Neck and back pain are closely interconnected due to the continuous structure of the spine and the shared nervous system. The spine extends from the base of the skull (forming the neck or the cervical spine) down to the lower back (the lumbar spine). Both regions share common functions and mechanisms, such as support, movement, and spinal cord protection.
Neck and Back Pain are often related in the following ways:
Referred Pain:
Referred pain (read more), or referring pain, is a scenario where discomfort is felt away from its actual source due to the interconnectedness of nerve pathways. A problem in the neck may cause pain in the back and vice versa.
Postural Strain:
A poor posture for a long time can cause muscle strain in your neck and back. Bad posture can lead to ongoing discomfort in those areas.
A traumatic event or injury can simultaneously impact multiple spinal regions, leading to neck and back pain.
Nerve Compression:
Compression or irritation of nerves in one part of the spine can cause pain or symptoms in another part. For example, a herniated disc in the neck might result in pain radiating down to the back.
Furthermore, pain signals from the neck or back can be transmitted through the same nerve pathways, often leading to 'referred pain,' where discomfort is felt in a different area from its source. Thus, a problem in the neck can cause symptoms in the back and vice versa. For instance, poor posture can strain muscles in both regions over time, leading to chronic pain. Understanding this relationship is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Living with relentless neck or shoulder pain can drastically disrupt your everyday life. Understanding the source of your pain can often be a challenge, given the intricate connection between the neck and shoulder via shared nerve pathways. This relationship can result in 'referred pain,' a scenario where the discomfort is felt away from its actual source.
Common causes of neck pain can be:
Poor posture
Trauma
Muscle strain
Degenerative diseases
Common Causes of Back Pain Originating in the Shoulder
Deciphering the Causes of Shoulder Pain Quite often, shoulder pain is a result of an injury to the rotator cuff, a unit of muscles and tendons that stabilizes the shoulder joint. Damage to this area compels other muscles to compensate, which may strain them and result in pain spreading from the shoulder to the neck.
Key symptoms of a rotator cuff tear encompass:
Pain intensifies at night and remains constant
Discomfort that doesn't radiate beyond the elbow
Pain when moving or lifting the arm, particularly behind the head
Other causes of shoulder pain can include:
Strains due to overexertion
Tendonitis from overuse
Joint instability
Dislocation
A condition known as a frozen shoulder
Treating Neck and Back Pain
The first step in addressing neck or shoulder pain involves obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a specialist. If not treated properly, Ignoring early-stage symptoms can exacerbate pain or permanent nerve damage.
We understand how chronic neck and back pain can significantly disrupt your daily activities, making life challenging. Our team of skilled Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists are here to support you, providing expert care in a compassionate, professional, and understanding environment. We pride ourselves on providing expert medical care in a professional, understanding, and empathetic environment, with numerous locations throughout New Jersey.
You're not alone in this journey - if you're experiencing any discomfort in your neck or back, we invite you to contact us today. We're committed to helping you regain the quality of life you deserve.
POA is an outcome-focused orthopaedic practice which combines Extraordinary Talent, Techniques & Tools.
