As we age, neck and back pain becomes extremely common. The condition affects not only your physical health, but your social and even economic well being as well. An episode of neck and back pain can disrupt simple daily tasks, routines, leisure activities, and employment. Neck and back pain can literally bring life to a standstill, which is why there are so many reports from doctors, and so many missed days at work.

Without question, neck and back pain can make life downright miserable. Still, there is no reason to panic and rush into surgery. Many other treatment options are available and there are pain management steps that you can take to overcome your obstacles. These non-surgical measures can not only help your pain, but also reduce the likelihood of recurring episodes.

Causes of Neck and Back Pain

Most occurrences of neck and back pain are brought on by strains or other injuries to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spinal column. Pain can be caused by a sports injury or a sudden increase in unaccustomed physical activity, such as heavy lifting.

Sometimes, viral infections can bring about flu-like symptoms accompanied by muscular pain in the neck and back. This condition is known in medical circles as myalgia.

There is a natural degeneration of the spine that can be another cause of neck and back pain. The vertebrae, or individual bones making up your spine, are joined together by the intervertebral discs, joints, and ligaments. These components are combined to form the spine's strong and flexible structure.

As we age through middle life into the golden years, the wear and tear of your intervertebral discs and other associated components of your spine can also cause neck and back pain. Movement is a common cause of these degenerative changes. With time, motion will create a breakdown of the cervical (neck) and the lumbar (lower back) areas of the spine.

As biological structures, joints and ligaments naturally try to heal and repair themselves when damaged. Sometimes, this act of self-healing can result in bulging discs, buckling ligaments, bone spurs and other deformities. Such changes can also create a painful pinching of the canals through which nerves pass.

Treatments for Neck and Back Pain

There is no definitive cure for neck and back pain, but this condition is easily and effectively treatable. Pharmaceutical medications with pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties are the most common therapies.

Passive physical therapy, used in conjunction with active physical exercise, is another popular option. Hot and cold compresses are applied to the painful area in order to alleviate the discomfort. Other modalities may be used, including the application of electric impulses that can override the muscular spasms that often characterize neck and back pain.

It can seem impossible to lead a normal, productive life with neck and back pain, but surgery is not necessarily the answer. If you suffer from persistent neck and back pain, speak with your doctor to learn more about the treatment options that can help you get your life back.