Back Pain: Understanding the Different Types of it

Back Pain: Understanding the Different Types of it

Cynthia Albert
5 minute read

Pain is an unpleasant sensation. The most common type of pain is the back pain. The fact is everyone has experienced back pain at one time or the other. The intensity and duration might have been different. There is no size fits all. Pain can occur anywhere in the back.

Back pain can be very excruciating. It's one of the reasons some stay back from work and seek medical attention. Back pain can be a sign of warning of something more serious going on in the body. It can also be as a result of other causes.

Now, it is important to understand the different types of back pain possible. The next few paragraphs will talk about them. Follow closely.

Types of Back Pain
Back pain can be acute or chronic. Acute means it starts suddenly and is temporary. Chronic, on the other hand, means the pain returns frequently and progresses over time.

Now, the back has many structures. It is filled with large muscles which support the spine, ligaments, spinal nerves, intervertebral discs and bones. Also, the back is divided into regions which can be further separated into many sections viz:

  1. The cervical region (neck region)
  2. The thoracic region (the upper back)
  3. Area below the ribs and above the hips (the middle back)
  4. The lumbar region (the lower back)


Pain can occur in all these regions of the back and spine. Neck and lower back pain are more common than middle and thoracic back pain. The reason is not farfetched since there is less flexion of the vertebrae in the middle region than at the neck and lower back region.

To buttress further, we will talk about the four types of back pain:

1. Thoracic Back Pain


The ribs are connected to the twelve vertebrae in the thoracic region, thus, the reason it is referred to as upper back pain. When compared with other types of pain, thoracic back pain is mostly caused by an underlying condition. Therefore, it is essential you watch out for signs and symptoms like:

  • Fever or chills
  • Noticeable deformity around the chest region.
  • Regular, excruciating pain that is not relieved by changing position
  • Onset of pain before age 20
  • Onset of pain after age 50
  • Physical trauma and others.


If you notice any of these, you should consult a doctor instantly.

2. Middle Back Pain


This is pain occurring above the lumbar region (lower back) of the spine and below the ribs. There are a number of causes of middle back pain, which are:

  • Pregnancy
  • Lack of exercise
  • Stress
  • Obesity, etc.


3. Upper and lower back pain


This type of back pain usually arises from strain, injury or tension. Exercise and adopting some practices can help alleviate them.

Let's us take a look at some general causes of back pain.

Causes of Back Pain


1. Strain

Back pain commonly arises from strain or injury. This may be:

  • Strained muscles
  • Strained ligaments
  • Muscle spasm
  • Injuries, and falls.


There are activities that can result into strain. They include:

  • Improper lifting of items
  • Lifting heavy objects, etc.


2. Everyday Activities

Back pain can arise from everyday activities such as:

  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Twisting
  • Overstretching
  • Muscle tension.


3. Poor body posture

Poor posture can lead to back pain. Examples are:

  • Straining the neck forward, when driving of working on a computer
  • Sitting or standing for long hours
  • Pushing, lifting, pulling or carrying heavy objects
  • Bending for long hours
  • Using a mattress that doesn't support the body and keep the spine straight.


4. Medical, structural and other causes

Back pain can be a result of an underlying, serious medical condition. Conditions like disorders of the aorta, spine inflammation, spinal cancer and osteoporosis can lead to back pain.

Ruptured discs, infections, arthritis, kidney problems, and sciatica can also cause back pain.

Treatment of Back Pain

The treatment of a back pain depends on its cause and location. However, non-invasive techniques like massage, physical therapy and other treatments can help to relieve back pain. These techniques can be performed at home.

For thoracic and middle back pain, you can opt for surgical options like discectomy.

For upper and lower back pain, health practitioners recommend adopting a balanced diet and exercise regimen, taking proper prosture, using good massagers, quitting smoking and minimizing stress generally.

Our Solution

One of the highly recommended devices that can help to ease back pain as well as improve overall back health is Cordbit massager - 3 in 1 solution for your back. Its unique 5 roller design imitates a structure of the human spine and penetrates your back muscles like human hands can’t. Regular 5-10 minutes exercises help to ease back pain, improve your posture, strengthen your core and release muscle tension.

What makes it stand out from other rollers and massagers is the material it is made of and the form with which it is made. Another advantage is that it is eco friendly because it is made from precious wood.


Cordbit back massager helps to improve back curve, release muscle tension, improve blood flow and relaxation and relieve lower and upper back pain. It is the real deal. 

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