Back and neck pain are two of America's most frequent complaints, with millions suffering some degree of pain on a daily basis. Although some pain can be caused by a poor night's sleep or overdoing it, ongoing or long-term pain is usually indicative of more serious underlying problems that require a practitioner's attention.
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. Neck and back pain may come in a variety of forms, ranging from dull and annoying to sharp and debilitating, affecting everyday activities.
Common Causes of Chronic Neck Pain
1. Muscle Strain and Poor Posture — Long hours in front of screens or at computer desks cause repeated strain that leads to inflammation of the neck's muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
2. Cervical Disc Degeneration — As we age, spinal discs in the neck naturally start to degenerate, leading to decreased flexibility, pain, and inflammation.
3. Pinched Nerve (Cervical Radiculopathy) — When bone spurs develop or a disc herniates in the neck, they can press on adjacent nerves, creating sharp, radiating pain that shoots into the arm, shoulder, or fingers.
4. Whiplash and Other Injuries — A jerky motion from an automobile accident or sports injury can strain neck ligaments and muscles, leading to long-lasting pain.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
1. Herniated or Bulging Discs — When spinal discs become displaced or rupture, they can rub against nerves along the spine, leading to long-term lower back pain and sciatica.
2. Degenerative Disc Disease — The lower spine's discs wear out over time, leading to long-term pain particularly with motion or extended sitting.
3. Spinal Stenosis — Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the nerves, producing back pain, numbness in the legs, and leg weakness.
4. Inflammation and Arthritis — Osteoarthritis in the spine leads to wear and tear on the cartilage between vertebrae, resulting in inflammation, stiffness, and potentially bone spurs.
5. Incorrect Lifting Techniques and Overuse — Repeated lifting, bending, or twisting performed improperly can strain lower back ligaments and muscles over time.
| Region | Common causes |
|---|---|
| Neck | Poor posture, facet arthritis, disc problems, whiplash |
| Lower back | Disc disease, arthritis, muscle strain, stenosis |
| Both | Deconditioning, stress, and prolonged sitting |
Other Contributing Factors
- 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: Core muscles cannot support the spine adequately
- Smoking: Reduces spinal tissues' blood supply and impairs healing
- Underlying conditions: Such as fibromyalgia, scoliosis, or spinal tumors
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
If back or neck pain lasts longer than several weeks, radiates to your arms or legs, or is causing numbness, loss of strength, or bladder troubles, it is important to seek medical attention. Delaying care for chronic pain can result in aggravating symptoms and less functioning.
At Remix Medical, we are experts at diagnosing and treating neck and back pain through a customized, evidence-based process.