Introduction
Back burning is a symptom that can be caused by many different diseases. It is a subjectively perceived sensation that sufferers describe as a superficial burning sensation under the skin or as a deeper-lying pain. The term burning serves as a qualitative description of the type of pain. To clarify the cause, further symptoms as well as a conversation with a subsequent examination by a doctor are helpful.
Causes
The causes of burning in the back can be very different. It can be triggered by the bones, the musculature, but also by internal organs. What is hidden behind a burning sensation in the back can usually be clarified by a thorough conversation (anamnesis) and a clinical examination by a doctor.
In many cases, the cause of back burning is uncomplicated and can be successfully treated by changing one’s behaviour and taking certain therapeutic measures. The majority of people have to sit for several hours a day for professional reasons. Many notice a burning sensation in the back after some time.
This feeling is often triggered by a tense posture, which leads to overstraining of the back muscles. The posture of the person affected therefore plays an important role in the development of the complaints. Sitting or standing for long periods is generally very stressful for the back and many people find it difficult to keep their backs straight for hours.
It is not uncommon for a hunched back to form, whereby this is a bad posture that usually makes the burning pain worse or even causes it. The musculature is exposed to a permanent monotonous strain. As a result, severe tension can develop, which can even manifest itself over several days in a similar way to a sore muscle.
The complaints can be alleviated by small relaxation exercises or even movement. The correct position of the back when sitting and standing is also important to prevent permanent complaints. Recurring pain in the back can be a first sign of overstrain or even bad posture.
In many cases, not only the muscles but also the nerves are affected. Even though most back pain originates from the muscles, sometimes irritation of the nerves can be responsible for a shooting pain and burning sensation. Often these symptoms are also accompanied by a tingling and a feeling of weakness.
This back area is also very sensitive to pressure and touch. Due to the pain and burning, the affected person often tends to adopt a relieving posture. Although this initially relieves the pain, in the long term it has a detrimental effect on the musculature, as it leads to further incorrect strain.
This process is often seen in patients suffering from a slipped disc or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, nerves can be damaged by mechanical stimuli or even by inflammation. Pain in the back can then also be an indication of an infectious disease.
For example, shingles is a possible cause. This is a disease caused by viruses. It is also called herpes zoster.
The patient may have been a carrier of these viruses for a long time, as they are often able to settle in certain areas of the nerve root of the spinal cord and the cranial nerves without causing symptoms. In case of weakness of the immune system, stress or strain, the viruses can then be activated. They then cause a severe inflammation along the nerves.
Pain and blister-like formations occur, which are typically limited to one side of the back. The inflammation can be very unpleasant for the patient and often pain remains after the further symptoms have healed. A burning sensation in the back can also be caused by structures or organs located in the thorax.
The pain, says the physician, then radiates into the back. The burning sensation can originate from the muscular or even the bony structures in the thorax. Examples include injuries to the chest muscles and lateral flank muscles or injuries to the ribs caused by accidents.
The pain can then extend into the back. The thorax also contains some organs such as the heart, lungs and stomach, which can cause back pain. The burning or pain can be caused by various heart diseases.
It is not uncommon for a burning sensation to occur during an attack of angina pectoris. In many cases these complaints are the precursor to a heart attack. Other diseases such as disorders of the heart valves, an inflammation of the pericardium and also the widespread high blood pressure (hypertension) can also trigger a burning sensation in the chest.
A medical clarification of the symptoms is necessary in any case to avoid complications. Furthermore, diseases of the lungs can also be considered as a cause for back pain. If pain occurs simultaneously with the rhythmic movement of breathing, a lung disease such as bronchial asthma, pneumonia or a tear in the pleura (pneumothorax) may be present.
The patient is in pain when moving the chest and gets air with difficulty in all the above-mentioned diseases. When lying down, some people experience a burning sensation in the chest, which can then extend into the back. Especially people with known diseases of the heart or lungs have the problem that their complaints usually worsen when lying down.
Patients often sleep with a raised upper body to relieve the discomfort. Furthermore, the burning sensation can also be caused by the esophagus when lying down. Many patients who suffer from an overacidified stomach feel an increased heartburn when lying down.
This topic might also be of interest to you: Burning in the lower backVarious diseases of the stomach can also be the reason for back pain. The cause can be acidic belching, heartburn or even bacterial infections. Heartburn is one of the most common causes and is triggered by a reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus.
This can be caused by an overproduction of gastric acid, or the sphincter muscle at the transition between the esophagus and the stomach entrance no longer properly prevents reflux. If the symptoms persist permanently, there is also a risk of oesophageal cancer based on the altered mucous membrane. Other diseases of the stomach such as inflammation of the mucous membrane can also be considered. These inflammations can also be caused by pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori. In the case of a Helicobacter pylori infection, a longer antibiotic treatment is necessary to allow the stomach mucosa to heal completely.
