Back And Neck Pain

What are the common causes of back and neck pain?

Your back includes a complex group of bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves that are exposed to daily stress and wear and tear. As a result, your back is vulnerable to a wide range of painful injuries and conditions. For example, some of the common causes of back pain include: ·

• Muscle strains and sprains
• Poor posture or poor sleep habits
• Osteoarthritis · Herniated discs
• Compressed nerves
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis and other structural deformities
• Whiplash from injury or accident
• Vertebral fractures

While some conditions are hereditary, in many cases, your lifestyle contributes to your risk of back or neck pain. For example, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle or you’re overweight or obese, your chances of developing pain increase. Similarly, your risk increases with age as your muscles and connective tissue becomes less hydrated and more fragile.

When should I talk to a doctor about my back and neck pain?

Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If you wake up with an achy, sore back or neck, you should take a few days to rest and try at-home treatments like over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, heat, and ice packs. However, if your pain doesn’t subside or if it gets worse or interferes with your mobility, you should schedule a consultation at Pain, Spine & Rehab Associates.

What are the available treatments for back pain?

The team at Pain, Spine & Rehab Associates provide customized, multidisciplinary treatment plans for back and neck pain. They begin with a comprehensive exam, which may include X-rays, MRIs, and nerve conduction studies to diagnose the cause of your pain. Then depending on the condition causing your pain, they might recommend any of the following treatments:

• Rehabilitation
• Braces or traction devices
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Epidural, facet joint, and sacroiliac (SI) joint spine injections
• Trigger point injections 
• Medication
• Nerve blocks
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trials
• Radiofrequency denervation

Depending on your needs, your provider may also refer you for physical therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatments or acupuncture.

Your provider might also suggest lifestyle adjustments to reduce your risk of back and neck pain by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and using good posture whether you’re sitting or standing.

Don’t let back or neck pain interfere with your life; call Pain, Spine & Rehab Associates or schedule a consultation online today for expert, customized treatments to relieve your back pain.