Neck and Back Pain Causes and Treatments

• Sleeping in an awkward position that overextends the neck
• Moving the neck suddenly in an unusual way
• Poor posture
• Repetitive motions such as turning the head side to side
• Holding the head in an unusual way for long periods of time
• Whiplash injury

• Lumbar disc herniation
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Isthmic spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis

Seek immediate medical help if you have a fever and headache, and your neck is so stiff that you cannot touch your chin to your chest. This may be meningitis. Call your local emergency number (such as 911) or get to a hospital.

• Symptoms do not go away in one week with self-care
• You have numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm or hand
• Your neck pain was caused by a fall, blow, or injury — if you cannot move your arm or hand, have someone call 911
• You have swollen glands or a lump in your neck
• Your pain does not go away with regular doses of over-the-counter pain medication
• You have difficulty swallowing or breathing along with the neck pain

If lower back pain does not start to subside within one to two weeks, or if there are troubling symptoms, medical care should be sought. A health professional will first identify a general source of pain and then determine appropriate and effective methods of pain management.

Certain symptoms may indicate a medical emergency. While these conditions are rare, it is important to seek immediate medical attention should any of the following symptoms accompany back pain:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained fever
• Bowel or bladder incontinence
• Loss of/altered sensation in the groin and/or legs

• Use relaxation techniques and regular exercise to prevent unwanted stress and tension to the neck muscles.
• Learn stretching exercises for your neck and upper body. Stretch every day, especially before and after exercise. A physical therapist can help.
• If you tend to get neck pain from exercise, apply ice to your neck after physical activity.
• Use good posture. Keep your back supported. Adjust your computer monitor to eye level. This prevents you from continually looking up or down.
• If you work at a computer, stretch your neck every hour or so.
• Use a headset when on the telephone, especially if answering or using the phone is a main part of your job.
• When reading or typing from documents at your desk, place them in a holder at eye level.
• Evaluate your sleeping conditions. Make sure your pillow is properly and comfortably supporting your head and neck.
• Make sure your mattress is firm enough.