
Spinecare Topics
Referred Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common symptoms prompting a visit to a primary care physician. In fact, it consistently represents one of the top three leading symptoms prompting a visit to a physician. In most cases the back pain arises from the tissues of the back. Back pain is not always associated with a disorder of the back but may be a symptom of underlying disease within the chest, abdomen or pelvis. Disorders involving the thoracic region may refer pain to the upper and middle back regions whereas disorders afflicting the organ in the upper abdomen typically refer pain to the lower part of the mid-back. Disorders of the lower abdomen usually refer pain to the low back region whereas; disorders of the pelvic area refer pain to the region of the tailbone.
More common disorders which can refer pain to the mid back are heart disease, stomach disorders, gall bladder disease, lung and pancreatic disease. A rib lesion will often refer pain around to the mid back region. More common disorders which refer pain to the lower back region include disorders of the colon, kidney and uterus/ovaries. Chronic prostate disorders often refer pain to the lower back and tailbone regions. A thorough history and physical examination is required of all individuals with acute and chronic back pain.
In some cases there may be coexistent disease involving the spine and one of the organ systems. The back pain patient may present with two different pain patterns afflicting the back .The pain may overlap becoming more persistent and magnified because of the combined conditions.