Pain Management: Neck & Back Pain

Because the neck and back are so involved in the body’s movements overall, they are exceptionally vulnerable to a variety of triggers. The following are all known to contribute to and/or cause chronic pain:

• Overuse or improper use of the spinal muscles (i.e. poor posture and positioning, repetitive lifting, etc.)
• Strenuous activities and lifting
• Trauma and injuries
• Muscle tension or spasm
• Sprain or strain
• Ligament or muscle tears
• Joint problems, such as arthritis
• Health issues affecting spinal discs
• Pinched nerves

Yes.

• Pain that develops suddenly in your back or neck is considered acute pain. It is often caused by an injury and is expected to last no more than six weeks, especially with treatment.
• Pain that lingers for weeks (i.e., three months or greater) is considered chronic pain, no matter how quickly it initially presented.

It’s common for individuals to first notice above-average, long-term aches and pains between the ages of 40 and 60. However, younger people can also experience neck and back pain. In fact, due to the increasing use of technology in our free time and in the workplace alike, the younger population is experiencing neck and back pain, sometimes called “tech neck,” more frequently now than ever before.

It’s common for people to ignore back or neck pain due to the “normalcy” of these areas hurting. Any number of movements and activities can cause temporary issues that will naturally resolve. However, it’s important to see a doctor or specialist if:

• The pain becomes debilitating
• The pain does not improve within a few days to a week
• The pain does not decrease with medication and rest
• The pain develops after a major injury or a fall
• The pain is accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs or arms
• The pain is significant and is experienced during routine movements (e.g., exercise, work, chores)

Finally, it’s most important to report pain that interferes with your daily routine. Back and neck aches are often responsible for a loss of productivity; can contribute to the risk of depression (due to their interference with a patient’s normal routine); may lead to weight gain (due to an inability to exercise); and, if the pain is from a herniated disc, can even lead to nerve damage.

Health Quest Chiropractic and Physical Therapy provides a wide range of chiropractic, physical therapy, and rehabilitative services. Our team can customize and combine any number of chiropractic manipulation methods with therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, creating a plan that our experienced team knows will target your specific pain source.

During each visit, you will meet with your doctor for evaluation and treatment, then move on to prescribed physical therapy protocols in one of our state-of-the-art rehabilitation facilities. These supervised protocols will gradually intensify to recondition and strengthen weakened/injured areas, which prevents exacerbation and recurrence of your neck and back pain.