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.
Lately, my lower back pain has been terrible.
What is the cause of the lower back pain?
Literally 'my lower back hurts'. A natural, everyday phrase to describe the sensation.
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.
Pain specifically in the upper back, between the shoulder blades.
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.
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.
My upper back hurts; what should I do?