Understanding Spine Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek a Diagnosis

Our spine is one of the most important structures of the body. In fact, it is the central support structure for the entire body, playing a vital role in movement, stability, and nerve communication. Although any kind of joint pain can be debilitating, spinal involvement may result in greater functional impairment, affecting mobility, daily function, and quality of life. Spine joint pain is different from typical back pain. Spine joint pain can also be caused by underlying conditions that can result in severe consequences. This article will walk you through the common causes of spine joint pain, spine pain vs back pain, key symptoms to watch for, and how diagnostic imaging can help identify issues early and start appropriate treatment.

 

Spine Pain vs. Back Pain: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms spine pain and back pain interchangeably, but they are not always the same. Understanding the distinction helps individuals seek the right treatment and diagnostic imaging early.

 

Back Pain: A Broad Term for Discomfort

Back pain refers to discomfort that one feels anywhere along the back, from the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), to the lower back (lumbar spine). This pain can originate from muscles, ligaments, fascia, nerves, or bones.

 

Sometimes, back pain is caused by muscle strain or poor posture. In other cases, it may be due to problems within the spine itself. Identifying the cause is important to ensure you get the right treatment. 

 

Spine Pain: A Specific Subset of Back Pain

Image Source: Northern Hills Sports Physiotherapy

 

Spine pain refers specifically to pain that originates from the spinal structure itself. This includes:

• Facet joints (where vertebrae connect)
• Intervertebral discs (which cushion the bones)
• Spinal nerves and spinal cord
• Vertebrae (bones)

 

Why This Difference Matters

Many patients initially think they have “just back pain,” when in fact they may be experiencing early symptoms of a spinal disorder. Identifying spine pain can allow for early treatment to prevent progression and avoid unnecessary or ineffective therapies.

 

Summary Table:

Feature	Back Pain	Spine Pain
Origin	Muscles, ligaments, posture	Spinal discs, joints, vertebrae, nerves
Cause	Injury, tension, poor posture	Degeneration, arthritis, disc herniation
Pain Pattern	Localised, muscular, dull ache	Sharp, radiating, often with neurological symptoms
Diagnostic Tools	Often clinical exam, sometimes X-ray	Usually requires MRI, CT, or X-ray
Treatment	Rest, physiotherapy, ergonomics	Imaging-guided intervention, rehab, surgery if needed

Common Types of Spine Pain

Spine-related pain can manifest in different areas along the spinal column. Each type has its own causes, symptoms, and clinical considerations.

 

Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Spine Pain)

This is the most common form of spine pain, particularly in adults over 30. It often stems from:

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
• Herniated discs putting pressure on nerve roots
• Facet joint arthritis causing inflammation and stiffness
• Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)

Symptoms:

• Pain that worsens with bending or sitting
• Stiffness in the lower back, especially in the morning
• Radiating pain (sciatica) into the hips, thighs, or legs
• Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the lower extremities

Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain)

Thoracic spine pain is relatively less common and can be caused by:

• Poor posture or scoliosis
• Vertebral fractures (often from osteoporosis)
• Thoracic disc herniation (rare but possible)
• Rib dysfunction or referred pain from internal organs

Symptoms:

• Dull ache or sharp pain between the shoulder blades
• Pain with deep breathing or upper-body movement
• Stiffness and difficulty twisting the torso

Neck Pain (Cervical Spine Pain)

Neck pain from the cervical spine can impact the neck, shoulder, and arms. Common causes include:

• Cervical spondylosis (arthritis)
• Herniated cervical discs
• Whiplash injuries
• Nerve compression (radiculopathy)

Symptoms:

• Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Radiating pain to shoulders, arms, or hands
• Headaches (tension or cervicogenic)
• Numbness or tingling in arms or fingers

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

The sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the pelvis. Causes of sacroiliac joint pain may include:

• Inflammatory arthritis (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis)
• Pregnancy or postural changes
• Trauma or leg length discrepancy

Symptoms:

• Deep, dull ache in the lower back or buttocks
• Pain when standing up from sitting
• Discomfort when climbing stairs or getting out of bed

Spine Pain from Inflammatory Conditions

Autoimmune conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis cause chronic inflammation in the spinal joints, especially in the sacroiliac area.

Symptoms:

• Pain that improves with activity but worsens with rest
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Gradual onset in young adults
• Reduced spinal flexibility over time

Common Causes of Spine Joint Pain

Spine joint pain can stem from a variety of structural or inflammatory problems. Understanding these causes helps ensure timely medical intervention.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

Our spine comprises vertebral joints with discs between them. These discs lose hydration and elasticity as one gets older. In degenerative disc disease, this wear-and-tear leads to reduced disc height, instability, and pain from adjacent vertebral joints. It commonly affects the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions.

Osteoarthritis

This common form of arthritis can affect the facet joints of the spine, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and chronic back pain. Over time, cartilage breakdown causes bone-on-bone friction and the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes), which may compress nearby nerves.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

A disc herniation occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer. This can irritate or compress spinal nerves, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the back and limbs.

Inflammatory Conditions (e.g. Ankylosing Spondylitis)

This autoimmune condition causes chronic inflammation in the spinal joints, particularly the sacroiliac joints. Sacroiliac joint pain symptoms often begin in early adulthood and may include pain that improves with movement but worsens with rest. Sacroiliac joint pain is a condition that can be effectively managed with various non-surgical and surgical treatments. Early diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain allows for timely intervention to alleviate pain and improve function through appropriate sacroiliac joint pain treatment. 

Spine Joint Pain Symptoms to Watch Out For

While occasional back soreness may not be a cause for alarm, the following symptoms may indicate deeper joint-related spine issues:

• Localised or Radiating Pain: Pain may be central to the spine or radiate to the hips, legs, shoulders, or arms, depending on nerve involvement. If the cervical spine is affected, it may cause neck pain that may radiate to the shoulders and arms, whereas lower spine involvement can cause lower back pain that may radiate to the legs. 
• Numbness or Tingling: Nerve compression can lead to abnormal sensations in the limbs, especially with herniated discs. For example, lower back numbness may indicate a disc bulge or herniation in the lower spine. 
• Stiffness and Reduced Flexibility: Difficulty bending, twisting, or turning is common with spinal osteoarthritis or inflammation.
• Pain Aggravated by Activity or Rest: Some conditions worsen with movement (e.g., DDD), while others (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis) flare up during periods of inactivity, especially at night or early morning.

When to Seek a Diagnosis

It is important not to ignore symptoms of spine joint pain that persist or worsen. Seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent or Worsening Pain: Pain lasting more than a few weeks, or increasing in intensity.
• Neurological Symptoms: Weakness in the arms or legs, loss of coordination, loss of bowel/urine control, or difficulty walking.
• Sleep or Work Disruption: Pain that interferes with daily tasks or rest should be evaluated for potential structural causes.
• Post-Injury Pain: Any trauma to the back, such as a fall or accident, should be followed by appropriate imaging to rule out fractures or soft tissue damage.

How Diagnostic Imaging Can Help

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential in managing spine joint pain effectively. Spine and joint pain specialists typically order diagnostic imaging that allows them to visualise internal spinal structures in detail and identify the root cause. The common imaging modalities include:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRIs are ideal for evaluating soft tissues, discs, the spinal cord, and nerve roots. They are excellent for identifying disc herniation, inflammation, or spinal stenosis.
• CT (Computed Tomography): A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of bone and joint structures. It is often used when MRI is not suitable or for assessing complex fractures.
• X-ray: X-rays are useful for detecting structural changes like arthritis, bone spurs, or spinal alignment issues. They are often the first imaging step before more detailed scans.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters:

Delays in diagnosis can result in:

• Progression of degenerative conditions
• Chronic nerve damage
• Permanent spinal deformities
• Increased need for surgical intervention

Early imaging not only improves treatment outcomes but also enables patients to explore non-invasive or conservative management options like physiotherapy or targeted injections, before jumping into surgical treatments.

RadLink’s Diagnostic Imaging Services for Spine Joint Pain

At RadLink, we offer a full suite of advanced diagnostic imaging services tailored to uncover the root causes of spine-related joint pain. Our radiologists work closely with referring physicians and specialists to ensure precise, timely reporting, empowering patients with the clarity they need to proceed with treatment confidently. Patients receive:

• Timely Appointments – Minimal waiting times for urgent referrals
• Comfort-Focused Scanning Experience – Our staff ensures patient comfort during the scans. We offer patients the opportunity to watch a video or movie of their choice during their MRI scan. Patients are also offered headphones to cancel out the MRI machine’s sounds. Our wide-bore MRI machine also provides patients with a less claustrophobic experience, helping them overcome the fear of MRIs. 
• Specialised Musculoskeletal Imaging – Our qualified radiologists have experience in spine imaging.
• Detailed Reporting – We offer fast, precise reports and send them directly to your referring physician

Our diagnostic services for spine joint pain include:

• MRI Scans for high-resolution views of spinal discs, nerves, and joints
• CT Scans for detailed 3D imaging of bony structures and injury assessment
• Digital X-rays to detect arthritis, fractures, or spinal alignment issues

Diagnose Your Spine Joint Pain With RadLink’s Camden Long Film X-Ray Service

When it comes to evaluating spinal joint pain, especially conditions that span large anatomical regions, traditional imaging may not always offer the full picture. At RadLink Camden, we bridge this diagnostic gap with our Long Film X-ray service—a powerful imaging solution designed specifically to capture the entire spine in one seamless view.

RadLink Camden Imaging Centre has introduced the new Long Film X-ray service, which is a modern technology that captures large anatomical areas in a single image. For diagnosing spine-related problems, long-film x-ray can provide a continuous, high-resolution view of the entire spinal column, from the cervical spine (neck) to the sacrum (lower back). Long-Film X-ray enhances diagnostic detail and accuracy in evaluating conditions, such as spinal abnormalities, extremity fractures, and long bone pathologies. With fewer image captures needed, this service offers a more efficient and comfortable experience, minimising exposure and maximising diagnostic clarity. 

 

RadLink (Camden)

1 Orchard Boulevard, Camden Medical #16-03 to #16-06 Singapore 248649

Tel: +65 6836 0808

Fax: +65 6341 5787

WhatsApp: +65 8786 1677

Why Long Film X-ray is Crucial for Spine Joint Pain Diagnosis

Unlike conventional X-rays that only image a limited portion of the spine, the Long Film X-ray provides a comprehensive view that helps doctors identify alignment problems or disease progression across the entire spinal axis. This is especially valuable for:

• Patients with persistent lower back or neck pain unresponsive to treatment
• Those with posture-related discomfort or leg length discrepancies affecting the spine
• Early screening for conditions like scoliosis, especially in adolescents or young adults
• Monitoring the progression of inflammatory spinal conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis

The broader diagnostic scope provided by long-film imaging ensures that no vertebral segment is missed, allowing for earlier detection and more precise treatment planning. Whether you’re experiencing persistent back pain or recovering from an injury, RadLink’s imaging services can provide the clarity needed for effective treatment planning.

Conclusion

Struggling with Persistent Back or Spine Joint Pain? Or suffering from unexplained or ongoing lower back pain?
Early detection through advanced spine imaging can make a crucial difference in managing pain and improving your quality of life. At RadLink, we support your care team with high-quality diagnostic imaging services in Singapore. If you’re experiencing unexplained or persistent back pain, don’t delay—contact your healthcare provider or spine specialist for spine imaging with RadLink to support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Don’t let spine joint pain limit your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between spine pain and back pain?

Spine pain refers to pain originating from spinal structures (discs, joints, nerves), while back pain is a more general term that may include muscular pain, strain, or postural discomfort.

When should I see a doctor about back pain?

If your pain lasts longer than 4 weeks, is severe, or includes symptoms like numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder control, seek medical attention and consider diagnostic imaging.

Is MRI always necessary for back pain?

Not always. Your doctor may start with an X-ray or physical exam. MRI is used when nerve involvement or soft tissue issues are suspected.

Is spine joint pain treatable without surgery?

Yes, many cases of spine joint pain improve with physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and non-invasive treatments. Imaging helps determine the most effective approach.

Do I need a referral to get a scan at RadLink?

It is mandatory to consult your GP or spine specialist for a referral to get an X-ray or MRI at RadLink.