13 Different Types of Back Pain & What They Mean

Key takeaways:

• Back pain is common, but understanding its type and cause can guide you toward the right treatment or care.
• While many types of back pain are mild, some may signal serious underlying conditions.
• Knowing when to see a doctor or seek emergency care can prevent complications and ensure better outcomes.

Back pain is something almost everyone experiences at some point in their life. Whether it’s a dull ache after sitting too long or a sharp twinge after lifting something heavy, it’s often hard to tell what’s causing the discomfort. Back pain can mean many different things—from minor muscle strains to more serious underlying issues. Understanding the type of pain you’re dealing with is the first step toward figuring out how to manage it—or knowing when to seek help.

In this article, we’ll break down the different types of back pain based on their location—upper, middle, and lower—and what they might tell you about your body. We’ll also cover when to see a doctor and what questions to ask during your visit. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what your back pain means and what steps you can take to feel better.

Main types of back pain and their causes

Back pain isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. It can feel different for everyone and show up in various parts of the back. Below, we’ll go over some common types of back pain, explain their potential causes, and help you understand whether they’re worth worrying about.

1. Muscle strain or sprain

A muscle strain is one of the most common causes of back pain, often caused by overuse or overstretching the muscles in your back. You might feel this as a sudden sharp pain or a dull ache after activities like lifting something heavy, twisting awkwardly, or even sleeping in the wrong position.

Sprains, however, happen when the ligaments (the tough bands of tissue connecting bones) are overstretched or torn. Symptoms can include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving. While most muscle strains or sprains heal on their own with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief, severe cases may require physical therapy or additional treatment.

2. Herniated disc

A herniated disc happens when one of the soft cushions between the bones in your spine pushes out of place. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or tingling, often down one leg. The pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the location and how much the disc is pressing on the nerve.

This condition is often caused by aging (as discs naturally wear down over time) or sudden trauma, like lifting something incorrectly. If the pain doesn’t improve with rest or starts affecting your ability to move or feel your legs, it’s time to call a doctor.

3. Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within your spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves. This condition is more common in older adults and often causes pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly when walking or standing. It’s usually related to arthritis or other degenerative changes in the spine.

While spinal stenosis isn’t always an emergency, symptoms like loss of bowel or bladder control, severe weakness in the legs, or sudden worsening of pain require immediate medical attention. Treatments range from physical therapy to surgery in more advanced cases.

4. Sciatica

Sciatica isn’t a condition on its own but rather a symptom of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down each leg. It typically causes sharp, shooting pain on one side of the body, often accompanied by tingling or numbness.

Common causes include herniated discs, bone spurs, or even prolonged sitting. While mild cases may improve with stretching and rest, severe sciatica can make it difficult to walk or stand. Persistent or worsening symptoms may require medical evaluation.

Main types of upper back pain and their causes

The upper back, or thoracic spine, isn’t as prone to pain as the lower back, but when discomfort strikes here, it often feels sharp or localized. Let’s look at some common types of upper back pain and what might be causing them.

5. Muscle imbalance due to poor posture

Slouching at your desk or hunching over your phone can lead to poor posture, one of the leading causes of upper back pain. Over time, poor posture strains the muscles and ligaments in the thoracic region, creating discomfort that can range from a dull ache to sharp tension.

This type of pain often improves with lifestyle changes, like adjusting your workstation, practicing good posture, and incorporating exercises that strengthen your back and core muscles.

6. Myofascial pain syndrome

This condition is caused by tight, sensitive knots in the muscles, often referred to as trigger points. Myofascial pain in the upper back is commonly linked to repetitive motions or poor posture. Unlike general muscle soreness, it can cause referred pain, meaning the discomfort might feel like it’s coming from a different area than the source. Treatment typically includes physical therapy, massage, and sometimes trigger-point injections.

7. Thoracic spine injuries

Although less common, fractures or injuries in the upper back can occur due to trauma, like a fall or car accident. Symptoms may include sudden, severe pain, swelling, or limited movement. If you suspect an injury to your thoracic spine, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

Main types of middle back pain and their causes

Middle back pain isn’t as common as discomfort in the lower back, but it can still greatly impact your daily life. The middle back, located between your shoulder blades, has fewer moving parts than other areas, but pain here can still come from various issues.

8. Muscle strain from overuse

Muscle strain from overuse is one of the most common causes of middle back pain, especially for people who frequently lift heavy objects (like movers or warehouse workers) or engage in repetitive twisting motions (such as athletes or those with physical jobs). The pain typically feels like a dull ache or a sense of tightness. It often worsens when moving or performing the same activity that caused the strain. In some cases, you may notice tenderness when pressing on the affected area or mild swelling.

Resting the muscles, applying heat therapy (to relax tight muscles), and doing gentle stretching exercises can help ease the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may also provide temporary relief. However, if the discomfort persists beyond a week or is accompanied by other symptoms like weakness or numbness, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out more serious issues, such as a ligament injury or underlying structural problems in the spine.

9. Nerve compression

Nerve compression, or a “pinched nerve,” in the middle back can occur when surrounding tissue—like a herniated disc or inflamed muscles—presses on the nerves. This can cause pain, tingling, or numbness, sometimes radiating to other parts of the body.

Depending on the severity, treatment can range from rest and anti-inflammatory medication to physical therapy or even surgery in extreme cases.

10. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can affect the joints in the middle back, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This condition is often age-related but can also result from previous injuries or overuse.

While there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, treatments like physical therapy, weight management, and medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Main types of lower back pain and their causes

Lower back pain is by far the most common type of back pain, as this area bears much of the body’s weight and absorbs the impact of daily movements. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that disrupts daily life.

11. Degenerative disc disease

As we age, the discs in our spine lose their cushioning ability, leading to pain in the lower back. This condition, known as degenerative disc disease, can cause stiffness, limited mobility, and pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing.

Lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and, in some cases, injections or surgery can provide relief. Though chronic in nature, many people manage this condition effectively with proper care.

12. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the lower spine to the pelvis. When this joint becomes inflamed or moves abnormally, it can cause pain in the lower back and buttocks. This pain often worsens with activities like climbing stairs, running, or standing for long periods.

SI joint dysfunction is typically treated with physical therapy, medications, and sometimes injections to reduce inflammation and stabilize the joint.

13. Kidney-related pain

Not all lower back pain originates in the spine. Pain from kidney infections, stones, or other conditions can feel like lower back pain but is often accompanied by other symptoms, like fever, blood in the urine, or nausea.

If you suspect kidney-related pain, it’s essential to see a doctor promptly, as untreated kidney issues can lead to serious complications.

When to see a doctor about back pain

Back pain is common, but it’s important to know when to seek medical attention.

You should see a doctor if:

• Pain lasts longer than two weeks or worsens over time.
• You experience numbness, tingling, or mild weakness in your arms or legs.
• The pain interferes with daily activities or sleep.
• You have unexplained weight loss or other concerning symptoms.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• The pain is sudden and severe, worsening rapidly.
• You lose control of your bowel or bladder.
• You experience sudden or severe weakness in your arms or legs.
• Back pain is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
• The pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or severe abdominal tenderness, which could signal a gastrointestinal or abdominal emergency.

Questions to ask your doctor about back pain

If you’re planning to see a healthcare provider for back pain, consider asking these questions to ensure you get the best care:

• What is causing my back pain, and how can we confirm it?
• What treatment options do you recommend, and what are the potential side effects?
• Are there lifestyle changes I can make to help relieve or prevent the pain?
• When should I follow up, and what symptoms should prompt me to return sooner?

Managing back pain

Back pain is something we all deal with at some point, but understanding its type and cause can make a big difference in how you handle it. While many cases are resolved with rest and simple care, others need medical attention to prevent complications. Listen to your body, seek help when needed, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to get the answers you deserve.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Pallabi Sanyal-Dey, MD.

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