What are the classifications of back pain?

CLINICAL COURSE: The clinical course of low back pain can be described as acute, subacute, recurrent, or chronic.

What are the 3 categories of back pain?

Three common classifications of back pain include:
  • Axial pain. Also called mechanical pain, axial pain is confined to one spot or region. …
  • Referred pain. Often characterized as dull and achy, referred pain tends to move around and vary in intensity. …
  • Radicular pain.

What are the most common types of back strain?

Spraining or straining your back is the most common type of back injury. These injuries can happen acutely (suddenly) or slowly over time. Strains often occur from twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon in your back.

How do you classify lower back pain?

This subdivision is based on the duration of the back pain. Acute low back pain is an episode of low back pain for less than 6 weeks, sub-acute low back pain between 6 and 12 weeks and chronic low back pain for 12 weeks or more. Low back pain that has been present for longer than three months is considered chronic.

What is a back muscle strain?

Lumbar muscle strain is caused when muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. Lumbar sprain is caused when ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that hold bones together) are torn from their attachments. Both of these can result from a sudden injury or from gradual overuse.

What are 3 causes of lower back pain?

Causes
  • Muscle or ligament strain. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. …
  • Bulging or ruptured disks. Disks act as cushions between the bones in the spine. …
  • Arthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. …
  • Osteoporosis.

How do I know if back pain is muscular or skeletal?

A dull ache when you move

A pulled muscle would not feel hot, tingling, or electric like an irritated nerve root would. The pain would only subside while you are relaxed and resting, as the tension and spasms are alleviated. However, the pain would most likely flare up when you get up to move again.

How do I know if back pain is muscle or disc?

Your spinal disc is at the bottom of your back, so if you have pain in your lower back, you may assume it is a slipped disc. Furthermore, the feeling of pain will differ between the two. Muscle pain will feel like post-workout soreness, while disc pain will feel debilitating and tingly.

What type of back pain comes and goes?

Types of Back Pain

Acute back pain happens suddenly and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks. Subacute back pain can come on suddenly or over time and lasts 4 to 12 weeks. Chronic back pain may come on quickly or slowly and lasts longer than 12 weeks.

How can you tell the difference between nerve pain and muscle pain?

It’s important to note that one of the biggest differences between nerve pain and muscle pain is chronic pain. Chronic pain is ongoing and constant. The damaged tissue that causes nerve pain often leads to chronic pain, leaving many patients to endure long-lasting side effects.

How long does back muscle strain last?

Back muscle strains typically heal with time, many within a few days, and most within 3 to 4 weeks. Most patients with mild or moderate lumbar strains make a full recovery and are free of symptoms within days, weeks, or possibly months.

How long can a muscle strain last?

For a mild strain, you may be able to return to normal activities within three to six weeks with basic home care. For more severe strains, recovery can take several months. In severe cases, surgical repair and physical therapy may be necessary. With proper treatment, most people recover completely.

Should you stretch a strained back?

Start stretching

You can begin stretching after an injury as soon as possible, as long as it is within a comfortable pain-free range. Stretching should be a mild to moderate sensation without pain. “Movement and stretching early leads to a better recovery,” says Penny.

How do you heal a strained back?

Treating a Pulled Back Muscle in 8 Steps
  1. Apply cold. Cold helps reduce inflammation, which is the primary source of pain in the first few days. …
  2. Use compression. …
  3. Rest. …
  4. Stretch. …
  5. Pain medication. …
  6. Perform strength exercises. …
  7. Get a massage. …
  8. Apply heat.

How should I sleep with a strained lower back?

The best sleeping position for lower back pain is on your side with a partial bend in the knees7. Keeping the knees bent helps balance the body and reduces pressure on the lumbar spine. Many people find it helpful to put a small pillow between their knees to make this position more comfortable.

How should I lay with back pain?

Top 5 Sleeping Positions for Back Pain
  1. Lying on your side in a fetal position. …
  2. Lying on your back in a reclined position. …
  3. Lying on your side with a pillow supporting your knees. …
  4. Lying on your stomach with a pillow below your pelvis and lower abdomen. …
  5. Lying flat on your back with a pillow underneath your knees.