You have successfully answered the question of what is hurting and now are probably wondering why it is hurting. But before we move on to the complex mechanisms of nerve pinching and radiculopathy, we should know some basics about the spinal column.
The Spinal Column is a group of 33 bones which are called vertebrae. These bones are irregular in shape and have elastic disks present between them to help them support weight. The whole spinal column is divided 5 parts : Cervical (7 bones in the neck region), Thoracic (12 bones in the upper back region), Lumbar (5 bones in the lower back region), Sacral (5 fused bones) and Coccyx, (4 bones in the tail region). There is a forward curve called lordosis in the neck region and the lower back region and a backward curve in the upper back and sacral region. In general, the spine is a straight structure and this alignment is three dimensionally altered in scoliosis and other deformity conditions. This alters the general anatomy of the body and might pose pressure on the nerves and therefore cause excessive back pain.