Neck & Lower Back Pain

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June 16, 2022

Neck and back pain is a common sickness that affects people of any age. But it is majorly seen in adults between 35-55 years. Due to lower back pain, the quality of life gets affected and it causes disability, particularly in women. In India, the occurrence rate of lower back is quite high with nearly 60% of the population complaining about it at some age in their lifetime.

In simple words, this pain is mainly felt in the neck or back and may be acute or chronic. In terms of acute pain, it will occur suddenly and will last just for few days or a month. Chronic pain gets developed as time passes and is permanent, leading to long-term problems.

Causes of Neck and Back Pain

Human neck and back is made up of several tendons, muscles, discs, ligaments, bones and tissues. If there’s an issue with any of these, it may lead to neck and back pain. Common causes of neck and back pain include:

Strained or sprained muscles and ligaments.
Strained muscles or muscle spasms.
Accidents or injuries.
Medical conditions such as arthritis, scoliosis, cancer, meningitis.
Ruptured, herniated or bulging discs.
Abnormal curve, infection the spine.
Lifestyle habits such as being overweight, poor posture, smoking.
Repeated stress.
Due to daily activities such as bending, lifting heavy objects, too much stretching, standing for long hours and prolonged movements.

Symptoms of Neck and Back Pain

Pain the major symptom of neck and back pain. The pain may be shooting or sharp pain, a dull ache or a burning sensation. The pain may get distributed to hands, arms, feet, legs or cause a tingling sensation.

When to See a Doctor?

There are several cases of low neck or back pain that improve relatively quickly on their own. You can visit a good doctor if:

Pain continues for over 2 weeks.
Pain is acute and doesn’t stop after initial treatments, such as heat application or non-prescriptive medications.
Sharp pain, shooting, and/or numbness and tingling (scattering to other areas of the body, such as from the neck to the shoulder or arm or from the back to the groin, pelvis, or legs
Low neck or back pain affects basic mobility such as standing, turning the head, walking, or other daily movements to such an extent that daily activities become very difficult.

Health and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of developing back pain include activity that puts exorbitant stress on the spine, such as heavy lifting, sudden impact, or prolonged standing or sitting.