Symptoms include:

• Burning, sharp, or dull pain
• Loss of bowel/bladder control
• Numbness
• Pain in or near the spinal column
• Pins and needles sensation where nerves are irritated or compressed
• Tight or stiff muscles
• Tingling sensation of the chest, legs, arms, or abdomen
• Weakening in the legs
• Weakness

Diagnostic tests include:

• Physical exam us of muscles and spine (strength, reflexes, sensation)
• Imaging tests (MRI scan, CT scan, X-rays) of the spine and surrounding areas

Common forms include:

• Compressed nerves
• Herniated disc
• Fractured vertebrae
• Strained muscles and ligaments
• Worn down tissue

Causes & contributing factors may include:

• Bad posture
• Collapsed or injured vertebra
• Compressed nerves
• Disease (rare)
• Excessively strained muscles or ligaments
• Herniated discs
• Inadequate strength
• Injury or trauma
• Stress
• Unusual sleeping position
• Unusual or sudden body position changes

• Typically, middle back pain is not considered a serious injury.
• In rare cases, pain in the middle back can be an indication of cancer, lung or heart problems, or a spinal infection.
• The cause for upper back pain is usually undetermined.
• Without any known major trauma, women over age 50 can develop vertebral compression fracture, possibly leading to severe pain, deformity, and/or height loss.