Symptoms of Back Pain

Symptoms of back pain include a feeling of stiffness or aching anywhere on the back from the hips all the way up to the neck.  In some instances the individual will feel a sharp pain relegated to one small area of the back.  This pain usually occurs after heavy lifting or other arduous activity.  An ache in the lower back or the middle back can occur after an individual has been sitting or standing for a long time.  In some cases the pain can move from the back and down the leg into the toes.  Finally some individuals find it impossible to stand up straight without severe and painful muscle symptoms.  Severe symptoms of back pain include tingling, a numb feeling or inability to control appendages.  Sharp pain extending down into the legs can indicate sciatica.  Severe pain when an individual coughs or bends forward can be indications of a herniated disc.  A dull pain localized to one area of the spine when lying down or rising from the bed can be an indication of osteoarthritis.