5 Major Causes of Neck and Back Pain
Back and neck pain is most common pain complaint amongst people between the ages of 18 and 64. Although often soft-tissue related, they temporarily diminish mobility which inhibits the sufferer’s daily activities.
Fortunately, patients can receive natural and full body wellness care from chiropractors. Chiropractic specialists offer spinal manipulation, adjustments and other noninvasive treatments that don’t involve addictive drugs or invasive procedure for pain. But before any treatment, there must be a diagnosis.
Below are five major causes of neck and back pain. If your condition is related to one of the following causes, inform your physician or chiropractor so that they can determine the best path of care.
Trauma
Medical professionals, especially chiropractors, see many patients following neck and back trauma. Trauma involves an impact or jolt that shifts the spine or surrounding musculoskeletal structures. The source is typically a car accident or physical sport. Most injuries are soft tissue related. They typically resolve over a few weeks with rest and spinal manipulation (adjustments).
Poor Posture
Men and women who work in an office or retail facility often develop neck and back pain. Why? Sitting and standing for long hours hunched over tightens back and neck muscles. The best practice is to adopt better postural habits. Regardless of a person’s height, weight and stature, a person’s posture should follow the natural curve of the spine and maintain upright and squared shoulders. If you find yourself sitting for longer periods during the day, it’s important to ensure that laptop and computer screens are at eye-level, chairs are positioned at the right height and you are sitting up straight and not hunched over a desk.
Musculoskeletal Abnormalities
Abnormalities in bones and muscles can also cause neck and back pain. The usual culprits are bone spurs, herniated discs or scoliosis. Bone spurs are skeletal projections stemming from bones that irritate joints or other bones, herniated discs occur when soft centers in spinal discs extend out of their exterior cases, and scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine. Medical care for all three vary, but almost always involves a form of physical therapy or chiropractic care.
Degenerative Diseases
Diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis and other debilitating diseases distort human tissue and can erode this substance. The repercussion: bones in the neck and back rub against each other. For most people, it’s very painful. Consequently, age plays a factor in degenerative diseases. Middle-agers and seniors develop these ailments more so than younger individuals. Since no cure exists for degenerative diseases, sufferers must adapt their lifestyles. They may need to lose weight, exercise, and avoid specific foods.
Muscle Strain
A strain occurs after neck and back muscles stretch or tear. Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting cause muscle strains. Affected regions throb and ache. Application of a cold or warm cloth helps. If inflammation or spasm occurs, more medical care is necessary. Services from a chiropractor or massage therapist can alleviate these symptoms.
In conclusion, the five major causes of neck and back pain – trauma, poor posture, musculoskeletal abnormalities, degenerative disease and muscle strain – effect millions. Yet in most cases, there is a solution. Seeking medical care early is a key way to reducing the chances of complication and pain.
Visit our contact us page to get in touch and set-up a consultation with us, we would love to guide you on any pain issues and potential treatments.