Different Types of Back Pain – Detailed Guide

Back ache or back pain is found in many people around us. The changing style of working in the offices and long office hours cause severe pain in the back. These minor problems turn into the worst health issues by ignoring them. 

Most people do take back pain seriously until they have to undergo an operation or surgery. There are various types of back pain that common people do not know. Knowing the type of back pain helps to get the right treatment at the right time. This blog will list the different types of back pain.

Major Causes of Back Pain

You have to move your back for numerous reasons throughout the day. Your back gets jolts and twists by working at the home, office or any other place. There are several structures in your spine that can cause back pain such as:

• Facet Joints

These joints connect your vertebrae to the spinal cord. Doing excess physical work can cause pain in facet joints and it will lead to backache. 

• Large Muscles

These muscles give support to your spinal cord. If there is a sudden jolt in your large muscles, it can lead to back pain. 

• Spinal Nerves

Spinal nerves reach from the spinal canal to the legs or anywhere else. The strain in spinal nerves is also one of the major reasons for back pain. 

• Intervertebral Discs

These discs in the spine give shock-absorption to the bones. The pain in intervertebral discs can also cause backache.

In addition to that, there are many other structures in the spinal cord. They include ligaments, bones, tendons and anatomic structures. 

Types of Back Pain

There are various types of back pain with different symptoms and signs. Knowing the type of back pain is necessary to cure back pain. The different types of back pain are as under:

#1. Radicular Pain

This is the pain that occurs in spinal nerve. It passes from spinal canal and reaches anywhere in the body. The main reason for radicular pain is burning sensation, inflammation or compression.

It affects lower back especially lumbar spine and causes pain in the legs. There are also many other reasons for radicular pain such as spondylolisthesis, herniated discs and spinal stenosis. 

There are various symptoms of radicular pain such as numbness, weakness and tiredness. Radicular pain is also known as radiculopathy and sciatica.

#2. Extension Dominant Back Pain

This is another type of pain that occurs in zygapophyseal joints. These joints are present in the spine. This back pain follows a particular pattern.

Some of the most common symptoms of extension dominant back pain such as pain while standing for a long time, pain while running or doing gym activities, stiff back and so on.

Apart from that, there are also many other symptoms such as numbness, tingling and tiredness and fatigue. People with extension dominant back pain get short-term relief from back pain by bending or sitting.

#3. Axial Pain

Axial pain is easy to identify by anyone. It occurs in one place or area only. This pain can vary in forms and from person to person. Axial pain comes and goes from time to time. Besides, it can also become sharp or dull. This pain remains constant or changes its forms.  

The major cause of Axial pain is the pressure on the muscles. It can occur anytime when you lift heavy objects or do more physical activities.

#4. Inflammatory Back Pain

This is the type of back pain that occurs due to inflammation in the joints of your spine. It affects immunity severely. Ankylosing spondylitis is the main cause of inflammatory back pain.

Besides, there are also other reasons that cause inflammatory back pain such as bending, burning sensation and so on.

#5. Referred Pain

Referred pain is one of the most dangerous types of back pain. It gives intense pain in the lower and upper spine and moves all around the body.

Apart from that, this pain can also differ in intensity and affects even hips, thighs and legs. It can affect spine discs and disturb their proper working.

#6. Neurogenic Claudication

This is a type of back pain that affects older people especially those above the age of 60 years. In this type of pain, the nerves are compressed while walking or standing. It can also reduce the speed of walking or one cannot walk properly. 

Different people get different types of symptoms such as pain during walking or standing. One may also feel tired or get numbness in the feet. The person has to sit forward to reduce back pain. Some people do not feel pain or show any symptoms of Neurogenic Claudication.

#7. Flexion Dominant Back Pain

This type of back pain occurs in the spinal disc. Normally, it follows a particular pattern and it worsens with the activities such as lifting, sitting and bending.

One may experience numbness and tiredness in the legs or a little tingling. It can lead to leg weakness and one gets cough and sneeze. Besides, one will also feel difficulty while sitting or standing up.

Ways to Cure Back Pain

Back pain or backache can become a severe health issue in no time if you do not pay attention to the symptoms. Right diagnosis of back pain can reduce the risks of getting permanent damage to the spinal cord. There are many ways by which you can cure different types of back pain such as:

• You can try different pain-relieving techniques and ways to cure back aches. 
• You should do workouts and stretches daily to avoid muscle strain and reduce pressure on the back. 
• Another effective way to cure back pain is Acupuncture. It finds pressure points and provides instant relief in the back. 
• You can also perform spinal mobility exercises 
• One should reduce the total distance of walking on a daily basis. 
• Patients with back pain must not bend or lift heavy items that can cause ache in the back or spine
• You should visit a physiotherapist in case of an emergency.

So these are the different types of back pain people generally experience and I hope it will help you out in many ways to get rid of back pain.