Published on: 7/4/2025
What are the four types of back pain and how do they differ?
Back pain can be classified into four main types: mechanical, inflammatory, neuropathic, and referred pain. Each type has different causes and characteristics.
Explanation
Back pain is a common issue and can be categorized into four main types, each with distinct causes and features.
Mechanical Back Pain: This is the most common type and is often caused by strain on muscles, ligaments, or joints in the spine. It usually worsens with movement and improves with rest.
Inflammatory Back Pain: This type is linked to conditions like arthritis, where the body's immune system attacks the spine. It can cause stiffness and pain, often improving with activity and not rest.
Neuropathic Pain: This type occurs when nerves in the spine are damaged or irritated, often resulting in sharp, shooting pain. Conditions like a herniated disc can cause this pain.
Referred Pain: This pain is felt in the back but originates from another part of the body, like the kidneys or pancreas.
Understanding these types helps in managing and treating back pain effectively. Each type may require different approaches for relief and treatment.
(References)
- Knezevic NN, Candido KD, Vlaeyen JWS, Van Zundert J, & Cohen SP. (2021). Low back pain. Lancet (London, England), 34115979.
- Chien JJ, & Bajwa ZH. (2008). What is mechanical back pain and how best to treat it?. Current pain and headache reports, 18973732.
- Urits I, Burshtein A, Sharma M, Testa L, Gold PA, Orhurhu V, et al. (2019). Low Back Pain, a Comprehensive Review. Current pain and headache reports, 30854609.
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