Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain can develop suddenly after an injury or build gradually over time. For some people, symptoms may be related to muscle strain or overuse. For others, pain may come from changes affecting the discs, joints, bones, or nerves of the spine.

At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, our board-certified spine specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for back and neck conditions. Our goal is to identify the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan that helps you move more comfortably and return to the activities you enjoy.

What Causes Back and Neck Pain?

Back and neck pain can have many possible causes, including:

• Muscle strain or ligament injuries
• Overuse or repetitive activity
• Poor posture or changes in spinal alignment
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis of the spine
• Spinal stenosis
• Sports-related injuries
• Work-related injuries
• Age-related changes in the spine

In some cases, more than one condition may contribute to a patient’s symptoms.

What Does Back or Neck Pain Feel Like?

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and location of the problem.

Back or neck pain may feel like:

• Aching or stiffness
• Sharp or stabbing pain
• Muscle tightness or spasms
• Pain that worsens with certain movements
• Pain after sitting, standing, or working in one position for long periods
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain that interferes with sleep, exercise, or daily activities

If symptoms also include numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain that travels into an arm or leg, a spinal nerve may be involved.

Learn more about nerve-related spine conditions.

How Is Back and Neck Pain Diagnosed?

A spine evaluation typically begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, recent injuries, and activities that make the pain better or worse.

Your physician may also evaluate:

• Range of motion
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Posture
• Reflexes
• Areas of tenderness

Depending on your symptoms, additional testing may be recommended.

Imaging services such as X-rays or MRI can help identify conditions affecting the bones, discs, joints, and other structures of the spine.

How Is Back and Neck Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms, how long the pain has been present, and how much it is affecting your daily life.

Many patients can begin with nonsurgical treatment.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may help improve strength, flexibility, posture, and movement. Treatment may also focus on reducing strain on the spine and helping prevent future flare-ups.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, or other medications may be recommended to help manage pain and inflammation.

Activity Modification

Temporary changes to exercise, work activities, lifting, or other movements may help reduce irritation while the spine heals.

Spine Injections

For certain conditions, spinal injections may be used to reduce inflammation and provide targeted pain relief.

Spine Surgery

Most back and neck pain does not require surgery. However, surgery may be considered when symptoms continue despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment or when the underlying condition requires surgical correction.

Depending on the diagnosis, procedures may include decompression, discectomy, cervical fusion, or cervical disc replacement.

When Should I See a Spine Specialist?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if:

• Your pain is not improving
• Symptoms continue for several weeks
• Pain repeatedly returns
• Pain is limiting work, exercise, or daily activities
• You are having difficulty sleeping because of pain
• Symptoms began after an injury
• You have pain that travels into an arm or leg
• You develop numbness, tingling, or weakness

New or worsening weakness, difficulty walking, or loss of bowel or bladder control should be evaluated promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should back or neck pain last before I see a doctor?

Minor muscle strains may improve with rest and activity modification. If pain persists for several weeks, continues to worsen, frequently returns, or interferes with normal activities, an evaluation may help identify the cause.

Can poor posture cause neck or back pain?

Posture can contribute to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and discomfort, particularly when sitting or working in one position for extended periods. However, persistent pain may have other causes that should be evaluated.

Does a herniated disc always cause pain?

No. Some herniated discs cause no symptoms. Others may cause localized pain or irritate a nearby nerve. When nerve compression occurs, symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Learn more about herniated discs and disc surgery.

Can back and neck pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many spine conditions are treated successfully with nonsurgical options such as physical therapy, medications, activity modification, and injections.

What if my pain travels into my arm or leg?

Pain that travels into an arm or leg may indicate irritation or compression of a spinal nerve. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Learn more about nerve-related spine conditions.