No matter the age, back pain has become the most common problem among people of all ages. Whether you are a 20-year-old student or in your 60s, you must have experienced back pain, making you uncomfortable and uneasy. While back pain is a common problem, it has different types, causes and treatment options varying on the condition and age.
A recent report suggests that there will be a significant increase of 36.4% in low back pain cases, with Africa and Asia being the most affected locations. Globally, in 2020, around 619 million people suffered from back pain, while post-COVID, this number is expected to rise to 843 million people.
As you already know the difficulties that come with back pain, you should understand the many types of back pain and the factors that might play a considerable role in increasing the pain and making it a condition.
Let's discuss some of the most common types of back pain and their cases.
Understanding Different Types of Back Pain, Symptoms and Causes
Back pain is common and can vary from discomfort to unbearable pain. It can be a sign of a hidden health issue. Comprehending the types and causes is crucial for treatment and prevention.
1. Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain usually occurs around the back neck, and discomfort exists between the shoulder blades and the bottom of the neck. While there are several reasons to experience upper back pain, some of the most potential reasons are-
Muscle strain
This is the most typical reason, usually arising from poor posture, repetitive motions like typing or lifting overhead, or just sleeping in an awkward position and waking up with back pain that improves in a few hours or a day.
Thoracic spine issues
The spine is a long, flexible queue of bones that protects the spinal cord and consists of three sections: cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine. The thoracic spine is the most extended section, and it starts from the base of the neck and ends at the end of the ribs.
It comprises 12 vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and have disks between them that provide cushioning and flexibility. The thoracic spine is encircled by muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments that assist with movement and flexibility. Inflammation or stiffness in the facet joints of the thoracic spine can lead to upper back pain.
Other causes
Upper back pain can occur due to a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, carrying a heavy backpack, and certain medical conditions such as lung infections or heartburn.
Symptoms of upper back pain:
Aching or tightness in the upper back muscles
Pain between the shoulder blades
Difficulty taking a deep breath
Headaches
2. Middle Back Pain
Middle back pain, a discomfort between the shoulder blades and middle back, can make your daily activities difficult and leave you feeling frustrated. Unlike lower back pain, which is more common, mid-back pain often develops from problems in the thoracic spine. As mentioned above, the thoracic spine is the region of your spine located beneath your neck and above your ribcage. It plays a major role in supporting your upper body and facilitating movement.
What Triggers Mid Back Pain?
Several factors can aggravate or injure your thoracic spine's nerves, muscles, ligaments, and discs, leading to mid-back pain. Let's discuss a few-
Disc Herniation: When the soft cushion between vertebrae (intervertebral disc) bulges or ruptures, it can press on nerves in the mid-back region, causing pain.
Facet Joint Arthritis is wear and tear in the facet joints, which stabilize the spine during movement and can lead to inflammation and pain. These joints are present throughout the spine, including the thoracic region.
Muscle Strain: Poor posture, repetitive motions like heavy lifting or prolonged sitting, and awkward sleeping positions can strain the muscles in your mid back, leading to pain and tightness.
Other Causes: While less frequent, factors like stress, anxiety, and referred pain from organs like the pancreas or gallbladder can also contribute to mid-back pain.
Symptoms of middle back pain -
Radiating Pain: The discomfort might radiate to the ribs, mimicking chest pain, which can be concerning.
Difficulty Breathing: Pain or tightness in the mid back can make it challenging to take a deep breath and may cause discomfort when inhaling.
Reduced Mobility: Muscle strain or inflammation can limit your ability to twist, bend, or turn your torso comfortably.
3. Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common issues affecting millions of people around the world despite their age. According to a study executed in 2020, lower back pain is the most understood cause of work absence and disability worldwide.
While injuries are a frequent cause of lower back pain, it can also result from various medical conditions. This type of back pain is the most prevalent, affecting most of the population.
What triggers lower back pain?
Muscle strain/sprain: Lifting weighty objects, poor posture while sitting, typing or standing for extended periods, and sudden activities can strain ligaments or muscles in the lower back.
Sciatica: This radiating pain down the leg is generated by compression of the sciatic nerve, which stems from the lower back.
Degenerative disc disease: Over time, discs in the spine can lose their flexibility and height, causing pain and stiffness in the lower back.
Other causes: Facet joint arthritis, spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing), and improper bone development (spondylolisthesis) are potential causes.
Symptoms of lower back pain:
Ache or sharp pain in the lower back.
Pain coming down one or both legs (sciatica)
Numbness or tingling in the legs
Weakness in the legs
Difficulty standing or walking
4. Other Types of Back Pain
Coccydynia- Pain in the tailbone area, often caused by a fall or prolonged sitting on a hard surface.
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing the spinal canal can cram nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
Referred pain: Pain in the back can sometimes originate from other organs, like the kidneys or pancreas.
Treatment Options for Back Pain
Back pain is an everyday problem. But don't worry—there are ways to manage it. Let's understand the available treatment options for your back-
Self-Care Strategies
Your daily routine makes a huge impact based on back pain management. Here are essential self-care strategies to consider:
Rest: Avoiding complete lethargy while recovering for extended periods is vital. Gentle movements, such as walking or mild stretches, can promote healing and prevent stiffness.
Heat/Ice Therapy: Strategic temperature application can be highly advantageous depending on the pain level. Heat therapy helps loosen tight muscles, while ice therapy lessens inflammation in the acute stage.
Pain Medication: Some over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation. However, follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a doctor if you use them for prolonged periods.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Gentle stretches can improve flexibility and range of motion. Strengthening exercises, especially for core muscles, can support the spine, improve posture, and reduce strain. Prioritize proper form to avoid injury. Talk to a professional before starting a workout routine, especially if you have limitations or pre-existing conditions. They can design a personalized program and ensure safety.
Medical Treatment Options
While back pain can be temporary, some conditions need medication and professional help. Here are the treatment options to consider-
Physical Therapy: Also known as physiotherapy, physical therapies reduce pain, treat back alignment, and restore functioning. A therapist can create a personalized program to improve flexibility, core strength, posture, and balance. This program reduces pain and helps prevent future problems by strengthening the muscles and improving core stability.
Prescription Medications: When self-care steps fail to treat severe pain, a doctor might prescribe more powerful pain medications or muscle relaxants. Remember, these medicines are powerful tools and should be used judiciously under a doctor's care.
Cortisone Injections: These injections administer corticosteroids directly to inflamed areas around nerves or facet joints. They provide temporary pain relief but may not be a long-term solution.
Epidural Steroid Injections: This technique involves injecting corticosteroids into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This can be specifically effective for sciatica by lessening inflammation and pain near the sciatic nerve. However, it's essential to understand this process's possible risks and benefits before opting for it.
Surgical Treatment
Sometimes, the pain in the back is so bad and just won't go away that surgery might be needed. This is usually only after trying other things like medicine or physical therapy.
Types of Back Surgery:
Trimming a bulging disc: This is like taking a tiny vacuum cleaner to suck out a piece of disc that's pushing on a nerve.
Opening up space for nerves: Surgeons might remove a small piece of bone to create more room for the nerves in your spine.
Fusing bones: Sometimes surgeons glue or screw parts of your spine together to make it more stable.
Replacing a lousy disc: In rare cases, a bad disc can be swapped for a fake one made of unique materials.
Remember: Back surgery is a big deal. There can be risks like infection or pain that doesn't go away. Talk to your doctor about all the options before deciding if surgery is right for you.
Alternative Therapies
Massage Therapy: Massage can relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain. Various massage approaches exist, so consulting a skilled massage therapist can help you choose the one that best fits your conditions.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice that uses thin needles to alleviate pain and promote natural healing. It has been found effective for managing chronic pain, including back pain.
Yoga can improve flexibility, core strength, and posture and reduce back pain. Choose a beginner or back problem-specific yoga class to avoid injury.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors concentrate on the musculoskeletal system and manipulate the spine to improve alignment and reduce pain. While chiropractic care can benefit some people, examining the potential risks and benefits before seeking chiropractic treatment is essential.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
While most cases of back pain settle with self-care within a few weeks, some cases demand immediate medical attention. Here are some warning signs that shouldn't be ignored:
Severe pain that persists despite rest or self-care measures
Radiating pain down one or both legs (sciatica)
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Fever
Unexplained weight loss
Difficulty standing or walking
FAQs
1. Should I rest my back entirely if it's hurting?
Ans: While rest is essential for healing, complete inactivity can worsen immobility and pain. Gentle exercises like walking or light stretches can promote healing and prevent stiffness.
2. Are over-the-counter pain relievers helpful for back pain?
Ans:Managing pain and inflammation can be done with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Yet, following dosage instructions carefully and consulting a doctor before or for prolonged use is important.
3. Is chiropractic care a good option for back pain?
Ans: Chiropractors treat the musculoskeletal system and manipulate the spine to better the alignment and reduce pain. While chiropractic care can benefit some people, discussing the possible risks and advantages with a doctor before seeking chiropractic treatment is important.
4. Where is cervical back pain located?
Ans: Cervical back pain is the discomfort in the upper part of your back, precisely in the neck. It is caused by issues in the cervical spine, which is the area of your spine that runs from the base of your skull down to your upper back. The cervical spine is between shoulder blade level and just below the neckline. When you experience pain in this region, it is commonly referred to as cervical back pain or neck pain.