Approximately 70 to 85 percent of people experience back and neck pain at some point in their lives. The spine is designed to provide a great deal of strength, protecting the highly sensitive spinal cord and nerve roots, yet flexible enough to provide for mobility in all directions. The neck—or cervical spine—is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles directed by the ain and the spinal cord. It is designed for strength, stability, and efficient nerve communication. However, there are many different parts of the spine and neck that can produce pain. Pain can be caused by compression of the nerves by tumors, degenerative discs/joints, and over growth of ligaments.
Many cases of neck and back pain are the result of a muscle strain. The good news is that such pain generally heals quickly in a few weeks or months. A variety of non-surgical treatments— including medications, heat/ice therapy, and back exercises —may be used to deal with discomfort.
Pain that lasts longer than three months is referred to as chronic back pain and may be indicative of an underlying condition like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or a cervical degenerative disc. Depending on the causes of the pain, surgery may or may not be required. It should be known that the effectiveness of pain treatment can vary from person to person, so it is generally advisable to get a comprehensive neck or back pain diagnosis from an experienced medical professional.
In many instances, neck and back pain can be avoided by improving your physical condition, core strengthening and learning and practicing proper body mechanics. Demonstrating proper posture and regular exercise are great ways to prevent pain or injury. When you sit, choose a seat that supports your back, arms, and legs. Do not turn and hold your head in an unusual position for an extended amount of time and be sure to lift with your legs if you are moving an object. In addition, maintain a healthy weight as this reduces stress on the spine and back muscles. And if you smoke, consider quitting, as tobacco smoke constricts blood flow to muscles in your body.
“Treating Neck and Back Pain” is provided by the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center.
