Spine Pain: Where Does it Hurt?

Most of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. Whether it starts suddenly or develops over time, everyone can agree it’s no fun. Back pain can be extremely uncomfortable and may prevent you from doing activities you need and want to do.

You may not realize it, but your spine is intricate and complex. Your spine includes many parts, all of which work together to provide the stability, support and flexibility we need to go about our everyday lives. But all of these parts can be impacted by injury, disease or general wear and tear. Learning about the structure and function of your spine may help you identify and better understand what’s behind your back pain.

Whether you are just beginning your spine care journey or already have diagnosed spine pain, the team of caregivers at the Spine Center is right here to support you with non-surgical and surgical solutions.

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Understanding the Spine

Thirty-three individual bones or vertebrae make up your spine. They’re stacked on top of one another and interlock to create your spinal column.

Your spinal cord runs through the hollow space in the center of each vertebra. The spinal cord goes from the bottom portion of your brain to the vertebrae at the base of your spine. Its job is to transmit messages between your brain and the rest of your body.

For example, messages from your brain make your body move. Messages from your body to your brain convey information about what we touch and feel. Spinal nerves branch off your spinal cord and assist in this communication.

Besides vertebrae, other parts of your spine include:

  • Disks, located between the vertebrae, act as cushions, keeping the bones from rubbing together and making movement easier.
  • Facet joints connect your vertebrae and allow for back motion.
  • Ligaments, fibrous bands of connective tissue, hold your vertebrae together, offer protection for your disks and provide stability for your spine.
  • Muscles stabilize your spine and help your back and body twist, bend and move.
  • Tendons are strong tissues that connect muscles to bones.

Regions of the Spine

Your spine is divided into three regions. Unique characteristics of the vertebrae in each region allow them to do their job.

Similar problems may affect each region of your spine. But your symptoms may be slightly different.

Spine Pain and Other Problems

Everyone experiences pain differently. Your pain might be dull and achy or sharp and shooting. Even symptoms you may not consider pain may relate to a back condition. Recognizing these symptoms and being able to describe them to your doctor may help you get an accurate diagnosis.

Sometimes, pain is acute. This discomfort begins suddenly, often because of an injury. Chronic pain lasts or returns for more than three to six months. Chronic pain can also last longer than a doctor would expect as you heal from an injury.

Symptoms beyond back pain that may signal a back injury or condition include:

  • Burning or numbness. This sensation can feel like pins and needles or be hot and achy. Usually, it’s in a concentrated area of your back. You may also feel numbness or tingling in your back. It may be just slightly bothersome or alarming.
  • Limb pain. A disk that bulges out of place in your back may cause pain that radiates down your leg or into your back and arm. This is a result of pressure on a nerve.
  • Sudden weakness. Several back conditions may put pressure on nerves or arteries. This pressure can interfere with nerve signals or blood flow. Weakness in your legs, feet, arms or hands is possible as a result.

When to Call the Doctor

In many cases, spine pain gets better on its own or with self-care at home. But if you have discomfort for more than two weeks, or your pain interferes with daily life, it’s important to seek help. Immediately seeking help is crucial if you also have other serious symptoms, such as loss of bowel or bladder control.

There are spine pain solutions, and we can help you find them.

We’re Right Here to Help

With unmatched experience in diagnosing and treating spine pain, your condition will be carefully evaluated by the team of experts at the Spine Center as we work with you to develop a customized treatment plan. Highly skilled and caring providers, plus state-of-the-art technology and treatments, means you’re at the right place for exceptional patient care.

Affiliations with OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Mayfield Brain & Spine ensure you receive the highest possible level of spine care.