Neck & Back
Neck
The neck has seven bones called cervical vertebrae that are cushioned by disks. Together, the bones and disks support the weight of the head, and connect it to the shoulders and body.
Neck pain can have many causes. For example,
- sleeping in a cramped or uncomfortable position
- the normal wear and tear brought on by the aging process
- degenerative and inflammatory diseases
- a sudden injury such as an automobile accident, fall, or sports trauma
- neck pain can also originate in other areas of the body, such as the upper back and arms
- in rare cases, infection or tumors can be the source of neck pain
More about degenerative diseases
Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older people as a result of wear and tear on the joints between the bones in the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur in people of all ages, but the disease usually begins in middle ages. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the joint lining swells, invades surrounding tissues, and produces chemical substances that attack and destroy the joint surface. Both of these major types of arthritis can cause stiffness and pain.
Cervical disk degeneration also can cause neck pain. The disk is actually a spongy, ring like material that acts as a shock absorber between the bones in the neck. In cervical disk degeneration, the normal gelatin-like center of the disk degenerates and the space between the vertebrae narrows. As the disk space narrows, added stress is applied to the joints of the spine causing further wear and degenerative disease. The cervical disk may also protrude and cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots when the rim of the disk weakens. This is known as a herniated cervical disk.
If your neck pain is:
- continuous and persistent
- severe
- accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs
- accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness
Then, please seek the care of an orthopedic physician.
Back
Your back, also called your lower or lumbar spine, is a flexible and strong body part that allows you to turn twist and bend. It also gives you the strength necessary for everyday activities such as standing, walking and lifting objects.
Your back comprises the following structures:
- five bones called lumbar vertebrae - stacked one upon the other, connecting the upper spine to the pelvis
- six shock absorbers called disks - acting both as cushion and stabilizer to protect the lumbar vertebrae
- spinal cord and nerves - the "electric cables" which travel through a central canal in the lumbar vertebrae, connecting your brain to the muscles of your legs
- small joints - allowing functional movement and providing stability
- muscles and ligaments - providing strength and power and at the same time support and stability
Any of these structures or a combination of them could potentially cause back pain.
However, the most common causes of back pain are pulled muscles or strained ligaments, the normal wear and tear associated with aging, a protruding disc, or a fracture to the vertebra.
Some back pain can be prevented by keeping your back, as well as the rest of your body in good physical condition. Talk with your doctor about specific exercises that can strengthen or stretch your back, stomach, hip and thigh muscles as well as exercises to decrease the strain on your lower back.