What is Chronic Pain?
Pain is defined as chronic when it is ongoing for 12 or more weeks despite recovery from the initial injury or causative condition. In contrast to acute pain, an expected response by your body to injury, chronic pain persists, and often for months or even years. Neck and back pain may also come in a variety of forms, ranging from dull and annoying pain to sharp and debilitating pain, affecting everyday activities.
Effective treatment relies on a strong understanding of its root causes.
Common Causes of Chronic Neck Pain
- Muscle strain and poor posture
Most modern lives are characterized by long hours in front of screens or at computer desks. This repeated strain over a long duration causes inflammation of the neck's muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing long-term pain. Long-term strain is also caused by repetitive movements and prolonged poor posture during sleep. - Cervical Disc Degeneration
As we get older, the spinal discs in our neck naturally start to degenerate, a phenomenon referred to as cervical degenerative disc disease. The wear and tear on these disks can lead to decreased flexibility, pain, and inflammation, especially if the disk starts to bulge or herniate. - Pinched nerve (Cervical Radiculopathy)
When bone spurs develop or a disc herniates in the neck, they can press on adjacent nerves. This will commonly create a sharp, radiating pain that shoots from the neck into the arm, shoulder, or even fingers. Tingling and weakness are also possible. - Whiplash and other Injuries
Whiplash may result from an automobile accident or a sports injury as a result of a jerky motion that strains neck ligaments and muscles. While symptoms may improve with rest, other people have long-lasting pain long past the moment of injury.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
- Herniated or Bulging Discs
Spinal discs serve as cushions between vertebrae, but they can become dislocated or rupture. When this occurs, the disc can rub against nerves along the spine, leading to long-term lower back pain and pain in the legs (sciatica). - Degenerative Disc Disease
Just like with the neck, the lower spine's discs also wear out over time naturally. This breakdown in cushioning may result in long-term lower back pain, particularly with motion or extended sitting. - Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal is narrowed and compresses the nerves. Spinal stenosis usually occurs after age 50 and produces back pain, numbness in the legs, and leg weakness. - Inflammation and Arthritis
Osteoarthritis in the spine leads to wear and tear on the cartilage that lies between vertebrae, resulting in inflammation and stiffness. In other instances, spinal arthritis may also cause bone spurs, or abnormal bone growth, that press on neighboring nerves. - Incorrect lifting techniques and overuse
Repeated lifting, bending, or twisting, particularly performed improperly, can strain lower back ligaments and muscles. These micro-trauma over a long term gradually accumulate and result in long-term pain and reduced range of motion.
Other Contributing Factors:
Aside from physical reasons, there are several lifestyle and health factors that may also predispose people to chronic neck and back pain:
- Obesity: Excess weight places greater strain on your spine and joints.
- Stress: Emotional distress may create tension in the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Lack of physical exercise: The core muscles cannot support the spine adequately.
- Smoking: Reduces spinal tissues' blood supply and impairs healing.
- Underlying Conditions: Such underlying conditions as fibromyalgia, scoliosis, or spinal tumors may also lead to long-term pain.
When Should you Seek Medical Attention?
If back or neck pain lasts longer than several weeks, radiates to your arms or legs, or is also causing numbness, loss of strength, or bladder troubles, a visit to a primary care doctor in Houston, TX is important. Delaying medical attention to chronic pain can result in aggravating symptoms along with less functioning.
How Remix Medical Can Assist
At Remix Medical, we are experts at diagnosing and treating neck and back pain through a customized, evidence-based process. From cutting-edge imaging and minimally invasive treatments to physical therapy and pain management options, we are dedicated to helping you take back control of your life.
Our board-certified primary care doctors in Houston, TX will work with you to determine the source of your pain and create a personal plan for you based on your lifestyle and needs. From a herniated disc to spinal stenosis or muscle strain, we are here to deliver empathetic care and long-term relief.
Start Your Path to Relief at Remix Medical
Back and neck pain do not have to become your way of life. Ready for permanent answers rather than temporary band-aids? Maybe it is time to talk to us here at Remix Medical. Book an appointment now and have us assist you in restoring a pain-free life.