Pain in the neck and shoulder that varies in intensity, and may feel achy or like an electric shock from the neck to the arm.
Neck pain can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include prolonged straining (looking up or down), sleeping in an uncomfortable position, stress, or wearing heavy necklaces.
Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. Contact your health care provider for back pain that:
• Lasts longer than a few weeks
• Is severe and doesn't improve with rest
• Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain goes below the knee
• Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
• Is paired with unexplained weight loss
• In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care for back pain that:
• Causes new bowel or bladder problems
• Is accompanied by a fever
• Follows a fall, blow to the back or other injury
Fortunately, steps can help avoid or relieve most back pain episodes, especially for people younger than age 60. Easy home treatment and utilizing the body correctly frequently will heal the back within a few weeks if avoidance stops working. Surgical treatment is rarely required to treat back pain.
Back pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. Also, the pain can radiate down a leg. Bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking can make it worse.
When you’re in pain, your quality of life decreases dramatically – and every aspect of your everyday life is impacted. Just because you have a condition that causes pain, it doesn’t mean you have to live with the pain day in and day out. The pain management specialists at the Minnesota Pain Institute in Maplewood, MN can help you get relief.
Back pain usually resolves with rest and home remedies, but sometimes medical treatment is necessary.
• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Traction
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Surgery for neck and back pain is very uncommon. Specifically if there is persistent pain and nerve compression which can lead to muscle weakness if a patient has a herniated disk surgery may be an option.