You have been dealing with pain for a while now. You may have thought it was the extra activity you were doing or that you are getting older, but your back and neck have been aching for most of your day.
Dr. Thomas Cartwright, a board-certified orthopedic spinal surgeon with Houston Advanced Spine located in The Woodlands, TX, has been helping people with neck and back pain live pain-free lives.
What are Some Common Causes of Back and Neck Pain?
The back, neck, and spine are some of the most problematic areas for pain. You can have pain that radiates out from the area of the problem, causing dysfunction in nerves or muscles. Many things can cause pain in these areas, including these common problems:
- Twisting or tearing injury
Sudden falling or twisting can cause strain on the muscles or ligaments of the back and neck. - Herniated disc
Pinched nerves in your back may be caused by a herniated disc. This condition can cause pain, numbness, or tingling until pressure on the nerve is removed. - Degenerative Disc Disease
The shock absorbers (discs) between the bones of the spine start thinning due to age, a history of lifting heavy objects, or sports participation, causing chronic pain. - Abnormal Bone Growth
Dr. Cartwright at Houston Advanced Spine, located in The Woodlands, TX, states that neck and back pain can come from your body creating "bone spurs," extra bits of bone that can put pressure on the surrounding muscles and ligaments or rub against cartilage. - Poor Muscle Tone or Obesity
Weak muscles and carrying extra weight on your body frame can cause compression down the spine, which causes pain. - Infection
Whenever you have an infection, your body signals to your brain that you need white blood cells and fluid to fight the infection. This extra fluid, plus the original infection, may cause additional pain. - Sprain or Strain
Strenuous activity beyond your normal daily activity can cause strain or sprain on the muscles and ligaments in your back and neck. - Congenital Abnormality
These issues have been with you since birth and will require ongoing treatment by our doctor. - Ligament or Muscle Tear
As with a sprain or strain, ligament or muscle tears can happen when you sustain trauma.
These are some of the most common conditions seen by our doctor. Your back and neck are some of the most important parts of your body for daily living. Regular care will keep you functioning efficiently.
Call for Your Scheduled Appointment Today!
Dr. Cartwright, an orthopedic spinal surgeon with Advanced Spine in The Woodlands, TX, looks forward to discussing your neck and back pain and available treatment options at your scheduled appointment. Call 281-305-9533.