Spinal pain

**Definition:** This is a condition characterised by pain felt in the back that usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine.

**Long definition:** Back pain may have a sudden onset or can be a chronic pain; it can be constant or intermittent, stay in one place or radiate to other areas. It may be a dull ache, or a sharp or piercing or burning sensation. The pain may radiate into the arms and hands as well as the legs or feet, and may include symptoms other than pain. These symptoms may include tingling, weakness or numbness.

The challenges of diagnosis in patients with spinal pain, however, are that spinal pain is often multifactorial, the factors involved are wide ranging, and for most of these factors there exist no definitive objective tests.

**Exclusions:** - Chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain - Chronic neuropathic pain - Symptom or complaint of the back