We have all seen replica skeletons of the human body, but how many of us have really got down to examining the structure of the neck and spine? When you stand back and consider it, the neck and spine are really a collention of bones separated by disks and held in place by an amazing array of muscles. The actual movement we have in both our necks and backs is quite amazing. However, if we do not take care of these structures and the muscles that hold them together we are asking for trouble.

As the neck, spine and tissues are so inter-related back and neck pain can occur simultaneously. Both these areas are so vulnerable to stresses and strains that they act as a sort of warning signal of the spine and surrounding areas suffering from any kind of damage.

Being densely packed with bone, connective, muscle, nerve, and blood vessel tissues, even the slightest displacement or trace of injury can cause severe discomfort. For doctors to assist a number of tests are required before the true cause can be uncovered and then quick steps can be taken for symptomatic relief.

It is therefore recommended that exercise and good posture should suffice to keep back and neck pain at bay if one is in a normal state of health. Many of us do not realize the amount of work which this part of the body has to do even when we are at rest. Simple acts of standing or sitting in a fixed position for long periods put the back and the neck under sustained pressure.

Without support and adequate rest these simple events can cause the kind of damage which produces pain. Similarly, sudden exertion may catch tissues unprepared, so simple stretching and strengthening exercises can go a long way in preparing our bodies to tolerate the physical demands which we place on our necks and backs.

With just a little forethought everyone can review their work, recreation, and sleep habits to try and prevent or deal with back and neck pain in the first instance. For example a defective mattress or chair, an unwelcome draft of cold air from an air-conditioning vent, or even from a fan, vigorous exercise without warming up and cooling down, and working for long hours without breaks, are some of the common causes which we may heap on our spines, without being conscious of its long term effects. In most cases common sense can work wonders in correcting harmful habits, if only we take a good look at how we work, rest, and play.

What to Do If Back and Neck Pain Persist

It must be determined if the back and neck pain is classified as acute or chronic in nature, if so you will need quick medical attention. However, back and neck pain is too common to take seriously every time. There is no dearth of remedies to pick up from retail shelves, and to deal with minor accidents, or from sudden surges of physical activity, which we encounter in life, and which place increased surges of loads on various parts of our spines.

Normally a healthy body has the natural ability to recover from such excesses in a matter of days, if symptoms persist for a week or more, then it is time to seek medical help. In the first place a primary care physician is the best person to approach for help, though he/she may refer you to a specialist if required. If you are suffering from unbearable pain, particularly in the back, a visit to an Emergency Room is recommended.

Author's Biography: Paul Courtney contributes articles to various publications pertaining to alternative and Herbal Medicines, for more information please visit