Back Pain
Free Symptom Checker
with Physician-supervised AI
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 Nov 29, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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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
How Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min Back Pain quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
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
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
Try Free Symptom QuizAbout 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:
- 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
A fracture of the spine bones, often occurring in older patients with osteoporosis (bone weakening). It can be caused by small amounts of force, such as falling on one's buttocks or lifting heavy objects. Some patients may dismiss it as a normal backache, only to be diagnosed later when an X-ray is performed.
- Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Back pain may be related to these serious diseases:
- Spinal Cord Hemorrhage
This is a rare condition that occurs when there is bleeding (hemorrhage) into the spinal cord. Common causes include trauma, malformation of the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord, bleeding disorders, and complications from certain medical procedures. Some anti-blood clotting medications may increase the risk of this condition.
- Vertebral Osteomyelitis
- Renal Infarction
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax
- Aortic Dissection / Aortic Aneurysm Rupture
- Tension Pneumothorax
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you experience back pain?
- How long have you had back pain this time?
- How quickly did your back pain develop?
- On a scale of 1-10, how severe was the back pain?
- How has the back pain changed since it started?
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
Try Free Symptom QuizFAQs
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.
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.
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-.
Find Similar Symptoms
Similar symptoms or complaints
Symptoms from similar body parts
Symptoms treated by the same specialty
References
NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 14(13):p 726-735, December 2006.
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.
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(Sep 26, 2024)
Female, 40s
I was actually very impressed with the results it provided because, although I didn’t mention it during the questionnaire because I thought it was unrelated, it suggested I may have something I’ve actually been diagnosed with in the past.
(Sep 25, 2024)
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