Understanding the Different Types of Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints, affecting millions of people at some point in their lives. While it’s often caused by muscle strain or poor posture, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. Knowing the type of back pain you’re experiencing—and when to seek professional help—can make all the difference in managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of back pain and help you understand when it’s time to consult a spinal specialist.

1. Mechanical Back Pain

This is the most common form of back pain and typically relates to the spine’s muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs. It’s often triggered by poor posture (when sitting working), prolonged driving, heavy or sudden lifting or twisting, repetitive strain, or sudden movement.

Symptoms may include:

• Localised pain in the lower or middle back
• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
• Occasional stiffness or limited range of motion

Common causes:
Muscle strain, facet joint irritation, degenerative disc disease.

In many cases, mechanical back pain responds well to conservative treatment—such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, massage, yoga, pilates, posture correction (workstation modification), or activity modification and sensible lifting techniques.

2. Sciatica (Nerve Root Pain)

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg, becomes compressed or irritated—most commonly due to a herniated disc on a nerve root.

Symptoms may include:

• Radiating pain from the lower back into the buttock and leg
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg
• Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
• A limp or postural tilt called a “sciatic list”

This type of pain is often more than just uncomfortable—it can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. It is sometimes only relieved by lying down and strong painkillers! If sciatica doesn’t settle within a few weeks, imaging and a targeted treatment plan are required.

3. Inflammatory Back Pain

Unlike mechanical pain, inflammatory back pain is often caused by autoimmune conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthropathy. It tends to affect younger adults and is often overlooked in the early stages.

Symptoms may include:

• Stiffness and pain in the lower back, especially in the morning
• Improvement with exercise but not with rest
• Symptoms that last for months or longer at a time

This type of pain warrants early assessment and, if confirmed, referral to a rheumatologist for appropriate management. Anti-inflammatory medication and guided exercise are often part of treatment.

4. Referred Pain

Sometimes, back pain doesn’t originate in the spine at all. It may be referred from another part of the body, such as the kidneys, pancreas, or even the gastrointestinal tract.

Signs to look out for:

• Deep, non-specific pain that doesn’t change with movement
• Accompanying symptoms like fever, nausea, or unexplained weight loss
• Association with food intake or abdominal pain
• No relief from rest or typical musculoskeletal treatments

In such cases, further investigation is essential to rule out underlying systemic causes.

5. Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is defined as pain that persists for 12 weeks or more. While it may have started as an acute issue, it becomes more complex over time, involving not just the physical structure but also neurological and emotional factors due to it’s impact on working, sporting and home life.

Management typically includes:

Investigation to rule out an underlying treatable cause

• A multidisciplinary approach (physiotherapy, pain specialists, psychology)
• Lifestyle modifications and regular low-impact exercise
• In some cases, surgical intervention may be considered

 When to See a Spinal Consultant

While not all back pain requires specialist care, you should consider consulting a spinal specialist if you experience:

• Pain lasting longer than 6 weeks
• Persistent or worsening leg pain, weakness, or numbness
• Difficulty walking or standing upright
• Night pain or pain at rest
• Bladder or bowel changes (urgent medical attention required)

A thorough clinical evaluation, along with appropriate imaging, can help pinpoint the root cause and guide you toward the most effective treatment.

Final Thoughts

Back pain can be frustrating, but understanding its type and cause is the first step toward effective relief. Whether your pain is recent or long-standing, don’t ignore what your body is telling you. Early intervention can often prevent more complex problems down the line.

If you’re experiencing ongoing back discomfort, it’s best to seek expert advice. As a spinal consultant, I’m here to help you navigate your symptoms with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care.

Need support with back pain?
Reach out to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.