Low back pain is about twice as common asneck pain.
This article presents some of the reasons why your back and neck may hurt.
Some common ones include:
Acute vs.
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Pain lasting longer than three to six months is known as either chronic or persistent pain.
Treatment can be important in preventing a transition from acute to chronic pain.
Back pain can occur in the following areas:
Why Does My Neck and Back Hurt?
There are many causes of back and neck pain.
Sometimes, you might have more than one cause.
Up to 20% of all sports injuries involve a neck or lower back injury.
These sudden, acute injuries can lead to chronic back problems due to repetitive stress over time.
Genetic and Congenital Conditions
Genetic and congenital causes can cause neck and back pain as well.
One example of a congenital spine condition isSpina bifidais one example of a congenital spine condition.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis, a deformity that affects some teenagers, is another example of a genetic spinal condition.
Who’s at Risk for Back and Neck Pain?
On-the-job factors play a big role in neck and back pain risk, too.
Office workers tend to get more neck pain than other types of workers.
Diagnostic imaging such asX-rays and sometimes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)may be needed.
However, this full workup may be an unnecessary expense if it isn’t warranted.
Blood testsmay be done to look for evidence of systemic disease.
Electromyography (EMG)nerve studies might be done if there’s concern about muscle or nerve disease.
Bone scansmay be done to look for suspected compression fractures or tumors.
Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)or amuscle relaxantmight be suggested.
There are alsotopical pain relieversthat you’re free to put on the location where you feel the pain.
This jot down of medication comes with a risk of addiction.
Antidepressantshave been shown to help relieve some types of chronic back pain.
Generally, other treatments are tried first.
Physical therapymay be used to address neck and back pain.Chiropractic careis another treatment choice for neck or back pain.
Risk factors can include age, obesity, and sports or repetitive work injuries.
Treatment can help most people who experience back and neck pain.
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