The Different Locations of Discogenic Back Pain & What They Mean

Back pain can be caused by various factors, from everyday activities to more serious underlying conditions. It is important to identify the cause of your back pain to care for it properly. Common causes include poor posture, physical stress, lifting heavy objects, and degenerative conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. If your lower back or buttock pain feels like it could be nerve-related, it is worth understanding whether the cause is sciatica or a sacroiliac joint problem — our article on SI joint pain vs sciatica explains how to tell the difference. If you have a suspected disc issue and want to understand what you can do at home, our article on herniated disc self-help at home covers the key steps and what to avoid.

Does the Location of Your Back Pain Matter?

One of the first questions a doctor may ask is where the back pain is located. The location of your back pain can significantly indicate the cause. For example, lower back pain can be caused by a herniated disc, sciatica, or a spinal injury. Pain in the middle of the back could be due to a muscle strain, arthritis, or a rib injury. Pain in the upper back could be due to a pinched nerve, gallbladder disease, or a heart attack. Knowing the location of your back pain can be the key to finding an effective approach for the issue.

Causes of Upper, Middle & Lower Back Pain

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is usually located near the waist or the lumbar region. This is a common problem that a variety of factors can cause. The most common causes of lower back pain are poor posture, lifting heavy objects, lack of exercise, muscle strain, and underlying medical conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, or a spinal injury.

Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain is located in the middle of the spine and is commonly caused by muscle strain due to overuse or injury, poor ergonomics when performing physical activities, and underlying medical conditions such as arthritis, muscle strain, or a rib injury.

Upper Back Pain

This is typically located in the thoracic spine, between the neck and lower back. Pain in the upper back is often caused by poor posture, underlying medical conditions, or joint dysfunction when the joints in the upper back become misaligned and cause pain.

Chiropractic Care For Upper, Middle & Lower Back Pain

Chiropractic care is an excellent option for those dealing with upper, middle and lower back pain. Chiropractors use a combination of manual adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle advice to help improve the range of motion and reduce pain in the spine and surrounding muscles.

Final Thoughts

The location of your back pain can be a useful indicator of the cause of your pain and what care option may be most effective. By understanding the different locations of back pain and its causes, you can work with your chiropractor to find the right approach for your specific needs.

ATLAS Chiropractic is dedicated to maximising your overall health. Find out how we can help by clicking the link below.