As the spine ages, a number of conditions can result in chronic pain in various parts of your body, not just your neck or back.
Some of the more common disorders in the spine include:
- Herniated Disc – trauma or injury to a disc resulting in the disc protruding
- Disc Degeneration – when discs dry out and lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae
- Spinal Stenosis – the narrowing of the canal that houses the spinal cord and nerve roots
- Spondylolisthesis – when a vertebra slips out of line with an adjacent vertebra
To a large extent, these spinal disorders are not inherently problematic. However, the trouble begins when they put pressure on nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord, leading to pain, numbness, or even paralysis in the limbs. Consequently, pinched nerves can be treated with various approaches, such as anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery. The primary goal is to relieve pressure on the nerve by increasing the space around it.
Ultimately, determining the best course of treatment for your neck or back pain starts with an accurate diagnosis. This process involves a thorough orthopedic evaluation, along with diagnostic tools like MRI and electrodiagnostics, to ensure the most effective solution is chosen.
Back Pain
Back pain often occurs when one or more nerves in the spinal column become impinged, or pinched. This is commonly caused by a disc or bone spur pushing into the canal that houses the spinal cord and nerve roots. As a result, back pain can often be treated nonsurgically; however, in some cases, surgery may be necessary to effectively address the issue and provide lasting relief.
Neck Pain
The part of the spine that supports your neck is called the cervical spine. This area must allow for a significant amount of movement while also supporting the weight of the head. In contrast to the rest of the spine, which is relatively protected from injury, the cervical spine is surrounded by a smaller number of muscles and ligaments, making it more vulnerable to harm.
As a result, neck pain can occur due to abnormalities in the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, or nerves), as well as in the vertebrae or joints of the cervical spine. Common causes of neck pain include degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, or soft tissue abnormalities following injury. Moreover, in some individuals, neck problems can lead to pain radiating into the upper back, shoulders, or arms.
At some time in life, you may experience back pain.
