Musculoskeletal strain or sprain: This is often the most common cause of back pain, including pain that might be described as electric in nature due to muscle spasms or nerve irritation. The pain is typically localized to one area and can be exacerbated by movement.

Herniated disc: A herniated disc can cause electric shock-like pain, especially if it compresses or irritates a nerve root. This condition often presents with unilateral back pain that may radiate to the leg.
Degenerative disc disease: Similar to a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease can cause nerve irritation leading to electric pain, usually due to the narrowing of the disc space and potential nerve root compression.
Spondylosis or spondylolisthesis: These conditions involve defects in the vertebrae or the slipping of one vertebra over another, which can cause nerve compression and resultant electric pain.

Spinal cord compression or cauda equina syndrome: These are medical emergencies that can present with severe back pain, potentially described as electric, along with neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder and bowel control. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent damage.
Kidney stone or pyelonephritis: While not directly a back condition, severe pain from kidney stones or infection can be felt in the back and might be described as electric or severe, sharp pain. These conditions require urgent medical attention.
Aortic dissection: This is a life-threatening condition where there is a tear in the aorta's inner layer. It can cause severe, tearing pain that might be felt in the back and can be described in various ways, including as electric.

Multiple myeloma or other bone cancers: These conditions can cause back pain due to bone destruction and might be accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as weight loss or fatigue.
Osteoporotic compression fracture: While more common in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis, these fractures can cause sudden, severe back pain that might be unilateral and could potentially be described as electric in nature due to the acute injury to the bone and surrounding nerves.
Arachnoiditis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord, which can cause severe, burning, or electric pain, along with neurological symptoms. This condition is relatively rare and often associated with previous spinal surgery, infection, or contrast dye used in myelograms.