Back and neck pain
If persistent neck or back pain is keeping you from moving, working and doing the things you enjoy, you’re not alone. In fact, back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor.
Thirty-three bones called vertebrae, along with discs in between, make up the spinal column and protect your spinal cord, enabling you to stand and bend. The spinal column is broken into section with a certain number of vertebrae in each.
These sections include the:
- Cervical spine (neck) with seven vertebrae.
- Thoracic spine (upper back) with 12 vertebrae attached to the ribs and sternum (breast bone). This is the most stable part of the back.
- Lumbar spine (lower back) with five vertebrae. This section of the back carries the most weight and slows for the most motion, making it prone to problems.
- Sacral region (bottom of the spine) with five vertebrae fused together at the base of the spine; they help to make up the pelvis.
- Coccygeal region (tailbone) with four small bones at the very bottom of the spinal column.
Most common spine problems can be linked to a cervical or lumbar condition. Experts at HonorHealth diagnose and treat virtually all types of spine issues, including those caused by wear and tear, abnormal growths or “spurs,” muscle injuries and more.
Back pain
Lower back pain is often tied to a lumbar disorder. The causes of lower back pain often require treatment from spine care specialists.
If you’re having lower back pain, it could be caused by an injury or condition affecting your spine, muscles, nerves or nearby structures in your back. In some cases, lower back pain could actually be linked to mid- or upper-back issues or even problems related to a hernia or the reproductive organs.
Back pain symptoms
Your lumbar disorder may present in different ways, including:
- A tingling or burning sensation
- A dull ache or sharp pain in the lower back
- Weakness in your legs or feet
Neck pain
Chronic neck pain usually results from a condition called cervical spondylosis. This abnormal wearing of the cervical spine, including the cartilage, bones and joints in the neck, can damage the nerve roots and/or spine. In some cases, the condition also causes irritating or painful abnormal growths on the bones of the spine.
Since cervical spondylosis is caused by wear and tear, age is the biggest risk factor. X-rays can detect signs of the condition in most adults by about age 60.
In addition to increased age, other risk factors for cervical spondylosis include:
- Past neck injury
- Severe arthritis
- Past spine surgery
Neck pain symptoms
While cervical spondylosis affects everyone differently, the most common symptoms include:
- Neck pain, which may radiate down the arms or shoulders
- Neck stiffness that worsens over time
- Loss of or abnormal sensations in the shoulders, arms and/or legs
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Headaches, particularly in the back of the head
- Balance issues
If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, understand what conditions may be causing your issues and your treatment options.