3 Most Common Causes Of Back And Neck Pain

Updated on July 19, 2022

If you’re reading this, you’re probably suffering from back and neck pain. Furthermore, you want to know what’s causing it. Fortunately, the source of your neck and back discomfort may be common, and you may even be able to alleviate it at home with a change in lifestyle or minor treatment.  

If you’re experiencing back and neck pain, you may feel mild, throbbing, or stabbing pain in those areas. Finding the cause may aid in determining which portion of your back and neck are hurting, as various factors frequently affect specific locations such as the lower back, upper back, and so on. Other back and neck discomfort symptoms include stiffness along your spine and intense radiating pain from one side of your back to the other. 

Lastly, this discomfort may be intense for a brief moment. Otherwise, it may be chronic, wherein you would experience this back discomfort continuously over an extended period. Nonetheless, if you wish to determine what is causing your back and neck pain, the following are some prevalent causes: 

  1. Poor Posture 

It may come as no surprise that one of the leading causes of neck and back pain for students and adults is poor posture. This is primarily because sitting for prolonged periods is common among students and professionals. This may be worsened if you’re working at home without an ergonomic workspace that helps you maintain proper posture. 

In addition to an improperly designed office, poor posture is frequently caused by slouching in a chair while working for an extended period. Poor posture is an unnatural bodily position that places persistent strain on the spine, muscles, ligaments, and other tissues. Long-term, it will create discomfort and injure your neck and back muscles. 

To prevent experiencing such discomfort, you may start by being conscious of maintaining proper posture. In addition to that, engaging in physical activity and stretching can also assist in your recovery. It would also be best to consider creating a working environment that encourages you to have a healthy posture while working, such as utilizing an ergonomic desk chair. 

Furthermore, you may consult a physical therapist if you wish to seek assistance in treating your back and neck pain. You can also search online for reliable and professional service providers within your area. Try browsing on websites, like https://www.walkerspineandsport.com/back-and-neck-pain to learn more about this matter. 

  1. Injury, Fractures, Or Trauma 

Injuries, fractures, and other types of trauma are other potential reasons for back and neck pain. Your spine, muscles, or cartilage may have been damaged as a result of this. Accidents, overuse, or inappropriate usage of your muscles are common factors that can lead to this condition.  

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For instance, you could be training for a sport with improper techniques, thus injuring your muscles over time. Furthermore, poor body conditioning may result in accidents during a game. Another example is employing inappropriate abilities to complete specific tasks, such as carrying heavy items. Always remember that when lifting anything, you should use your full body strength to perform the task swiftly and successfully. However, if you only utilize your back, you are putting unnecessary strain on it, which could lead to injury. 

To prevent this, make sure that you are exercising in the appropriate form and that you’re not putting too much pressure on your muscles. In addition, you should think about taking breaks between your workouts or training sessions to prevent your muscles from becoming overworked. Moreover, it would be best if you thought about being more aware of your surroundings and avoiding scenarios or environments that could lead to an accident, such as walking on slippery surfaces. 

Alternatively, if you want to heal from this source of back pain, you should first consult a doctor. Seeing a doctor immediately if you’ve been in an accident or have recently been injured is critical since you could have a torn ligament, muscle or bone fracture. Another way to recover from this is to work with a physical therapist. A combination of rest and modest exercise may be sufficient to relieve your symptoms, such as a strained muscle or a sprained ankle, if they aren’t too severe. 

  1. A Herniated Disc 

Another cause of back and neck pain worth noting is a herniated disc, also known as a lumbar disc herniation. A herniated disc occurs when the disc bulges or leaks outward. It may irritate the joints, nerve roots, or muscles near it. The soft gel-like inside of your spine’s disc is responsible for this. It’s possible that you’re feeling a sharp and stabbing pain down the back of your legs, known as sciatica. This is frequently more severe than lower back discomfort. 

Some of the causes of a herniated disc include the following: 

  • Sitting for too long 
  • Being overweight 
  • Lifting heavy objects 
  • Constantly bending or twisting  
  • Smoking 

Meanwhile, its prevention includes the following: 

  • Lifting using proper techniques 
  • Maintaining a proper weight 
  • Being physically active 
  • Stretching 
  • Proper posture 
  • Stop smoking 

In diagnosing this condition, a doctor may conduct the following medical exams: 

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan 
  • X-Ray 
  • Electromyogram (EMG) 
  • Myelogram.  

Meanwhile, at-home treatments often include rest, pain relievers, and alternating heat and ice compress to the affected area. In extreme cases, you may need to seek physical therapy, spinal injections, medication, or surgery. 

When To Consult Your Doctor 

If you’re experiencing severe pain that can’t be treated with medication and rest as you experience the following symptoms, consider consulting with a medical professional: 

  • Loss of sensation and control over your legs 
  • Loss of control over your bladder 
  • Weakness and numbness of your arms 
  • A fever 
  • Weight loss 
  • Pain after an injury or fall 

Conclusion 

Back and neck pain can be highly inconvenient and make it difficult to focus on daily duties. Fortunately, back discomfort appears to be common among the general population. Furthermore, if the underlying reason for your back pain is minor, you may be able to eliminate it with minimal medical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or home remedies. Hopefully, the preceding list of typical causes of back and neck discomfort has helped you learn more about your current condition.