Neck and back pain is something that most of us experience at least once in our lives. Whether it be a sprain, strain, cramp, or just a general ache in your neck, you are likely to have experienced it. But why do we get Albany neck and back pain, and what are the common causes of neck and back pain?
Here are the causes.
- Trauma to the spine
The most common cause of neck and back pain is trauma to the spine. This can occur due to accidents or sports injuries, but it can also be caused by chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Injury to the discs and ligaments of your spine can cause inflammation and pain. These injuries often occur with sporting injuries and in older people who have had previous injuries to their spines. In these cases, surgery is usually performed to remove damaged discs and replace them with new ones.
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Musculoskeletal disorders can cause pain anywhere in the body due to muscle strains or tears in tendons or ligaments, including neck pain. These conditions may be more common among athletes who participate in high-impact sports like basketball, soccer, or hockey and those who lift weights frequently, such as weightlifters and wrestlers.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are caused by overuse. They include tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and golfer’s elbow. They can be prevented by wearing supportive gear, such as elbow pads, wrist guards, and other supports, and taking breaks during physical activity.
- Cervical disc disease (C5-C7)
Cervical disc disease is the most common cause of lower back pain in developed countries, accounting for up to 80% of all cases. In addition to degenerative changes in discs and intervertebral discs (intravertebral discs), C5-C7 disc herniations can occur from mechanical forces or trauma such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries such as a fall from a horse.
- Whiplash injuries
Whiplash injuries occur when your neck twists awkwardly after being forcefully moved against a hard surface, such as when you hit your head on a car door. The sudden movement can cause damage to your vertebrae, ligaments, and discs in your neck, which can lead to chronic pain and stiffness for months afterward.
- Muscle strains
The neck and back muscles are prone to strain because they are often used in various daily activities, including lifting, turning, and reaching. A muscle strain can be caused by overuse or injury.
- Tension headaches
Tension headaches occur when there is irritation in the muscles and tendons around the head. They are often triggered by stress or anxiety, but they can also result from sleeping poorly or working out too vigorously at the gym.
Neck and back pain are very common today. Many factors are responsible for it, such as improper body posture, heavy workloads, and bad ergonomic setup of our working environment. Neck and back problems can really create a lot of fatigue. If you have this problem, you need to consult Orthopaedic Associates experts to help correct the problem before it gets out of hand.