If you have back and neck pain, you may feel a steady ache that feels like a dull, burning, or sharp pain. Sometimes the pain can radiate into the shoulders, arms, or legs.
Many people who visit our clinic for back and neck pain treatment in Singapore mention that standing, sitting too long, or lifting things sometimes worsen the pain. Some describe numbness or tingling, as if pins and needles are crawling.
Depending on severity neck pain may become stiff and make it hard to turn your head or look up. What’s more, movements like bending or twisting can trigger sharp, stabbing pain or shooting pain that travels down limbs.
So, what really causes back and neck pain? Please, stay on this page to find out.
What is the Main Cause of Neck and Back Pain?
For many people, the main cause of back and neck pain is poor posture. Many people who report back and neck pain do get it as a result of sitting slouched, hunching over phones or computers, or holding awkward positions for long hours.
Because of this misalignment, extra pressure is put on spinal joints, soft tissues and nerves. With time the extra pressure can lead to muscle strain, tension, degenerative changes or nerve compression, all of which cause pain.
But awkward posture isn’t the only reason for back and neck pain. There are several other factors with the most notable ones being;
- Degenerative changes (wear and tear): Degenerative changes like wear and tear happen when spinal discs and joints wear down with age. As we age, the cartilage tends to thin and discs lose height and shock absorption, something which causes stiffness, local pain, and less flexibility. Bone spurs may also form and press nearby tissues thus the pain.
- Herniated or bulging discs: A herniated or bulging disc occurs when the soft inner disc pushes through its outer layer. The disc can press on nearby nerve roots and in the process cause sharp pain, numbness, or weakness that may travel down the arm or leg. Many people improve with rest, pain medicines, and physical therapy. Surgery can help but is quite rare.
- Pinched nerves and spinal stenosis: Pinched nerves happen when space for the nerve narrows. The causes can range from bone spurs, to herniated discs, and tight joints. Spinal stenosis is a form where the spinal canal or foramina narrow. This can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. If diagnosed with pinched nerves and spinal stenosis, you may be recommended exercise and pain control or injections to help manage your pain. Again, surgery is rare but can be recommended for severe cases.
- Injury or trauma (including whiplash): Injury and trauma can cause sudden neck or back pain. Whiplash from a car crash is one of the most common causes. Sprains, strains, fractures, or disc injury can come as a result of falls or even blows. Depending on severity, pain may begin right away or within days. For recovery, you may be advised to get enough rest or guided exercises and pain relief medication.
- Stress, anxiety, and mood effects: Stress, anxiety, and low mood can make your neck and back pain worse. Tense muscles hold tight for long periods and this can add strain and can start pain or keep it active. Stress also alters how your brain senses pain. For stress anxiety and mood induced back and neck pain, your doctor may recommend stress management, exercise, sleep, and therapies that change thoughts and habits.
What are the Risk Factors for Back and Neck Pain?
As is the case with any other medical condition, there are specific factors that may increase your risks of back and neck pain. If you have experienced this condition more than once you may want to ask; what are the risk factors for back and neck pain?
Well, one of the most notable risk factors for back and neck pain is actually age. As we age, the spinal discs wear down, joints can stiffen, and bone spurs may form.
What’s more, spinal conditions which often come with age like disc herniation or arthritis can compress nerves and cause pain. Many people also get back and neck pain as a result of lifestyle risks, they’re exposed to.
For example, obesity puts extra load on the spine and may speed up degeneration. And if you smoke, you should note that smoking does not only reduce blood flow.
It also slows healing, and could be the reason for your disc issues. Still on lifestyle risk factors, sitting too much, weak core muscles, and poor posture like bending over phones or slouching can strain your spine and increase your risks of back and neck pain.
It is also worth mentioning that some jobs can as well increase your risk of back and neck pain. For example, if your job demands repetitive bending, lifting, or awkward posture, it could be the reason for your discomfort.
Beyond that, stress, anxiety, and poor mental health can trigger muscle tension. These feelings may help pain start and become chronic.
When Should I go to the Doctor for Back and Neck Pain?
Many cases of mild back pain can resolve by just getting enough rest. So, when should you go to the doctor for back and neck pain?
You should call emergency services or go to the hospital for back and neck pain if:
- You’re experiencing pain after a serious injury, like a fall, car crash, or sports incident.
- Your arms or legs feel weak, numb, or you struggle to walk.
- You lose control over bladder or bowel.
- You have a fever with neck stiffness which may indicate a serious infection, like meningitis.
- Pain continues after a week of home care for back, or several weeks for neck.
- Pain is constant, intense, or worse at night or when lying down.
- Pain spreads down arms or legs, especially below the knee.
- You experience unintended weight loss or fever with the pain.
- You have a history of cancer, or signs like swollen glands.
At the clinic, you will be asked about your symptoms as the doctors check how you move, feel, and if any nerves are affected. They may order X-rays, MRI, or blood tests to narrow the cause.
Depending on diagnosis, you may be offered treatments like pain relief, physical therapy, injections, or surgery if needed. If you have any other concerns, please inform your doctors.
Wrapping Up
Back and neck pain can make life almost unbearable. The good thing is that most cases can be managed easily without even needing to go under the knife.
The first step is to know the cause and then get started on a treatment plan that is tailored for you. If you have been experiencing back and neck pain, seek timely assessment to know what exactly is responsible for your discomfort.
If you’re in Singapore, we urge you to visit our clinic for a thorough assessment and personalised treatment to relieve back and neck pain together. Call or visit us at;
Siow Neurology Headache & Pain Centre @ Mt Alvernia
820 Thomson Rd, #08-59 Medical Centre D, Singapore 574623
https://neurologist.com.sg/
Phone: +65 9773 5512
