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This post is provided by our partner, MetroPlusHealth. Find affordable health plans for New Yorkers of all ages from MetroPlusHealth. What is back and neck pain?Back pain can range from a mild, dull, annoying ache to persistent, severe, disabling pain. Pain in your back can limit your ability to move. It can interfere with normal functioning and quality of life. Always talk with your healthcare provider if you have persistent pain. Neck pain occurs in the area of the cervical vertebrae in your neck. Because of its location and range of motion, your neck is often left unprotected and at risk for injury. Pain in your back or neck area can come on suddenly and intensely. Chronic pain lasts for weeks, months, or even years. The pain can be constant or come and go. What causes back and neck pain?Even with today's technology, the exact cause of back and neck pain is hard to find. In most cases, back and neck pain may have many different causes. They include:
What are the symptoms of back and neck pain?Symptoms linked to back pain may include:
Loss of bladder and bowel control with weakness in both legs are symptoms of a serious condition that needs medical attention right away. Symptoms linked to neck pain can be:
Pain that occurs suddenly in your back or neck from an injury is acute pain. Acute pain comes on quickly and may leave sooner than chronic back or neck pain. This type of pain should not last more than 6 weeks. Pain that may come on quickly or slowly and lingers for 3 months or more is chronic pain. Chronic pain is less common than acute pain. How are back and neck pain diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. They may also do X-rays of the affected areas, as well as an MRI. This allows a more complete view. The MRI also makes pictures of soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. The MRI can help spot infection, tumor, inflammation, or pressure on your nerve. Sometimes a blood test may help diagnose arthritis, a condition that can cause back and neck pain. How are back and neck pain treated?In many cases, acute back or neck pain may simply improve with some rest. Over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also help with the discomfort. Try to move gently during this period, so that you won't become stiff and lose mobility. If you have chronic pain of your back and neck, try several remedies before considering surgery. These include:
How are back and neck pain managed?Acute back pain usually gets better without special treatment. Using acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed will decrease pain and help you rest. Surgery and special exercises are generally not used with acute pain. For severe, disabling, or chronic back and neck pain, rehabilitation programs can be designed to meet your needs. The type of program will depend on the cause and the type and severity of your pain, injury, or disease. Your active involvement is key to the success of rehab programs. The goal of back and neck rehab is to help you manage disabling pain. It's also important to return you to your highest level of functioning and independence and improve your quality of life. The focus of rehab is on easing pain, improving movement. It also focuses on limiting any additional damage and increasing your functional ability. To help reach these goals, back and neck rehab programs may include:
What are possible complications of neck and back pain?Complications of back and neck pain may include:
It is a good idea to see a healthcare provider if you have numbness or tingling, or if your pain is severe and does not get better with medicine and rest. If you have trouble urinating, weakness, pain, or numbness in your legs, fever, or unintentional weight loss, call your healthcare provider right away. Can I prevent neck and back pain?The following may help to prevent back and neck pain:
When should I call my healthcare provider?See your healthcare provider if you have:
Key points about back and neck pain
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
via Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/16/back-and-neck-pain/
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AuthorI have 5+ years experience working as a medical transcriptionist. When I am not working, I enjoy sports like playing basketball or judo. I love making friends and connections. Archives
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