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Types of Back Pain

Pain is subjective. The same pain can be perceived differently individually. That's the challenge we face as clinicians everyday.


Let's explore more on back pain specifically in the spine. First, let's establish the different types of back pain; Nociceptive, Nociplastic, and Neuropathic pain.


Nociceptive pain

This pain is caused by actual or threatened tissue damage, such as a broken bone, sprained ankle, or pulled muscle. Nociceptive pain can feel sharp, aching, or throbbing. 


Nociplastic pain

This pain is caused by altered nociception, or pain-related sensory pathways in the periphery and CNS, without tissue or nervous system damage. Symptoms include widespread body pain and fatigue. Nociplastic pain can occur on its own or in addition to other chronic pain conditions.


Neuropathic pain

This pain is caused by injury or disease to the nervous system, such as shingles, sciatica, or diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms include burning, stabbing, tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" feeling. 


At work, I have learned over the years that as much as having the right diagnosis and effective management of the condition is important, also the ability of the clinician to explain the condition well.


Somehow, a patient responds better when they understand what the problem is. Perhaps, one can then know how to manage it, maybe prevent it from exacerbation or worsening it. Perhaps, it's psychological.


Regardless, identification of the source of pain is important. As life is, life likes to throw curve balls, it sometimes can be a combination of 2 causes.


The goal of these articles are mainly for the intent of education and interest. I hope to give my perspective and opinion on everything health or spine related as well. Do you find this interesting? Is it too long or short? Is there something else you might want to write about instead? Feel free to comment.


Take care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else!


Joachim Low, Chiropractor




References include:

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