Radicular Back Pain
As mentioned above, when patients start to feel sensory changes such as tingling and numbness or irradiation of their pain, it is probably because radicular back pain is involved in the problem. This pain usually starts in the back and radiates through the spine or legs. It travels following the way of the nerve root being compressed or affected by the disease.
In such cases, symptoms can include muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling. The nature of the pain is also different, and it is often described as an electric pain or a burning sensation.
When talking about radicular back pain, it is important to talk about sciatica, perhaps one of the most common types. Sciatica pain happens when the sciatic nerve is compressed, pinched, or affected by inflammation. It is a type of pain that starts in your lower back, travels through the buttocks, and radiates to the back of your legs. It is worsened by walking or sitting, and it is often difficult to treat and associated with flares or episodes of worsening symptoms.
In many cases, patients may experience both mechanical and nerve-related back pain. When that happens, both conditions should be assessed simultaneously to provide a long-lasting solution to the problem.