Back Pain
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Try one of these related symptoms.
I have back pain
Lower part of the back has pain
Pain in the upper back
Pain in the spine
Lumbar spine pain
Shoulder blade hurts
Pain in the left shoulder blade
Back pain triggered by movement
Back pain worsens with alcohol intake
Pain when pressed on the back
Ache in the upper back
Back pain
About the Symptom
Back pain can be a painful sensation in the whole or any part of the back. The pain may be pressing, aching, sharp or dull in nature.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Fever
- Gross hematuria
- Sensation of incomplete voiding
- Abnormal sensation (tingling, prickling)
- Numbness of lower limbs
- Respiratory wheeze
Possible Causes
Generally, Back pain can be related to:
Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL)
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a condition where a flexible structure called the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes thicker and less flexible.
- Cervical Spondylosis
A condition in which the neck bones (cervical spine) become damaged due to wear and tear. Risk factors include long periods of desk work and driving, previous neck injuries, and aging.
- Spinal Cord Tumor
A spinal tumor develops within the spinal canal or spine bones. It can be life-threatening and cause permanent disability. Causes include environmental toxins and inherited syndromes like neurofibromatosis 2 and von Hippel-Lindau disease.
- Vertebral Compression Fracture
- Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Back pain may be related to these serious diseases:
- Vertebral Osteomyelitis
Infection of the spine bones or cartilage discs between the bones. This can be caused by bacteria spreading from nearby infections or a weakened immune system allowing bacteria to travel to the spine through the bloodstream. This can cause severe complications and treatment is initiated in an emergent manner
- Spinal Cord Hemorrhage
- Spinal Cord Abscess
- Renal Infarction
- Iliopsoas Abscess
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are you experiencing any back pain or discomfort?
- When did you first notice your back pain or discomfort?
- Which of the following best describes how your back pain or discomfort appeared?
- On a scale from 1 to 10, how severe was your back pain or discomfort at its worst?
- How is your back pain or discomfort now?
Reviewed By:
Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.
Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Have pain in the spine
- Back pain aggravated by alcohol consumption
- Pain in the lower part of the back
- Pain in the right shoulder blade
- Pain on the back from pressing
- The backbone hurts
- Pain in the right back
- Back pain worsens with alcohol consumption
- Back pain appears with movement
- Pain in the left back
- Back pain aggravated by alcohol intake
- Back pain appears with exercise
- Lower part of the back hurts
- Hurt my right shoulder blade
- Back is tender when pressed
See full list
Find Similar Symptoms
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FAQs
Q.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room for Back Pain?
A.
Consider going to the emergency room (ER) for back pain if it is extremely intense, accompanied by difficultly walking or standing, or a loss of bowel or bladder control.
References:
Edwards J, Hayden J, Asbridge M, Gregoire B, Magee K. Prevalence of low back pain in emergency settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2017 Apr 4;18(1):143. doi: 10.1186/s12891-017-1511-7. PMID: 28376873; PMCID: PMC5379602.
Knezevic NN, Candido KD, Vlaeyen JWS, Van Zundert J, Cohen SP. Low back pain. Lancet. 2021 Jul 3;398(10294):78-92. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00733-9. Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34115979.
Urits I, Burshtein A, Sharma M, Testa L, Gold PA, Orhurhu V, Viswanath O, Jones MR, Sidransky MA, Spektor B, Kaye AD. Low Back Pain, a Comprehensive Review: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2019 Mar 11;23(3):23. doi: 10.1007/s11916-019-0757-1. PMID: 30854609.
Q.
When Should I Go to See a Doctor about My Back Pain?
A.
If you have persistent worsening back pain you should see your healthcare provider particularly if accompanied by difficultly walking or standing, or a loss of bowel or bladder control.
References:
Edwards J, Hayden J, Asbridge M, Gregoire B, Magee K. Prevalence of low back pain in emergency settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2017 Apr 4;18(1):143. doi: 10.1186/s12891-017-1511-7. PMID: 28376873; PMCID: PMC5379602.
Knezevic NN, Candido KD, Vlaeyen JWS, Van Zundert J, Cohen SP. Low back pain. Lancet. 2021 Jul 3;398(10294):78-92. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00733-9. Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34115979.
Urits I, Burshtein A, Sharma M, Testa L, Gold PA, Orhurhu V, Viswanath O, Jones MR, Sidransky MA, Spektor B, Kaye AD. Low Back Pain, a Comprehensive Review: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2019 Mar 11;23(3):23. doi: 10.1007/s11916-019-0757-1. PMID: 30854609.
Q.
Can Exercise Improve Back Pain?
A.
Most definitely. There are few back conditions that do NOT benefit back pain.
References:
Rainville J, Hartigan C, Martinez E, Limke J, Jouve C, Finno M. Exercise as a treatment for chronic low back pain. Spine J. 2004 Jan-Feb;4(1):106-15. doi: 10.1016/s1529-9430(03)00174-8. PMID: 14749199.
Q.
Are There Cases of Back Pain As a Sequela of COVID-19?
A.
Muscle and spine pain in the back is now considered a lingering after effect of COVID-19 infection.
References:
Papalia GF, Petrucci G, Russo F, Ambrosio L, Vadalà G, Iavicoli S, Papalia R, Denaro V. COVID-19 Pandemic Increases the Impact of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 11;19(8):4599. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19084599. PMID: 35457462; PMCID: PMC9027663.
Zis P, Ioannou C, Artemiadis A, Christodoulou K, Kalampokini S, Hadjigeorgiou GM. Prevalence and Determinants of Chronic Pain Post-COVID; Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2022 Sep 22;11(19):5569. doi: 10.3390/jcm11195569. PMID: 36233443; PMCID: PMC9573502.
Q.
What Could Be the Causes of Pain in the Middle of the Back?
A.
Pain in the middle of the back is mostly commonly due to a bone or muscle issue, but less commonly can be an issue with the stomach, pancreas, kidneys or aorta.
References:
Johansson MS, Jensen Stochkendahl M, Hartvigsen J, Boyle E, Cassidy JD. Incidence and prognosis of mid-back pain in the general population: A systematic review. Eur J Pain. 2017 Jan;21(1):20-28. doi: 10.1002/ejp.884. Epub 2016 May 5. PMID: 27146481.
Casiano VE, Sarwan G, Dydyk AM, et al. Back Pain. [Updated 2023 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Q.
What Could Be the Cause of Pain in the Right Side of the Back?
A.
There are many causes of back pain that come from issues with the muscle, bone, overlying skin or nearby organs like the lung, kidney, or gallbladder.
References:
Knezevic NN, Candido KD, Vlaeyen JWS, Van Zundert J, Cohen SP. Low back pain. Lancet. 2021 Jul 3;398(10294):78-92. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00733-9. Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34115979.
Urits I, Burshtein A, Sharma M, Testa L, Gold PA, Orhurhu V, Viswanath O, Jones MR, Sidransky MA, Spektor B, Kaye AD. Low Back Pain, a Comprehensive Review: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2019 Mar 11;23(3):23. doi: 10.1007/s11916-019-0757-1. PMID: 30854609.
Casiano VE, Sarwan G, Dydyk AM, et al. Back Pain. [Updated 2023 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 14(13):p 726-735, December 2006.