Identifying Potential Spine Problems by Area

Anyone can experience back pain from a dull ache to a sudden sharp pain, and back pain can slowly grow worse or onset rapidly. It is more common with aging, poor physical fitness, and with those who are overweight. Additionally, stress, disease, certain occupations, smoking, and genetics can all increase the risk of strain or injury, and certain areas of the back are more prone than others.

Neck pain is frequently due to strain or injury to a muscle, ligament of a tendon. However, when neck pain lingers or includes symptoms like numbness or tingling, there may be a spinal problem. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs are a few of the list of possible causes.

Generally, when there is pain in the upper back, it is actually due to back or shoulder muscles. There are twelve vertebrae that make up the upper and middle back and these are attached to the rib cage at each level. This limits motion while providing stability and support. Therefore, pain in this area of the back is unusual.

Short periods of pain in the lower back are generally due to muscle strain and can be quite painful. Yet, the lower back is the area that is most likely to be injured due to having less structural support. A disc that is herniated in this area may cause numbness or pain that radiates down the leg to the foot.

Pain at the base of the spine may involve one of two areas. The first is a triangular shaped bone that fits between the two halves of the pelvis known as the sacrum. The other is what is commonly known as the tailbone. Pain in these areas is more common to women than men and is often due to pregnancy or a fall.

It’s important to try to take care of your spine health by strengthening your back through exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, but if you are experiencing pain, an orthopedic doctor can examine you to determine the cause.