Many patients suffering from neck pain or back pain are left wondering—what is main cause of my pain? There are a wide range of possible reasons why you may be experiencing neck pain or back pain. Here are some common causes of neck and back pain.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
The neck often suffers injury due to rapid movement and frequent wear. There are multiple simple causes behind neck pain:
- Poor posture
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Sleep position
- Improper weight training exercises
- Arthritis
Neck pain can include, but is not limited to:
- Stiffness
- Headaches
- Generalized local pain
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling in arms or hands
If you are experiencing shooting pain, weakness and tingling from your shoulder down to your fingertips, this could likely be due to a pinched nerve root cause by:
- Herniated disc
- Bone spurs from arthritis
If you are experiencing generalized pain, trouble with fine motor skills, or problems with balance and coordination, this could likely be a compressed spinal cord caused by:
- Herniated disc (most common)
As you age, your neck becomes more fragile and prone to injury which increases the chance of injury.
Common Causes of Back Pain
The lower back is most susceptible to injury due to its weight bearing function in day-to-day activities. There are multiple simple causes behind lower back pain such as:
- Being overweight
- Poor posture
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Old age (arthritis)
Lower back pain can include, but is not limited to:
- Stiffness
- Radiating pain or tingling down your legs
- Joint stiffness or pain
- Immobility
Injury to discs between the bones in the spine (vertebrae) and aging can lead to chronic pain. If you are experiencing chronic low back pain, a compressed nerve may exist along your spinal cord due to:
- Herniated discs
- Disc degeneration (arthritis)
If you are experiencing pain traveling down your legs, this could be caused by pressure on nerve roots caused by:
- Herniated disc
- Bony outgrowths (arthritis)
If you are having trouble walking or standing for an extended period of time, this may be caused by a degenerative spine condition which as created instability along the spinal cord, making it difficult to move.
If you suffer from chronic neck or back pain, you should see a spine specialist who can help determine what treatment is right for you.
