Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help today. Whether it’s a constant dull ache or a sharp jolt that takes you by surprise, it affects people across all age groups. But here’s what many don’t realise; there are different types of back pain and causes, and each one needs a different kind of care.
At Epione Pain Management, we work with patients every day who deal with different types of discomfort. Understanding the types of back pain and symptoms can make a big difference in how you manage and treat them.
Types of Back Pain Explained
Different types of back pain can show up in different ways. Here’s how we typically classify them:
- Muscle-related stiffness or soreness
This is one of the most common causes of back pain, especially among people who sit for long hours or have poor posture. You may feel tightness in the neck, shoulders, or lower back. It often happens due to strained muscles, especially after overexertion, lack of movement, or poor ergonomics.If your job involves working on a computer or lifting heavy objects, you’ve likely experienced this kind of pain. - Sharp or shooting pain
This type of pain often points to a nerve being compressed or irritated. It could be due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. The pain usually travels from the lower back into the legs, often described as sciatica. You may also feel a burning or tingling sensation. - Persistent pain with numbness or weakness
When the pain refuses to go away and is paired with numbness or weakness in the legs, it could be more serious. A slipped disc or a condition like spondylolisthesis (where one vertebra slips over another) might be the cause. This pain is often worse when sitting, bending, or walking for long periods. - Pain that worsens with activity
Some people feel pain that comes and goes, but flares up during physical activity. This may point to inflammatory back pain, often linked with conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. Osteoporosis-related fractures can also lead to this kind of discomfort, especially in older adults.
What Causes Back Pain?
The root of back pain can vary greatly from one person to another. Here are the most common causes:
- Postural and lifestyle habits
Many people don’t realise that their daily habits are harming their backs. Long hours at a desk, bad sitting posture, or sleeping on unsupportive mattresses can all lead to back problems. These posture-related issues are one of the most common causes of back pain today.
- Muscle strain or ligament injury
Heavy lifting, sudden twisting, or even coughing forcefully can lead to strains or sprains in the back muscles. If you’ve ever pulled a muscle while bending or lifting something awkwardly, you know how painful and limiting it can be.
- Underlying spinal conditions
Some types of pain come from deeper issues in the spine, such as:
- Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nerves
- Arthritis or spinal stenosis, which narrows the spinal canal
- Spondylolisthesis, where vertebrae slip out of place
- Osteoporosis, which weakens bones and leads to fractures
- Scoliosis or other spinal deformities, causing uneven stress on the spine
These conditions often lead to long-term or recurring pain and require medical intervention for proper diagnosis.
- Underlying medical conditions
Sometimes, back pain is linked to other health issues like kidney infections, endometriosis, or even cancer. That’s why it’s important to see a specialist if your pain is persistent or comes with other worrying symptoms.
How to Prevent Back Pain
Back pain may be common, but it can often be avoided with a few lifestyle changes. Wondering how to prevent back pain? Here are some basics:
- Stay active with regular stretching and strengthening exercises
- Maintain good posture, especially while sitting or working
- Lift objects correctly. Bend at the knees, not your waist
- Use a supportive mattress and an ergonomic chair
- Don’t ignore small pains; address them early
A few small changes can go a long way in preventing future flare-ups.
Conclusion
There are many types of back pain and causes, and no two people experience it the same way. At Epione Pain Management, we offer targeted, non-surgical treatments like radiofrequency ablation, PRP therapy, physiotherapy, and image-guided injections tailored to your condition.
If you’re searching for the best back pain treatment in Chennai, trust our expert team to guide you. As a leading pain management clinic in Chennai, we’re here to help you find relief and reclaim your life.
Let’s help you move pain-free again!