Spinal pain

Last updated: November 04, 2025 Spinal pain in the back and neck is very common. Strains and sprains of the back muscles are the most common causes of back pain. The thoracic spine can also be the site of spinal pain, but because it is much stiffer, the thoracic spine is much less likely to be injured than the lumbar and cervical spine. If you feel pain in any part of the spine, you can visit Dr. Mahmoud Yazdan Panahi (neurologist surgeon) for a visit and treatment.

Pain in the middle of the spine

Lumbar and cervical spine are prone to pressure due to weight bearing function and involvement in movement, rotation and bending. Back muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. A back sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched abnormally. Lumbar disc rupture can be caused by sudden injury or overexertion. When the middle of the spine is stretched or sprained, the soft tissues become inflamed. This inflammation causes pain and then muscle spasm. Although a strain or sprain in the middle of the spine can be very debilitating, neither usually requires spine surgery.

Spinal pain behind the stomach

Spine pain behind the stomach can be caused by various factors in the digestive organs, kidneys or even the uterus. Knowing the cause of pain is very important for proper treatment. In the following, the most important reasons for this pain are examined:

Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix causes severe and sudden pain in the abdomen, which is usually in the lower right side of the abdomen, but it can also spread to the back and cause pain in the spine behind the stomach.

Painful menstrual periods: Primary or secondary menstrual pains may cause cramps in the abdominal muscles and transfer the pain to the back of the stomach.

Endometriosis: The growth of uterus-like tissue outside the uterus can cause deep pelvic pain, abdominal pain, and back pain referred to the back of the stomach.

Gallstones: Obstruction caused by gallstones can cause severe pain in the right and upper abdomen, which sometimes spreads to the back.

Kidney disorders: Kidney stones, infection, or chronic kidney problems can cause side and back pain that sometimes moves to the abdomen and back of the stomach.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Bloating and intestinal spasms in IBS may lead to abdominal pain and lower back pain in the back of the stomach.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): In diseases such as ulcerative colitis, chronic intestinal inflammation can cause abdominal pain and pain that radiates to the back.

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is often accompanied by severe abdominal pain that spreads to the back and is felt in the form of spinal pain behind the stomach.

Pancreatic cancer: Although it is rare, back pain can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer and requires immediate investigation.

The cause of the disease The main site of pain How pain spreads to the back Important accompanying symptoms Emergency situation? Appendicitis Lower right side of abdomen Sometimes to the back and spine Nausea, fever, anorexia Need urgent referral Painful menstrual periods Lower abdomen and pelvis It may be transferred to the waist Muscle cramps, hormonal changes ❌ Usually no endometriosis Pelvis and lower abdomen Pain referred to the back and back of the stomach Pain during intercourse or severe menstruation 🔶 Need for specialized follow-up Gallstones Upper right side of abdomen Dissemination to the back and right shoulder Nausea, pain after eating fatty foods 🔶 In cases of severe emergency obstruction kidney problems side and back Sensation across the back and sometimes the abdomen Heartburn, blood in urine, fever ✅ In cases of blockage or infection IBS is irritable bowel syndrome Lower and middle abdomen During bloating and back spasms Diarrhea/constipation, bloating, heartburn ❌ IBD is an inflammatory bowel disease Middle or lower abdomen Pain referred to the back Gastrointestinal bleeding, weight loss Needs continuous treatment Pancreatitis upper abdomen in the form of a belt on the back Vomiting, severe and continuous pain ✅ Very important and urgent Pancreatic cancer Upper abdomen To the back and spine Weight loss, yellow skin Needs immediate diagnosis

The cause of upper back pain

Symptoms of a hernia in the upper back can include pain behind the chest that radiates to one or both sides of the chest. This pain is usually caused by inappropriate physical activity and aggravated by deep breathing. In some patients, numbness around the chest wall is also seen. Disc herniation in the upper back is rarer than disc herniation in the neck and lower back, and to prevent the progression of the disease, one should pay attention to the symptoms, and in case of involvement of the lower parts, use specialized methods such as lower back pain treatment.

Works that are harmful to the lumbar disc are:

• Too much sitting
• washing clothes
• vacuuming
• Excessive exercise as well as improper exercise
• Gardening and snow shoveling
• Horse riding
• Cycling
• Tennis

The cause of back pain above the waist

The cause of back pain above the waist can be different from simple muscle problems to serious spinal diseases. In this area, muscles and vertebrae play an important role in maintaining the correct position of the body, and any injury, inflammation or pressure can cause pain and movement restriction. Accurately knowing the cause of the pain provides the possibility of faster treatment and prevention of injury aggravation. In the following, the most common causes of pain in the upper back are examined so that you can better identify the cause of your symptoms.

• Muscle strain: Excessive pressure, poor posture, sudden movements or repetitive activities can put pressure on the muscles and ligaments of the upper back area and lead to spinal pain.
• Bad posture: Staying in a bad posture that causes the spine to remain crooked or bent will lead to pain in that area. For example, sitting on an inappropriate chair with an incorrect posture causes pain in the upper back spine.
• Lumbar disc: A herniated disc in the upper part of the lumbar spine can put pressure on the adjacent nerves and lead to pain at that point.
• Degenerative disc disease: Lumbar wear and the rupture of the discs between them, if they occur in the upper part of the spine, cause upper back pain.
• Spinal canal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal due to the pressure of the disc or lumbar vertebra puts pressure on the spinal nerves, which includes many symptoms. Upper back pain is one of these symptoms.
• Spondylolisthesis: This condition is actually lumbar disc herniation which occurs because the vertebra is out of its normal position.
• Fracture: A fracture in the vertebrae of the upper back spine causes a sharp and sudden pain in the upper back.
• Kyphosis: Kyphosis is an excessive curvature of the spine, which if it occurs above the waist, causes back pain in these areas.

Pain in the upper middle back

Back pain in the upper back is a pain that occurs in the area between the base of the neck and the bottom of the chest. The vertebrae of this section are known as the thoracic spine. This area has 12 vertebrae that are connected to the ribs, and damage to any of these can cause spinal pain in the middle and upper back.

Upper back pain is usually felt between the shoulder blades and along the spine in the upper back. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the neck, shoulders, and chest. This pain causes stiffness and tightness in the upper back and lower back. It will also be more difficult to move this part, turn and bend.

Spine pain in the upper back has various causes, which may include stretching or sprained muscles, poor posture, injuries caused by pressure on the vertebrae, degenerative conditions of the lumbar disc, lumbar disc slippage, fractured vertebrae, disc herniation, and arthritis.

The cause of burning in the vertebrae in the middle of the back

Burning in the middle of the back can occur due to pressure on the spinal nerves, inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae, muscle spasm or disc problems. The cause of burning in the middle of the back is usually aggravated by long sitting, hunching or sudden movements, and sometimes it is accompanied by tingling or shooting pain in the side and abdomen. In some cases, the cause of burning in the lumbar vertebrae can be caused by arthritis, disc herniation or even visceral problems such as stomach and gall bladder.

Backburn treatment Depending on the cause, it includes lifestyle modification, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs and strengthening of the muscles of the center of the body, and in severe cases, injections or surgery are recommended. To accurately determine the origin of pain, examination and imaging by a spine specialist is necessary

• Herniated lumbar disc: A rupture or bulging lumbar disc can cause a burning sensation in the vertebrae.
• Spinal canal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal and putting pressure on the nerves inside it is one of the main reasons for the burning sensation in the vertebrae. This burning sensation may be accompanied by tingling or numbness.
• Muscle tension: Muscle spasm is often accompanied by a burning sensation.
• Nerve compression: Any pressure on the nerves can cause a severe burning sensation in the vertebrae and upper back.
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, which is located near the waist, can cause a burning sensation.
• Infections: In rare cases, infections affecting the spine or surrounding tissues can lead to symptoms such as a burning sensation in the lower back.
• Musculoskeletal problems: Conditions such as arthritis, spondylolisthesis or osteoporosis can cause pain and a burning sensation in the lower back.

In the following, we have examined some of the causes of lumbar vertebrae burning:

• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. People with fibromyalgia may experience a burning sensation in the lower back along with other symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbances.
• Referred pain: Sometimes, problems in other parts of the body, such as the kidneys or genitals, can cause referred pain, which may also feel like a burning sensation.
• Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, can cause a variety of sensations, including burning and tingling in the upper back vertebrae.
• Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to muscles or nerves in the back can lead to ischemic pain. This spine pain occurs with a burning sensation due to lack of oxygen.
• Caucasoid syndrome: is a rare but serious condition in which the nerve roots at the base of the spinal cord are compressed, causing symptoms such as back pain, a burning sensation in the vertebrae, and numbness in the lower back.

Spine pain in pregnancy

Back pain is very common during pregnancy, especially in the early stages. During pregnancy, the body's ligaments naturally become softer and prepare the mother for childbirth, which can put pressure on the back and hip joints and cause back pain.

To prevent and reduce back pain during pregnancy, try these tips:

• When lifting something off the floor, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• When sitting, keep your back straight and lean on pregnancy pillows.
• Get enough rest, especially in late pregnancy, a massage or warm bath can help.
• If your back pain is very painful, talk to your GP or midwife.

Spine and neck pain

Symptoms may include a dull or severe pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades that radiates from the arm to the hand or fingers, accompanied by numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm. Pain may increase in situations and when doing certain movements.

Symptoms of mild lumbar disc herniation include:

• Pain in the lower back
• stretching pain from the hip towards the leg
• Numbness and numbness of the hips or legs
• Weakness in one or both legs
• Loss of bowel and bladder control

The cause of spine pain between the shoulder blades

Pain between the shoulder blades can be caused by a problem in any part of the body located between the shoulder blades. Including:

• Skin between two shoulder blades
• Muscles such as the rhomboid, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius, all of which help hold the shoulders back and down
• Part of Mary
• Part of the heart
• Part of the lung

Muscle strain is the most common cause of pain between the shoulder blades, which is caused by poor posture, especially when you bend forward while sitting or standing for a long time.

Treatment of spine pain

Strains, sprains and even nerve pressure caused by disc herniation can be treated by reducing activity and even bed rest for a short period of time. Usually, rest from one to three days should not be more than that, because long-term bed rest can lead to loss of muscle strength and may increase muscle stiffness and add to pain and discomfort.

In mild to moderate lumbar disc, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used. Muscle relaxants and narcotics may be added or substituted for more severe pain symptoms. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy. The therapist will perform an in-depth assessment, which, along with the doctor's diagnosis, will recommend treatment specifically designed for patients with back pain. Treatment may include:

1. hip stretch
2. Gentle massage
3. Ice and heat therapy
4. Lumbar disc surgery with laser
5. electrical stimulation of muscles
6. stretching exercises

pills for spine pain

These drugs are often prescribed along with pain relievers to relieve symptoms of back pain or muscle spasms. Examples of muscle relaxants include: Carisoprodol and Cyclobenzaprine

• Carisoprodol → Carisoprodol
• Cyclobenzaprine → Cyclobenzaprine

Medicines that are often used to treat chronic pain include:

• Carbamazepine → carbamazepine
• Gabapentin → Gabapentin
• Lamotrigine → Lamotrigine
• Pregabalin → Pregabalin
• Valproic acid → valproic acid (or valproate)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can be used to control mild back disc pain.

Exercise for spine pain

We want to teach sports to improve spine pain.

1. Lie down and bring one of your knees up (to the ceiling).
2. Slowly rotate your knee to the right. Hold for a few seconds and then raise it so that they are facing the ceiling again.
3. Repeat this on the opposite side.

In this sport, pain is scored out of 10. (0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you have ever had) For example:

• 0 to 3 – minimal pain
• 4 to 5 – acceptable pain
• 6 to 10 – too much pain

While exercising, try to keep your pain on a 0-5 rating. If your pain rises above this level, change the exercises as follows:

• Decreasing the number of times a move is made
• Reduce movement speed
• Increasing rest time between movements

In general, post-exercise pain should not worsen your current back pain.

home treatment for spine pain

Home treatment for spine pain includes the following:

• Exercise to strengthen muscles.
• Getting up and moving around when you have back pain can be challenging, so improve your posture. Improper posture can lead to aggravation of back pain.
• Use heat and cold compresses to reduce pain.
• Do stretching movements.
• Use pain reliever cream.
• Try massage.
• Use appropriate shoes.
• Use hydrotherapy and warm water.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

Dr. Yazdan Panahi

Student of Shahid Beheshti University of Tehran. The top rank of the specialized board of neurosurgery. 7-year history of performing complex operations on the base of the skull and brain and spinal cord tumors, 7-year history of complex operations on the spine

Related posts

Spine and spinal cord

Lumbar disc treatment at home 14 ways to treat lumbar disc at home

Many people prefer to try less risky methods such as lumbar disc treatment at home before undergoing surgery. These methods include medication, physical therapy exercises, limited rest, light physical activity, massage, and techniques such as chiropractic. They aim to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and improve movement, and if done correctly, can speed up the healing process. Stay with us to check more of these items.

Read more » November 19, 2025 4 views Spine and spinal cord

Pain in the back of the neck Investigation of causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods

Back pain is often caused by muscle problems, improper body posture or erosion of the vertebrae, and sometimes it spreads to the shoulder and head. The cause of pain in the back of the neck and shoulder can be from a simple strain to a protrusion of the disc, and this point tells us what the symptoms of back pain are. Fortunately, most of these pains can be controlled with anti-inflammatory drugs, modification of daily habits and stretching exercises. Only limited cases, due to neurological or structural involvement, will require more advanced treatment methods.

Read more » November 18, 2025 No views the brain

Benefits of brain endoscopy + examination of complications and risks

Cerebral endoscopy is a minimally invasive method that is performed by two methods, endonasal and neuroendoscopy, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Among the most important advantages of brain endoscopy, we can mention the reduction of manipulation of natural tissues, less pain, faster recovery, better visibility of the surgeon and reduction of the risk of concussion. However, endoscopic complications such as bleeding, CSF leakage, blood pooling, and infection are significant aspects of this procedure. Although there are disadvantages of endoscopy, in most patients the benefits outweigh the possible risks. In the following, the details of both aspects will be examined.

Read more » November 17, 2025 No views Spine and spinal cord

At what age does cervical disc start? + Check symptoms and treatment

Cervical disc usually appears in the third and fourth decades of life, but the onset of cervical disc in youth is not far off with increasing daily pressures. The cause of neck disc in youth is often a combination of bad sitting posture, long-term work with mobile phones and computers, and weak neck muscles. Obesity, inactivity and genetics also accelerate the process of disc erosion and reduce the age of the disease. Premature wear of discs reduces flexibility and increases the possibility of pain and rupture at a young age. Compliance with ergonomics, muscle strengthening and regular activity are the best ways to prevent and postpone this complication.

Read more » November 16, 2025 No views

Write your opinion Cancel response