Understanding Different Types of Back Pain & How It Can Help Your Treatment Plan

We’ve all suffered from back pain at one point or another, so that means we know that back pain can vary significantly. You also probably know how difficult it can be to diagnose (and ultimately treat) the cause of your back pain.

So once again we’ve teamed up with our friends at Princeton Spine & Joint Center to help you understand what that back pain can mean.

Back Pain Is Personal

Some people struggle with the intensity of their pain, and others may not. It’s important to always remember that YOU know your level of pain. We’re all different. So it’s important to remember that for some people minimal pain can be the sign of something significant. Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Your Back Is Filled With Many Structures

From twisting to sudden jolts and poor posture, your back is constantly being subjected to strong forces. Everything from muscles to bones and ligaments could be injured. As a result, injuries can be complex. Common causes of back pain can be centered in these areas:

• Large muscles - they support the spine
• Spinal nerves - they exit the spinal canal and may go to elsewhere in your body (like your legs)
• Facet joints - they connect the vertebrae along the back of the spine
• Intervertebral discs - they’re sort of like your car’s shock absorbers, but instead, they protect the bones.

Describing Your Pain

If you’re able to describe your pain, you’ll be able to help your medical professional determine a diagnosis (and a treatment plan). Three of the common types of pain include:

• Axial pain - this is pain that is confined to one spot or region. The pain can be sharp, dull, lingering, or throbbing. It comes in all shapes and forms. A muscle strain is a common cause of axial pain.
• Referred pain - this often feels dull and achy. The pain will move around a bit and can vary in intensity.
  
• Radicular pain - This feels like an “electric shock,” according to experts. This is caused by compression or inflammation to the spinal nerve. This type of pain can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.

The underlying cause of your pain may be hard to identify on your own

You may experience pain in one way, but given the close proximity of other areas of your back, you may be misdiagnosing your pain. It’s always best to check with a physician who is an expert in this area. They will evaluate your symptoms and may offer an exam to diagnose the cause of your pain.

You should always listen to your body. If you have pain that isn't going away or something doesn’t feel right, give Princeton Spine & Joint Center a call at 609-454-0760 and let them help you design a program that works for you and your goals.