Acute low back pain or LBP is the most common type of back pain, causing more disability worldwide than any other condition. However, there are many types of back pain and many different causes.
If you’re experiencing a sore back, discovering more about the various kinds of back pain is the first step towards relief. Here are some common causes of back pain.
Types of Back Pain by Location
We mentioned lower back pain, but there is also upper and mid back pain.
Upper or middle back pain can occur anywhere along the base of your neck to the bottom of your rib cage. Common causes include pinched or injured nerves. Overuse or muscle strain to the discs, ligaments, or muscles that support your spine can cause this type of pain.
Other causes include poor posture, vertebrae fractures, osteoarthritis, myofascial pain, and a herniated disc. The right treatments can help you get to the root cause and treat mid back pain.
Lower back pain occurs around the lower back or the lumbar region. Symptoms and causes of back pain in this region include a stabbing sensation or a dull ache.
Pain in any area of the back can be acute and come on suddenly or be considered chronic, meaning it lasts more than three months.
Acute vs. Chronic Back Pain
Acute pain comes on suddenly, and it usually feels sharp. It might only last a moment, but acute pain can also last for weeks or longer.
Acute back pain is usually the result of sprains or strains. Damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause acute back pain. Common back injuries include pain after lifting heavy objects, especially with poor posture.
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for weeks or even months. It can last three to six months or more.
A number of issues can cause chronic back pain, making it a little more difficult to treat. A herniated disc, osteoarthritis, sciatica, compression fractures, and degenerative disc disease are just a few examples.
A chiropractic service can pinpoint the causes and help you with getting rid of back pain.
Inflammatory Pain
Excessive inflammation in your spinal joints can cause back pain.
One condition that can cause this is ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis. Common symptoms include reduced flexibility in the spine and a hunched posture.
Pain From Buttocks and Legs
Back pain that starts in your lower back area and then travels down your leg can be a sign of sciatica. You may also feel a tingling sensation or numbness when sitting.
Sciatica describes pain that moves along your sciatic nerve. When this nerve gets pinched or irritated, you may notice lower back pain.
Axial, Referred, or Radicular Pain
Radicular pain is also called sciatica. It can be caused by spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, or spondylolisthesis. This type of pain is electric or shock-like.
Axial pain or mechanical pain is soreness in one area. It can be sharp or dull, constant, or come and go.
Referred pain is an achy and dull type of soreness that can move around and vary in its intensity.
Find Relief From Pain
There are many causes and types of back pain, and the first step toward finding relief is to see your doctor or chiropractor. Once they have identified the cause, you can begin treatment.
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