Your Health In Mind with Michael Storm and Dr. Dean Lloyd, July 8, 2026 Hour 1
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Back Pain
Back pain generally falls into three main categories: mechanical/axial pain, radicular pain, and referred pain. Understanding the exact sensation and location helps pinpoint the cause, which ranges from simple muscle strain to pinched nerves or spinal conditions.
Here is a breakdown of the most common types of back pain:
1. Mechanical (Axial) Pain What it is: The most common type of back pain, localized to a specific area in the back (muscles, ligaments, joints, or bones). How it feels: Often described as a dull, aching, throbbing, or sharp pain that typically stays in the spine and does not travel down your limbs.
Common causes: Muscle sprains, ligament strains, or facet joint arthritis. It usually worsens with movement, lifting, or twisting and improves with rest.2. Radicular Pain (Sciatica) which is discomfort that radiates outward from your back or neck down into your arms or legs. It occurs when a nerve root in the spine is compressed, pinched, or inflamed.
| Feature | Referred Pain | Radicular Pain (Radiating) |
|---|---|---|
| Sensation | Dull, achy, vague, or deep | Sharp, shooting, burning, or electric |
| Location | Spreads to a related area; doesn’t follow a strict path | Follows a distinct nerve pathway (e.g., down the leg or arm) |
| Common Causes | Muscle trigger points, joint issues, or organ conditions | Pinched or inflamed nerve roots (e.g., herniated discs in the spine) |
What it is: Pain that occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes compressed, inflamed, or injured.
How it feels: Sharp, burning, or “electric shock-like” pain that radiates outward from the back and travels down an arm or leg. It is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Common causes: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or degenerative disc disease. 3. Referred Pain What it is: Pain that originates in one part of the spine but is felt in another area, typically felt as a dull, aching sensation that can vary in intensity. How it feels: Pain that shifts locations, often spreading into the hips, glutes, or upper thighs. Common causes: Degenerative disc disease or facet joint problems in the lower back.4. Neuropathic Pain (Neuropathic relates to a disease, injury, or malfunction of the nerves. It most commonly refers to neuropathic pain, which occurs when damaged nerve fibers send false pain signals to the brain. People often describe it as sharp, burning, or tingling (“pins and needles”)..
Chronic pain caused by damage or malfunction of the nervous system itself rather than a specific physical injury. How it feels: A chronic tingling, numbness, or constant burning sensation.
Note: Persistent back pain accompanied by “red flags” (such as unexplained weight loss, fever, loss of bladder control, or sudden leg weakness) requires immediate medical attention. Explore the Mayo Clinic Back Pain Symptoms page for more information on causes and when to see a doctor.
Effective back pain treatment begins with conservative methods: avoid strict bed rest, apply localized heat or ice, and use over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen). Stay active with gentle movements, walking, or stretching, and consult a doctor if pain radiates down your legs, persists for over two weeks, or causes numbness.
Conservative & Home Care Limit Bed Rest: Staying in bed for more than 1-2 days can actually stiffen your muscles and worsen pain. Early, gentle movement is key. Temperature Therapy: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation, then switch to heating pads to relax muscles. Over-the-Counter Medications: NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage flare-ups.
Physical Therapy & Exercise Targeted Movements: Guided stretching, core strengthening, and posture correction are the foundation of lasting relief. Safe Activities: Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or yoga help stabilize the spine without jarring impacts.
Medical & Interventional Options Spinal Manipulation:
Chiropractic care or osteopathic manipulation can provide acute relief. Injections: If the source of pain is precisely known, doctors may use trigger point injections, nerve blocks, or epidural steroid injections to temporarily alleviate discomfort. Surgery: Reserved as a last resort for structural issues, herniated discs, or severe nerve compression.
Alternative Therapies Acupuncture & Massage: Many find complementary relief through acupuncture, deep tissue massage, or biofeedback therapy to help manage chronic flare-ups. [1, 2] Mindfulness & Meditation: Chronic pain is physically and mentally taxing; practicing cognitive strategies can boost your conscious control over the nervous system’s pain response
Talk Soon!
! Dean !
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