Why the source of back pain matters more than where it hurts

Identifying root causes of back pain matters more than where it hurts, as the pain may only be radiating or “referred” from somewhere else. Prioritizing the pain’s location can result in treating the wrong spot, wasting time and delaying healing and recovery. 

You’d want to get proper, adequate treatment for your back pain because, otherwise, your condition could become chronic and debilitating, lowering your quality of life. As the National Council on Aging explains, 16 million U.S. adults experience chronic back pain, the leading cause of missed work and a risk factor for depression and anxiety among older adults.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Back Pain? 

Injuries to the ligaments (sprains) and muscles (strains) are among the most common causes of back pain. 

Sprains refer to overstretched or torn ligaments, often due to falls or sudden twisting. Strains occur due to overstretched or torn muscles, usually caused by overexertion and incorrect lifting of heavy items.

The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that from 2023 to 2024, a total of 568,150 cases of DAFW (days away from work) involved sprains, strains, and tears. 

How Can You Tell if Your Back Pain Is Serious? 

You can often tell things are serious if your upper, mid-back, or lower back pain causes “red flag” symptoms. They include:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Sudden, severe weakness in the legs
• Numbness or pins-and-needles sensation in the inner thighs, buttocks, or groin

Experiencing these symptoms with back pain can indicate serious nerve, skeletal, or spinal health issues, making it crucial to seek the help of a doctor, neurologist, or spine specialist ASAP. 

If the root cause is minor (e.g., sprain or strain), you may only need non-invasive back pain treatment like physical therapy or medication. If it’s severe, you may need more advanced chronic back pain relief procedures, such as discectomy or spinal fusion surgery.  

Why Does Identifying the Causes of Back Pain Matter More Than the Pain’s Location?

Determining the specific causes of back pain matters more because the highly unpleasant sensation may not be originating from where it hurts. An underlying condition somewhere else that requires targeted medical attention could be causing radiating or referred pain.   

Radiating Pain

Radiating pain starts from one spot and then moves outward, often following a nerve path.

An example is a herniated disc, which results from a spinal disc’s inner gel-like core pushing through a tear and pressing on a nearby nerve root. It may cause burning, sharp, or shooting pain that travels to the thigh, calf, or even foot. 

Referred Pain

You should also prioritize identifying the root cause of back pain because it may be a form of referred pain, which comes from a source located in a different part of the body. An irritation in the lower back, for instance, may result in hip pain. 

Identifying Root Causes of Back Pain for On-Point Treatment

Establishing the root causes of back pain plays a more crucial role than its location because the underlying condition may be causing radiating or referred pain. Knowing what’s behind the discomfort can then allow for targeted treatment and future back pain prevention. 

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