In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to worry about things like body aches and pain. But the truth is, in the world we live in, 80% of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. However, if you can identify the back pain you have, you can determine the cause. And once you determine the cause, you can help to prevent it from happening again. Here’s how to properly identify your back pain.
Axial Pain
Sometimes referred to as “mechanical pain”, axial pain is a term used to describe pain centralized in one spot or region. It can vary in intensity, from sharp to dull, and can either come and go randomly or remain constant and throbbing. Most of the time, axial pain can be traced back to muscle strains. Because it’s usually muscular, axial pain can go away on its own or with chiropractic care.
Referred Pain
Usually described as dull or achy, referred pain can move around and vary in intensity. Referred pain can be tricky to diagnose since it’s felt in a place entirely separate from its source. For example, degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine can cause referred pain in the hips and thighs.
Radicular Pain
Of these three types, radicular pain can be the most alarming. It usually feels like an electrical shock or a sharp piercing. The sudden intensity is often the result of compression or inflammation of a spinal nerve. Nerve pain, although incredibly jarring, is not usually an emergency. Your chiropractor will usually be able to diagnose your radicular pain and treat it accordingly.
If you are experiencing one or more of these types of back pain, give us a call today.