Back pain is a symptom of many different types of problems and is an incredibly common complaint in the United States. Research from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons shows that the majority of Americans (75% to 80%) will experience back pain in their lifetime. Back pain can put a strain on a person’s overall quality of life and limit the activities they are able to do.

If you suffer from back pain, the way you describe it is important as this will inform how best to treat it. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the different types of back pain that exist: axial pain, referred pain, and radicular pain, and discuss some of the causes and treatment. Let’s get started.

Axial Pain

When we speak of axial pain (also known as mechanical pain), we refer to pain that is confined to one particular area. It may be described as pain that is throbbing, constant, or intermittent, as well as either dull or sharp.

A common example here would be muscle strain. Axial pain may get worse when performing certain activities, such as sports, sitting in certain positions, or when sitting for a long period of time. 

This type of back pain can be treated in a number of ways. These include a short period of rest, chiropractic care, and stretching.

Referred Pain

Referred pain refers to back pain that is triggered in a certain part of the body, but the pain is felt elsewhere. It may occur as a result of a disease or injury, often occurring in problems with organs. For example, many people experience pain in their back or sides as a result of a kidney infection.

Other common causes of referred back pain include gallstones, prostate problems, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Drinking plenty of water to prevent kidney stones and regular prostate check-ups can help to avoid referred back pain.

Radicular Pain

This is a type of back pain that radiates from a person’s back and hips into their legs through the spine. It is commonly described as being like an electric shock.

Radicular pain is caused by inflammation and/or compression of a spinal nerve root. Sciatica, a common type of radicular pain, occurs in the lower back with pain shooting down through the buttocks and or leg. A person may also experience muscle weakness, tingling, and numbness as a result of radicular back pain.

Chiropractic care and the DRS Protcol are effective treatments for this type of chronic back pain.

Understanding the Different Types of Back Pain 

As this article highlights, there are different types of back pain with different causes and symptoms. We recommend that you consult with an experienced chiropractor to get to the root of the issue and understand the most effective back pain treatment option.

Busch Chiropractic is your premier choice for chiropractic care in Fort Wayne, serving Northeast Indiana, Southern Michigan, and Northwest Ohio. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you lead a pain-free life!