What is back pain?

Back pain refers to discomfort in the back.

Based on the affected section, back pain is classified as:

• neck pain (cervical)
• middle back pain (thoracic)
• lower back pain (lumbar): most common affected location 
• or coccydynia (tailbone or sacral pain)

Classification

Back pain is classified according to how long it lasts.

• Acute back discomfort might continue up to six weeks.
• Subacute back pain might continue anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.
• Back discomfort that lasts longer than 12 weeks is chronic.

Symptoms

Back pain can be anything from a dull ache in the muscles to a shooting, searing, or stabbing pain. Discomfort may travel down your leg or intensify when you bend, twist, raise, stand, or walk.

Causes

• Strain of a muscle or ligament.
• Disks that have bulged or burst.
• Arthritis. The lower back can be affected by osteoarthritis.
• Osteoporosis.