Many different conditions can result in neck or back pain. Some involve supporting muscle or ligaments while others relate directly to the vertebral column itself. Some result from injury; others result from degenerative conditions or illness. Regardless of the cause, neck and back pain, its diagnosis and treatment, is a popular subject for patients and health care professionals alike.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain may originate in the muscle and ligaments of the back or within the vertebral structures themselves. Common non-neoplastic causes are listed below.
- Herniated disc – A herniated disc, (also called prolapsed disc or slipped disc) is a rupture often caused by repeated motion (as during repetitive occupational movements or sport activity ), or by a sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back (as in improperly lifting a heavy object or traumatic injury.). Back pain and leg pain can result when the herniated disc fragment pushes on one of the nerves. A herniated disc in the lumbar region can affect the nerves that run from the spinal cord to the legs. Compression or inflammation of this nerve causes a radiculopathy – a sharp, shooting pain radiating down the lower back, buttocks or leg.
- Herniated disc – A herniated disc, (also called prolapsed disc or slipped disc) is a rupture often caused by repeated motion (as during repetitive occupational movements or sport activity ), or by a sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back (as in improperly lifting a heavy object or traumatic injury.). Back pain and leg pain can result when the herniated disc fragment pushes on one of the nerves. A herniated disc in the lumbar region can affect the nerves that run from the spinal cord to the legs. Compression or inflammation of this nerve causes a radiculopathy – a sharp, shooting pain radiating down the lower back, buttocks or leg.
- Degenerative disc disease – As the body ages, the water and protein content of the affected cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thin cartilage. Because both the outer ring of the discs and the joints of the posterior portion of the vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes). The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as degenerative disc disease.
- Bone spurs – also termed osteophytes (os-tee-o-fights). Osteophytes may be found in areas affected by arthritis such as the disc or joint spaces where cartilage has deteriorated. The body’s production of osteophytes is a futile attempt to stop the motion of the arthritic joint and counteract the degenerative process. It never completely works. The evidence of bony deposits can be found on an X-ray or MRI of most persons over the age of 40. A bone spur may cause nerve impingement at the neuroforamen (nu-row for-a-men). The neuroforamen are passageways through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. Sensory symptoms include pain, numbness, burning and feeling of “pins and needles” in the extremities below the affected spinal nerve root. Motor symptoms include muscle spasm, cramping, weakness, or loss of muscular control in a part of the body.
- Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal by a piece of bone, ligamentus flavus, thickening the disc material. Symptoms generated may include weakness in extremities below the narrowing. Symptoms typically develop and increase with age.
- Spinal osteoarthritis – Many neck and back conditions are caused by a degenerative spine. With the passage of time, the articular cartilage within facet joints wear, roughens, and may even be totally lost. Osteoarthritis of the facet joints is the result. Facet joint arthritis is often called spinal osteoarthritis or simply spinal arthritis. General deterioration makes everyday movements, like playing tennis, sitting at a desk, or turning your head to check for traffic, extremely painful. – As the body ages, the water and protein content of the affected cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thin cartilage. Because both the outer ring of the discs and the joints of the posterior portion of the vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes). The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as degenerative disc disease.
- Bone spurs – also termed osteophytes (os-tee-o-fights). Osteophytes may be found in areas affected by arthritis such as the disc or joint spaces where cartilage has deteriorated. The body’s production of osteophytes is a futile attempt to stop the motion of the arthritic joint and counteract the degenerative process. It never completely works. The evidence of bony deposits can be found on an X-ray or MRI of most persons over the age of 40. A bone spur may cause nerve impingement at the neuroforamen (nu-row for-a-men). The neuroforamen are passageways through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. Sensory symptoms include pain, numbness, burning and feeling of “pins and needles” in the extremities below the affected spinal nerve root. Motor symptoms include muscle spasm, cramping, weakness, or loss of muscular control in a part of the body.
- Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal by a piece of bone, ligamentus flavus, thickening the disc material. Symptoms generated may include weakness in extremities below the narrowing. Symptoms typically develop and increase with age.
- Spinal osteoarthritis – Many neck and back conditions are caused by a degenerative spine. With the passage of time, the articular cartilage within facet joints wear, roughens, and may even be totally lost. Osteoarthritis of the facet joints is the result. Facet joint arthritis is often called spinal osteoarthritis or simply spinal arthritis. General deterioration makes everyday movements, like playing tennis, sitting at a desk, or turning your head to check for traffic, extremely painful.
Back Pain Treatments
In most cases, it is best to begin treating back pain using non-invasive methods. Below are some conservative therapies that should be tried before a more serious approach, such as a spinal surgery, is considered:
- Mild exercise and other strength-building activities
- Hot and cold compresses
- Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic work
- Holistic treatments such as yoga or acupuncture
- Steroid injections
For some patients, these conservative treatments may offer enough relief that patients can return to their daily lives without surgery. Other patients may not find these therapies effective and consider spinal surgery. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) may be able to help. Our minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures offer a welcome alternative to the risks of traditional, open spine operations. Contact LSI for a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.
