The Different Types of Back Pain: A Simple Guide

Up to 80% of the population will experience back pain in their lives at some point. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons for doctor’s visits!

As far as symptoms go, it depends on the type of back pain. For example, ruptured discs tend to be more painful than a pulled muscle or ligament.

Are you interested in learning more about the different types of back pain? Want to know what some of the most common causes are? If so, you’re on the right page.

We’ll be going over everything that you need to know in this post so be sure to keep reading!

1. Flexion Dominant Back Pain

Flexion dominant back pain is often caused by a disc injury. Generally speaking, symptoms are made worse by bending, lifting, or sitting.

In some cases, it can also progress to leg weakness and pain. Not only that, but it can lead to a tingling or numbing sensation if left untreated.

2. Inflammatory Back Pain

Excessive inflammation in the spinal joints can cause inflammatory back pain. For example, it can be due to ankylosing spondylitis, a rare type of arthritis that affects the spine.

Aside from pain, it can also cause back stiffness, which may worsen with immobility, especially in the early morning and at night. Fortunately, NSAIDs are effective at relieving symptoms.

3. Chronic Back Pain

A number of chronic conditions can cause back pain such as spinal stenosis, myofascial pain syndrome, and osteoarthritis. The location of the pain will also differ depending on the cause.

For example, spinal stenosis tends to affect the neck and lower back regions. In contrast, those with osteoarthritis may experience pain at any one of the spinal joints.

4. Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain is pain that occurs above the lumbar region of the spine. A number of factors can increase an individual’s risk including weight gain, pregnancy, smoking, and lack of physical activity.

Seek medical attention right away if it’s accompanied by unusual symptoms such as chills, dizziness, or fever as it may indicate a more serious problem.

For example, kidney infections or cysts can cause pain in your middle back, underneath the ribs.

What to Do If You Have Back Pain

Over-the-counter pain medications such as NSAIDs may help with the pain. Consider seeing a doctor if symptoms persist; they’ll be able to diagnose and treat the underlying problem.

Alternatively, you can visit a chiropractor—they’re doctors of chiropractic care that specialize in spinal manipulation and mobilization.

Understanding the Different Types of Back Pain

And there we have it—a simple guide on the different types of back pain. As you can see, it can be due to a number of reasons from disc injuries to arthritis. When in doubt, talk with your doctor!

For more content like this, be sure to check out the rest of our health section!