What Causes a Burning Sensation in your Back?
September 5, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
A burning sensation in the back can be caused by a variety of underlying factors, and the specific cause may vary depending on the location, duration, and other associated symptoms. Here are some potential causes of a burning sensation in the back:
- Muscle Strain: Overuse or injury to the muscles in the back can lead to muscle strain, which can cause pain and a burning sensation. This often occurs due to poor posture, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, or sudden, awkward movements.
- Nerve Compression: Compression or irritation of nerves in the back can lead to a burning sensation. Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica can cause nerve-related pain and discomfort.
- Shingles: Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can cause a painful, burning rash that often wraps around one side of the torso, including the back.
- Neuropathic Pain: Conditions that affect the nerves themselves, such as diabetic neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy, can result in burning sensations. These conditions often affect the extremities but can also involve the back.
- Skin Conditions: Skin conditions like contact dermatitis or sunburn can cause a burning sensation on the surface of the skin. Skin conditions can sometimes extend to the back.
- Infections: Infections affecting the back, such as a kidney infection or spinal infection, can cause pain and discomfort that may feel like burning.
- Nerve Damage: Damage to nerves in the back, which can result from various causes, including injury, surgery, or certain medical conditions, can lead to neuropathic pain characterized by a burning sensation.
- Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain originating from another area of the body can be felt in the back. For example, problems with internal organs like the heart, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract can refer pain to the back.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can lead to inflammation and discomfort in the back, which may be associated with a burning sensation.
- Psychological Factors: Emotional stress, anxiety, or depression can sometimes manifest physically as various sensations, including a burning feeling in the back.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or severe burning sensations in your back, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, weakness, or changes in bowel or bladder function. Proper diagnosis and treatment depend on identifying the underlying cause of the discomfort.