How much time do you spend thinking about your back? The answer is probably not much, until there is a problem. Back pain is a common issue with a variety of causes ranging from strained muscles to herniated spinal discs, and it has the power to make mundane tasks challenging. There are three main types of back pain; however, all can revolve around spinal issues.

What Types Of Back Pain Are There?

1. Upper

The upper portion of the spine, or the thoracic spine, does not move nearly as much as its lower counterpart due to rib cage support. This makes upper back pain less common. An injury is among the causes of this pain, such as when you lift a heavy object without using the correct technique, injuring your shoulders and upper back. Poor posture also causes upper back pain, such as when sitting hunched over a computer for long time periods. Years of bad posture weakens the muscles in the back and neck, making it difficult to keep the spinal column aligned. Accidents and overuse also create pain in the upper regions of the back. Symptoms can include muscle stiffness and tightness, as well as burning, sharp, or dull pain.

2. Middle

The same causes of upper back pain can create discomfort in the middle portion of this vital body part. If your injury creates fractures in your spinal vertebrae, you will experience pain in the middle of your back. Fractures are especially common in older adults with osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the bones. Bulging, or herniated, spinal discs from injuries cause aches as well because the discs press on the spinal nerves. In rare cases, this type of pain is due to a serious health issue such as a heart attack or an aortic aneurysm, especially if its onset is sudden. You may experience chest pain and tenderness, breathing difficulties, and pain when you cough or sneeze if you have injured the middle of your back.

3. Lower

The most common type, it is generally due to muscle, ligament, and tendon strains and tears rather than spinal issues. However, lower back pain can still be traced back to the spine, such as sciatica, or when a bulging spinal disc presses on the sciatic nerve. Spinal stenosis—when the spinal column narrows and puts stress on the spinal nerves and cord—also cause lower back pain, as do conditions such as arthritis and endometriosis. Injuries and poor posture create problems as well.

If you are experiencing back pain of any kind, schedule an appointment at Mountain Spring Chiropractic Inc. in Augusta County, VA, to get the relief you need. Dr. Elizabeth Kautz Koch takes a holistic, whole-body approach to wellness and creates personalized treatment programs to help patients enjoy pain-free lives. Call (540) 943-0022 today to make your appointment or request one online.