Back pain

Back pain that begins in the lumbar region or the back area below the ribcage is called lower back pain. It’s the most common type of back pain and causes mild to severe pain that can hinder daily activities like walking or working. Lower back pain usually occurs due to aging, working occupations that involve heavy lifting, carrying excess body weight, or having a family history of osteoarthritis. Treatment typically involves rest, medication, and physical therapy, though more severe cases of low back pain may require surgery. Early intervention by a skilled provider can ensure a fast recovery and reduce the need for surgery.

Upper back pain refers to discomfort felt from the base of the neck to the lower rib cage. This type of pain affects the thoracic spine, which is made up of 12 vertebrae. This region of the spine is responsible for maintaining stability and protecting vital organs such as the heart and lungs. It’s supported by ribs and ligaments, and the disks between the vertebrae help absorb shock during movement.

Unlike the neck and lower back, the upper back has limited mobility and is therefore less prone to pain. When people experience upper back pain, it’s often due to injuries or medical issues that affect the bones, disks, muscles, or ligaments. Mild to moderate upper back pain is typically managed with home remedies. If the pain worsens, there may be an underlying cause that requires treatment.

Middle back pain is a discomfort in the thoracic spine between the base of the neck and the rib cage. Numerous factors can cause this pain, including muscle strains, poor posture, impact trauma, or arthritis. Because of the delicate make-up of the thoracic spine, this area is susceptible to irritations to its nerves, muscles, ligaments, and disks. This region is crucial in protecting the spinal cord, which is a nerve bundle that facilitates communication between the brain and the body. Any damage or irritation to the spinal components of the thoracic spine can lead to middle back pain, which may require a range of medical treatments, home remedies, and exercises, depending on the underlying cause.

Back pain is often caused by simple daily activities. Things like heavy lifting, playing sports, making sudden movements, or even having poor posture can lead to muscle strain or ligament sprains that cause back pain.

• Lifting something improperly
• Making abrupt, awkward movements
• Twisting the back
• Using prolonged poor posture, such as hunching over a computer
• Overstretching
• Bending awkwardly or for extended periods of time
• Pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying heavy objects
• Standing or sitting for prolonged periods without breaks
• Straining the neck forward, such as during driving or computer use
• Sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t support the body or maintain spinal alignment

Back pain can occur due to problems with the spine's structure or soft tissue injuries that press on nearby nerves.

• Ruptured disks
• Bulging disks
• Sciatica
• Unusual curvature of the spine, such as in scoliosis
• Osteoporosis that leads to compression fractures

Chronic conditions can contribute to persistent back pain by affecting the spine and causing inflammation.

• Arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or other conditions affecting the spine
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Cancer of the spine
• Infection of the spine
• Other infections, including inflammatory disease and kidney or bladder infections
• Sleep disorders
• Shingles