Where it hurts:
Anywhere on the back, typically radiating into arms or legs.
What it might mean:
Shooting, stabbing, or electric pain will typically point to nerve compression. Herniated discs and spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal becomes narrowed and nerves get compressed, are the most common culprits. Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the leg or foot will typically accompany pain.
In rare cases, pain resulting from these causes can be experienced after trauma, injury, or infections of the spine. Since pain resulting from nerves would always increase after some time, an early diagnosis and exercise can prevent nerves from irreparable damage.