Translation guide
Describes pain located in the back. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is with the compound noun 腰痛 (yōtsū), which specifically means lower back pain. For general or upper back pain, other terms are used.
Pain in the lower back, the most frequent type of back pain.
The standard medical and everyday term for lower back pain. Covers both acute and chronic pain.
最近、腰痛がひどいんです。
Lately, my lower back pain has been terrible.
腰痛の原因は何ですか。
What is the cause of the lower back pain?
Literally 'my lower back hurts'. A natural, everyday phrase to describe the sensation.
腰が痛くて立てない。
My back hurts so much I can't stand up.
Pain in the back without specifying the lower back, or when the location is unclear or includes the upper back.
Literally 'my back hurts'. Used for pain in the back area in general, including the upper back and shoulder blades.
背中が痛いので、マッサージに行った。
My back was hurting, so I went for a massage.
Medical term for back pain, often used in clinical contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
背部痛を訴える患者が増えている。
The number of patients complaining of back pain is increasing.
Pain specifically in the upper back, between the shoulder blades.
Describes pain between the shoulder blades, a common area for upper back pain.
肩甲骨の間が痛くて、仕事に集中できない。
The pain between my shoulder blades is so bad I can't concentrate on work.
A more general way to say 'the upper part of my back hurts'.
背中の上の方が痛いんですが、どうしたらいいですか。
My upper back hurts; what should I do?
The literal combination 背痛 (haitū) is not a standard Japanese word. Use 腰痛 for lower back pain or 背中が痛い for general back pain.
腰 (koshi) refers to the lower back/waist area, while 背中 (senaka) refers to the back from shoulders to waist. Use 腰 for lower back pain and 背中 for upper or general back pain.