Treatments

Neck/Back Pain

Neck and back pain are common conditions that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. They can be caused by a variety of factors including muscle strain, poor posture, degenerative conditions, injuries, and more. Here's an overview of the causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies for neck and back pain.

Common Causes of Neck and Back Pain
  • Muscle Strain: Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain muscles and ligaments.
  • Degenerative Conditions:
    Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis affecting the spine.
    Degenerative Disc Disease: Breakdown of intervertebral discs causing pain.
  • Herniated Disc: A disc that protrudes and presses on a nerve.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compressing nerves.
  • Injuries: Whiplash, fractures, or sprains.
  • Poor Posture: Slouching or improper ergonomics.
  • Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine.
  • Infections: Such as osteomyelitis or discitis.
  • Tumors: Rare, but can cause pain if pressing on structures in the spine.
Diagnosis
  • Medical History: Detailed history of symptoms, activities, and any previous injuries or conditions.
  • Physical Examination: Assessing posture, range of motion, and areas of tenderness or pain.
  • X-rays: To check for bone abnormalities.
  • MRI or CT Scans: To evaluate soft tissues, discs, and nerves.
  • Bone Scans: To detect infections, fractures, or tumors.
  • Nerve Studies: Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies to assess nerve function.