Causes of Back and Neck Pain or Discomfort

Neck and back pain are more common amongst the Canadian adult population that you’d think. If left untreated for long, they can have significant lifestyle-related implications and impact your health in the long run. Let’s take a closer look at what causes back and neck pain.

What Causes Chronic Back Pain & Discomfort?

There are several causes of upper and lower back pain. Most of these relate to changes within the spinal anatomy that affect the functioning and mechanics of the spine. As a result, you’re likely to experience moderate to severe back pain or discomfort. If left unchecked, back pain can worsen over time. You should especially get it treated if the pain stems from:

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Disc herniation is amongst the most common causes of lower back pain. The condition occurs when the soft interior of the lumbar disc moves out of its place, i.e., leaks outside. This inflames the joints, tissues, and nerves in the surrounding area, causing a shooting pain in the back. This pain tends to radiate down the back towards the legs, becoming even more pronounced over time. Disc herniation often referred to as a pinched nerve or a burning disc. These are precisely the kinds of sensations you’re likely to experience if you have a herniated disc. The sooner you get it checked, the better, as the problem can worsen and become more intense. In addition to a stabbing pain in the back, you may also experience leg pain or numbness in your lower limbs. In more serious cases, aggressive intervention may be required.

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

While not as debilitating as disc herniation, lumbar degenerative disc disease also causes back pain. This happens when the spinal discs undergo wear and tear, becoming weaker and more prone to injuries. Lumbar degenerative disc disease usually results in lower back pain that flares up for a short while before subsiding. It may persist for a few days or weeks, causing moderate discomfort before going away on its own. However, medical intervention may be needed in some cases.

Spinal Osteoarthritis

Spinal osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in your lower back joints starts to break down. Sometimes, it may also result in the development of bone spurs, which are particularly painful. The result is ongoing back pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need aggressive treatment. However, milder symptoms can be treated via hot or cold therapy, medication, and physical therapy.

What Causes Chronic Neck Pain & Discomfort?

Chronic neck pain occurs due to an issue with the discs or joints in the neck. These may sustain tears and bruises as you age, causing neck discomfort. Additionally, neck pain is also associated with the following:

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are especially common among athletes. As an especially vulnerable body part, the neck is prone to injuries during falls or impact in sports. Apart from sports injuries, people also sustain neck injuries in accidents or scenarios where the ligaments within the neck end up moving beyond their normal capacity or the neck bones get fractured. For instance, sudden jerking of the head can injure the ligaments in the neck. This condition is called whiplash.

Muscle Strains

Muscle strains may occur due to several reasons. For instance, you can pull a neck muscle while playing sports or doing chores. Usually, neck muscle strains are caused due to poor posture, bad sleeping positions, and sudden head movements during exercise. For instance, if you spend most of your office hours seated in front of a computer, you may experience soreness in your neck. Similarly, sitting in a bad posture with your shoulders slumped or staring down at a screen for too long can also affect your postural health. Poor sleeping positions, such as sleeping at an odd angle or on your belly can also cause muscle strains. If your neck doesn’t have enough support while you sleep, you’re likely to experience stiffness when you wake up. This may also happen if you use a pillow that’s too hard or too soft.

Cervical Spine Conditions

Cervical spine conditions can also cause severe neck pain. One of the most common causes of chronic neck pain is a cervical herniated disc. This occurs when the disc within the spine moves away from the designated disc spaces, resulting in joint, nerve, or muscle inflammation. A cervical disc herniation usually results in neck stiffness and pain, while also causing discomfort in the arms and shoulders. Cervical disc degeneration can also cause mild to moderate chronic neck pain. In more severe cases, it may also lead to instability. Finally, cervical osteoarthritis can lead to neck discomfort and headaches. The condition triggers the development of bone spurs, which cause nerve root pain that may spread across the shoulder and arms.

Treating Back & Neck Pain with Physiotherapy

At Boost Physiotherapy, we offer comprehensive physical therapy services for back and neck pain. Our neck and back pain therapist specialises in the pain management modalities needed to alleviate discomfort, and uses the best physical therapy strategies to treat injuries and other causes of pain. Get in touch with our trained physiotherapists in Edmonton for specialised physiotherapy services in the area. Book an appointment now!