Back pain is a common ailment that can be uniquely complex and difficult to diagnose and treat. There are many types of back pain with a wide range of treatments.
So, what are the different types of back pain? Which pain management treatments work for each one?
Different Back Problems Can Cause Different Types of Back Pain
It may surprise you how many different types of back pain there are and that other conditions cause different back problems.
Some common examples of conditions that cause back pain include:
Muscular Aches and Pains
The large muscles that support your spine can strain from twisting or sudden jolts. These muscles support your weight over long periods, but they’re not built for quick movements like those you may experience when playing sports or engaging in other high-energy activities. This muscle strain could lead to back pain.
Nerve-Related Issues
Your spinal nerves exit through spaces between bones and travel to various parts of your body, including the legs and arms.
If you pinch or compress these nerves due to poor posture or improper exercise techniques, they can produce pain signals down your back and into the legs. This condition, known as sciatica, is a leading cause of back pain.
Joint Problems
If you have problems with the facet joints along the spine that connect the vertebrae or intervertebral discs (shock absorbers) that protect the back’s bones from sudden impact, you could experience back pain.
What Are the Different Types of Back Pain?
There are five different types of back pain.
Acute Pain
This back pain comes on suddenly and is a symptom of an injury or strain. Treatment includes rest, applying heat and cold to the area, and taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
Sub-Acute Pain
You may experience this type of back pain for a few months or longer, but it isn’t as severe or disabling as acute pain.
Chronic Pain
This back pain lasts longer than three months. The cause is degenerative conditions like arthritis or scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Treatments include physical therapy or medications like NSAIDs or opioids to treat symptoms like stiffness, muscle spasms, numbness, and more.
Recurrent Pain
You may experience several episodes of acute or sub-acute low back pain without any periods of remission in this type of back pain. It differs from chronic back pain because it doesn’t last for more than three months at a time.
Chronic Oncologic
Cancerous tumours invading your spine, vertebrae, nerves, muscles or ligaments around your spine cause this type of back pain.
Get in Touch for Back Pain Treatment
We hope this article detailing “What are the different types of back pain” has been helpful.
If you have back pain for the first time, it’s always best to see a medical professional in Oakville. At OAK Physio and Wellness Clinic, we offer various treatments to help alleviate your symptoms. Talk to us at (289) 725 0241 to schedule your appointment and get you back to everyday life.