Neck/Back Pain

Presented here are several possible causes of neck and back pain and their symptoms*, listed in order of frequency of cases:



Pinched Nerve

The term pinched nerve describes one type of damage or injury to a nerve or set of nerves. The injury may result from compression, constriction, or stretching. Symptoms include numbness, "pins and needles" or burning sensations, and pain radiating outward from the injured area.

One of the most common examples of a single compressed nerve is the feeling of having a foot or hand "fall asleep." Pinched nerves can sometimes lead to other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow.

Herniated Disk

Under stress, a disk's inner material may swell, pushing through its tough outer membrane. The entire disk becomes distorted. All or part of the core material protrudes through the outer casing at a weak spot, pressing against surrounding nerves. If further activity or injury causes the membrane to rupture or tear, the disk material can injure the spinal cord or the nerves that radiate from it. This causes extreme, debilitating pain.



Degenerative Disk Disease

Disk problems are sometimes lumped together under the term degenerative disk disease. Change in the condition of the disk is a natural result of aging. This is part of our gradual loss of flexibility as we grow older.

But disk degeneration is far more serious in some people than in others. Severe cases may be the result of a deficiency in collagen, the material that makes up cartilage.

Spinal Stenosis

Stenosis may pinch the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in the legs. Symptoms may include:

  • Frequent falling, clumsiness
  • Pain and difficulty when walking
  • Numbness, tingling, hot or cold feelings in the legs


Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a term used to describe the changes to the bones (vertebrae), joints and discs of the neck (cervical spine) as a result of aging (disc degeneration). The vertebrae and discs wear down, possibly resulting in pain. Cervical spondylosis is commonly seen in people 55 years of age and older.

Spondylolithesis

Spondylolisthesis is a slipping of vertebra that occurs, in most cases, at the base of the spine. Spondylolysis, which is a defect or fracture of one or both wing-shaped parts of a vertebra, can result in vertebrae slipping backward, forward, or over a bone below.



Spinal Fusion (arthrodesis)

Spinal fusion (arthrodesis) is a surgical procedure that joins, or fuses, two or more vertebrae. Spinal fusion is major surgery, usually lasting several hours. There are different methods of spinal fusion:

  • Bone is taken from the pelvic bone or obtained from a bone bank. The bone is used to make a bridge between adjacent vertebrae. This bone graft stimulates the growth of new bone.
  • Metal implants are secured to the vertebrae to hold them together until new bone grows between them.


*These listed causes and symptoms are only a small fraction of the entire range of potential causes of pain. Your pain may be caused by a different condition from the ones listed. Your OMPT specialist will be able to assist you – call OMPT today to schedule an appointment: (248) 353-1234

All information on symptoms courtesy of WebMD (www.webmd.com)

Bulging Disk

See 'Herniated Disk' above on this page.




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