Neck & Back Pain

Overview

Neck pain and back pain are unfortunately very common in our society. In general, they are more common in sedentary individuals, especially those who work at a desk or computer station. Fortunately, the prognosis for patients with neck pain is excellent, as well over 90 percent of patients with neck and back pain improve with conservative (non-surgical) treatment.

Where Neck Pain Begins

Where Lower Back Pain Begins

Neck & Back Pain Causes & Diagnosis

There are many conditions that can cause neck and back pain. To formulate an appropriate diagnosis, it is important to take a thorough history, perform a physical exam and obtain imaging studies, such as X-rays and an MRI. Some diagnoses include:

Neck & Back Pain Treatment Options

Treatments for neck or back pain, like those for many medical conditions, can be conservative (non-operative) or surgical. Conservative, noninvasive treatments are generally the first treatments recommended to patients since most conditions affecting the spine are self-limited and improve or completely resolve with these treatments. Spinal injections and surgical treatments are only considered if the diagnosis is amenable to surgery and non-operative treatments have failed. Rarely, some spinal conditions are more serious (myelopathy, severe stenosis, fractures, cancer, etc.) and require immediate surgical management.