pain in the low back, buttock, groin, or hip
- Discomfort made worse by sitting, walking, or standing too long
- Pain that radiates into the leg, sometimes mimicking sciatica
Because SI joint pain can resemble other spine conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Pelvic Pain
During pregnancy, hormonal changes increase SI joint mobility while the growing uterus shifts posture and center of gravity. Labor and delivery further stress the pelvic joints and ligaments.
These changes may lead to:
- Lower back and pelvic pain
- Joint stiffness or feelings of instability
- Difficulty with walking, standing, or transitional movements
While many women improve postpartum, some experience persistent symptoms that benefit from targeted care.
Sacroiliitis
Sacroiliitis refers to inflammation of one or both SI joints. It can cause pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg and may worsen with prolonged standing or weight-bearing.
Studies suggest that up to one quarter of patients with low back pain may have pain originating from the SI joint, underscoring the importance of proper evaluation.
Pelvic Girdle Instability
Excessive joint laxity—most commonly during or after pregnancy—can result in pelvic girdle instability. Symptoms may include:
- Pain when rolling in bed
- Discomfort with stairs or single-leg activities
- Limited mobility or confidence with movement
Early recognition and treatment can help restore stability and function.
Female Spine Health: Treatment Options
At Sano, care begins with education, prevention, and conservative treatment—always with a focus on long-term spine health.
- Physical therapy is often the first-line treatment for SI joint dysfunction and pelvic instability, emphasizing strength, stability, and movement mechanics
- Lifestyle and preventive strategies, including posture guidance and supportive sitting or sleep positioning, may reduce daily strain
For patients whose symptoms persist despite conservative care, advanced options may be considered. These can include image-guided injections, radiofrequency ablation, or—when appropriate—modern, ultra-minimally invasive spine procedures designed to reduce tissue disruption and recovery time.
Championing Female Spine Health
Women deserve spine care that recognizes how biology, life stages, and anatomy influence pain and healing.
At Sano, female spine health is supported by dedicated expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery and a deep understanding of women’s spine and pelvic conditions. This approach is grounded in:
- Thoughtful, collaborative diagnosis
- Empowerment through education
- Conservative care whenever possible
- Modern, minimally invasive solutions when surgery is needed
Our goal is simple: help women feel understood, supported, and confident as they move toward lasting spine health. Our female spine surgeon brings advanced expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery and a deep understanding of women’s spine and pelvic health. Her leadership helps ensure women feel seen, supported, and confident in their journey to better spine health.
MEET DR. STEPHANIE DE VERE
SPINE SURGEON
Dr. Stephanie de Vere is a board-certified, dual fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon practicing at Sano Specialty Care. She provides comprehensive spine care, from cervical to lumbar pathology, including revisions. Her level of training across both orthopedic spine surgery and neurosurgery makes her a highly regarded leader in the field of spine care.
“Dr. DeVere is absolutely amazing. She treats you with dignity. She includes you in your care plan. She gives you concise and clear direction on your diagnosis and the options for your treatment. She knows how to read a room and she knows how to read her patience. She makes you feel like you are a priority and that you were her only patient that day. She is kind and honest. And she’s a really good surgeon. I’ve never found a doctor like Stephanie DeVere. She really takes the time to listen to you and understand where you are at in your life and where you are at with your injury. She never discounts you. She never talks down to you. I wish she was a PCP so I could see her on the regular.”
