Back pain is one of the most common complaints in the Netherlands. Almost everyone experiences it at some point—sometimes briefly, sometimes for years. But back pain is not always the same. There are different types of back pain, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. In this blog, you’ll read which types there are, how to recognize them, and what you can do yourself to make your back stronger and healthier. No time to read? Download the MotiMove app right away to relieve your pain.
What you’ll read in this blog
- What is back pain?
- Lower back pain
- Upper back pain
- Acute low back pain (lumbago)
- Herniated disc
- Sciatica
- Chronic back pain
- How MotiMove helps with all types of back pain
- Frequently asked questions
What is back pain?
Back pain is a collective term for pain you feel in your spine and the surrounding muscles. Sometimes it’s a dull ache, sometimes stabbing or burning. It can come on suddenly, for example after lifting a heavy box, but it can also build up slowly due to poor posture or too little movement. The location and type of pain often say a lot about the cause.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is the most common.
Possible causes include:
- Sitting too long or poor posture
- Overloading the back muscles
- Osteoarthritis or wear and tear of the vertebrae
- Herniated disc or other spinal issues
Upper back pain
Upper back pain is located between the shoulders or just below the neck. It’s often caused by tense muscles, for example from looking at a computer screen for a long time or spending a lot of time on your phone. It feels stiff and tight, and can even cause headaches.
Acute low back pain (lumbago)
Lumbago is sudden, sharp pain in the lower back.
Characteristics:
- Often caused by a wrong movement
- Pain shoots in, making it hard to move
- Muscle spasms
Herniated disc
A herniated disc occurs when an intervertebral disc bulges out and presses on a nerve. This can cause severe pain in the back, but also in a leg. Sometimes it’s accompanied by tingling or numbness. A herniated disc can heal on its own, but sometimes surgery is needed.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation of the large leg nerve.
Causes:
- Pressure on the nerve from a herniated disc or muscle
- Inflammation
- Prolonged overuse
Symptoms: pain radiating from the back to the buttock, leg, and sometimes foot.
Chronic back pain
If back pain lasts longer than 3 months, we call it chronic back pain. This can result from wear and tear, rheumatism, stress, or a combination of factors. With chronic pain, keeping moving is very important, even if it feels counterintuitive. Standing still or lying down often makes it worse.
How MotiMove helps with all types of back pain
The MotiMove app is specially designed for people with pain. Whether you have lower back pain, lumbago, a herniated disc, or chronic symptoms: in the app you’ll find safe, short exercise videos that help you keep moving smoothly. You track your progress, get facts about pain, and tips to reduce discomfort in your daily life. This way, you build a stronger back step by step.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which back pain is dangerous?
Pain with fever, weight loss, or numbness in the legs should be checked by a doctor.
How do I know which type of back pain I have?
A doctor can determine this through an examination and possibly scans.
Should I rest when I have back pain?
Not for too long! Rest can help briefly, but keep moving to recover faster.
Do exercises help with all types of back pain?
Yes, but choose safe, tailored exercises like in the MotiMove app.
Download MotiMove now and work every day on a strong, flexible back. Even if you’re in pain, you can move safely.