Symptoms
Can endometriosis cause lower back pain?
The short answer
Yes, endometriosis can cause lower back pain. Inflammation and scarring from endometriosis can irritate tissues and nerves in the back of the pelvis, or cause referred pain, where the source is pelvic but the pain is felt in your lower back.
Yes, endometriosis can absolutely cause lower back pain. Inflammation from endometriosis lesions, along with scarring (adhesions), can irritate tissues and nerves at the back of the pelvis, causing pain that’s felt in the low back.
Back pain can also be referred, meaning it starts in the pelvis but is felt in your back. Many patients notice it flares around their period or with certain movements, prolonged standing, or activities that put tension on pelvic structures. If your low back pain is cyclic, persistent, or occurs alongside other pelvic symptoms, our team can help evaluate whether endometriosis or another pelvic condition could be contributing and discuss next steps, including whether excision surgery may be appropriate.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Compare
Symptoms it can relate to
Speak with Us
Back Pain and Endometriosis?
Lower back pain can signal endometriosis, especially if it’s cyclic or linked to pelvic symptoms. Our specialists understand these connections and can help pinpoint the cause to guide your treatment options.
Questions people ask next
All symptoms questionsWhy do I get low back and leg pain during my period?
Low back and leg pain during your period can happen when pelvic inflammation irritates pain pathways that send pain into your back and legs. In some patients, endometriosis can play a role, but pain can also come from the spine, hips, or muscles.
Can endometriosis cause sciatica or leg pain?
Yes, endometriosis can cause sciatica-like symptoms and leg pain in some patients by growing in or near the sciatic nerve or causing inflammation and scarring that create nerve pressure. Pain may worsen before or during a period, but it doesn’t have to be cyclical.
Can adenomyosis cause back pain?
Yes, adenomyosis can cause back pain, especially low back or sacral aching that flares with your cycle. The uterus can become enlarged and tender, and deep pelvic pain can spread into the back, often alongside heavy bleeding, severe cramping or pelvic pressure.
Will hormonal birth control relieve endometriosis back pain?
Hormonal birth control can lessen back pain when it’s driven by the menstrual cycle, by suppressing ovulation and bleeding. It doesn’t remove endometriosis lesions and may not be enough if adenomyosis or deeper disease is contributing to your symptoms.
Further reading
Different Types of Endometriosis Pain and What Helps
Learn how endometriosis pain can feel, what may drive each pattern, and which assessment and treatment options to discuss with your doctor.
What Else Could It Be? Ruling Out Other Causes
Explore essential insights on endometriosis and other causes of pelvic pain. Learn about differential diagnoses and effective treatment options.
How to Recognize Endometriosis Symptoms
Recognize endometriosis: painful periods, GI and urinary symptoms, dyspareunia, infertility. Understand causes, complications, diagnosis, and medical/surgical treatment options.
