What’s Causing My Back Pain and Dizziness?

 Back pain — particularly in your lower back — is a common symptom. The pain can range from dull and aching to sharp and stabbing. Back pain can be due to an acute injury or a chronic condition that causes consistent discomfort.

Pain can lead to dizziness. Dizziness is a condition that can cause you to feel like the room is spinning. Like back pain, dizziness is a common complaint.

Dizziness can lead to many sensations in addition to that of a spinning room. You may feel light-headed, as if you’re floating or might pass out. Or you might be unable to maintain your balance. Each symptom is associated with several causes.

Back pain also can have numerous causes. Your back is responsible for lifting, twisting, supporting, and absorbing shock to your body. These functions open up many possibilities for injury to occur. The delicate bones along your spinal column contain the nerves of your spinal cord. A bone or a supportive disk that slips out of place can put pressure on your nerves, leading to pain.

In rare instances, back pain and dizziness can signal a severe condition, such as a stroke or brain hemorrhage. If you experience double vision, slurred speech, numbness, and severe balance issues, these could be signs of a medical emergency.

If you experience back pain and dizziness during a blood transfusion, these can be symptoms of a severe transfusion reaction. Immediately notify your medical provider.