What is Back Pain?
Back pain refers to any discomfort arising from the structures in the Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacral areas of your back, which may include muscles, bones, nerves, joints, or discs. Back pain can cause varying degrees of discomfort and may seriously impact your quality of life and lead to further medical issues.
What Are the Types of Back Pain?
Thoracic
Thoracic pain (neck to the abdomen) can cause pain to radiate to the mid back, chest, and/or abdomen. The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae (T1 to T12). Pain in this area is commonly described as sharp, burning, or radiating. This is typically associated with radiculopathy, resulting in feelings of weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations caused by a pinched nerve. The treatment options for this area of pain may include medication, pain-relieving injections, and a variety of physical therapy techniques. Surgery is rarely required, and you can rely on the team of experts at Spine Team Texas to explore all non-surgical options before considering minimally invasive surgical treatments. Here are a few of the common causes and characteristics of musculoskeletal and spinal thoracic pain:

Musculoskeletal Issues:
- Muscle Strain: Overuse or injury to the muscles in the chest or upper back can cause pain.
- Rib Injuries: Fractures or inflammation of the ribs can lead to localized pain.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet can cause pain and discomfort.
Spinal Problems:
- Herniated Disc: Although less common in the thoracic region, a herniated disc can press on nerves and cause pain.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Aging or wear and tear on the discs can lead to pain and discomfort in the thoracic spine.
- Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine can sometimes cause thoracic pain.
Postural Issues:
- Poor posture, such as slouching or sitting for long periods, can strain the muscles and ligaments in the thoracic region.
Lumbar
Lumbar pain refers to discomfort or pain in the lower back region. The lumbar region is located between the rib cage and the pelvis, consisting of the five lumbar vertebrae (L1 to L5) and the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and nerves. This pain is commonly described as stabbing, sharp, achy, or burning and pain can occur in the lower back only or radiate to the buttocks, thighs, or legs. The treatment options for this area of pain may include anti-inflammatory medications, customized physical therapy typically lasting 4-6 weeks, and if necessary, a short course of pain-relieving injections. Surgery is rarely required, and you can rely on the team of experts at Spine Team Texas to explore all non-surgical options before considering minimally invasive surgical treatments. There are several potential causes of lumbar pain, including, but not limited to:

Muscle Strain: Overuse or sudden movements can strain the muscles or ligaments in the lower back. This is a common cause of acute lower back pain.
Herniated Disc: The intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the inner gel-like core of the disc bulges out and presses on nearby nerves, causing pain that can radiate to the legs.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, the discs can lose hydration and elasticity, leading to reduced cushioning and pain. This condition is often associated with aging.
Spinal Stenosis: This involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs.
Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine can lead to uneven pressure and pain in the lower back.
Facet Joint Dysfunction: The facet joints in the back of the spine can become inflamed or arthritic, causing localized pain and stiffness.
Injuries: Trauma or accidents can result in fractures or other injuries to the lumbar spine.
Postural Issues: Poor posture, especially from prolonged sitting or improper lifting techniques, can contribute to lumbar pain.
Chronic Conditions: Conditions like arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or kidney stones can also manifest as lumbar pain.
Sacral
Sacral pain can cause pain in the hip, buttocks and/or legs. This pain originates in the sacrum, a triangular-shaped bone at the base of the spine. The sacrum is situated between the lumbar spine and the coccyx (tailbone) and is connected to the pelvis. This pain is commonly described as stabbing, sharp, achy, electric, or having a burning character. The treatment options for this area of pain typically include anti-inflammatory medications and a customized course of physical therapy typically lasting 4-6 weeks. Surgery is rarely required, and you can rely on the team of experts at Spine Team Texas to explore all non-surgical options before considering minimally invasive surgical treatments. Sacral pain can be caused by various factors, including, but not limited to:

Muscle Strain: Overuse or strain of the muscles around the sacrum can lead to pain.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: The sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum to the pelvis. Dysfunction or inflammation in these joints can cause pain.
Injury or Trauma: Accidents or falls that impact the sacral area can lead to pain.
Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or other inflammatory types of arthritis can affect the sacroiliac joints and lead to sacral pain.
Pregnancy: The changes in posture and increased stress on the pelvis during pregnancy can contribute to sacral pain.
What Are the Treatment Options for Back Pain?
Treatment options for neck pain can widely vary and should be tailored to the individual’s specific condition and severity of symptoms. Common treatments include:
- Medications for pain relief or muscle relaxation
- Physical therapy to strengthen and improve motion
- Postural education and ergonomic adjustments
- Manual therapy techniques such as massage or stimulation
- Interventional procedures, when necessary, like nerve blocks or steroid injections
At Spine Team Texas, we can help determine the optimal path for reducing pain and enhancing mobility based on your unique circumstances.