“The back is such a large and important part of the body that it's not unusual to have aches and pains,” explained Haskalovici. “Although back pain can be characterized in many different ways, it can be convenient to classify it according to where it occurs.
Neck pain: “Unfortunately common, neck pain can occur for several different reasons. The neck can become sore from misaligned head support — if you carry your head forward, for example, you hunch or have “text neck”you may notice pain and difficulty turning your neck. Arthritis can occur or the neck can be injured. It's also not uncommon to wake up with neck pain from unsupported pillows, from sleeping on your stomach, or from teeth grinding during the night, among other things.”
Upper back pain: “The upper back, or thoracic spine, can suffer from musculoskeletal pain,” Haskalovici said. “Discs can slip, strains can occur and nerves can be pinched. Often, the causes of upper back pain can be traced back to a sitting position, relatively poor posture, or weakened muscles that allow the spine to tilt out of alignment. Upper back pain can affect the shoulders, and they can also hurt if you put uneven pressure on them while you sleep.
Pain in the lower back: ““Only five vertebrae make up the lower back, but those bones carry a lot of weight and pressure,” Haskalovici said. “Herniated discs, muscle strains, nerve damage and arthritis can all cause lower back pain. Heavy, repetitive work, heavy lifting, carrying a heavy bag around, or falling do not help either. For people with lower back pain, a medium firm or firm mattress can sometimes provide some pain relief.
“Anywhere back pain occurs, it can be frustrating,” he continued. “The back is vulnerable to damage and pain caused by inflammation and arthritis; stress also contributes to back pain because it often causes people to tighten their muscles. As a remedy, Haskalovici suggested “supplements, regular exercise, good posture, an anti-inflammatory diet, stress management, and adequate sleep all help prevent and manage back pain.”