Managing Chronic Back and Neck Pain

If you’re one of the millions of people suffering from chronic back and neck pain, figuring out how to get relief can feel like, well.....a pain in the neck!  From lifestyle changes to medications, several approaches can help. But when chronic back and neck pain interferes with your daily life and keeps you from the activities you love, it may be time to talk to your doctor about other options, including surgery. Understanding your options for treatment and working with a specialist who will build a treatment plan just for you can make the process less overwhelming.

Understanding causes of chronic back and neck pain

The CDC says nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults report having back pain. Neck pain impacts fewer people but is still common, affecting 15 percent of the population. Pain can range from dull and constant to sharp and sudden, and typically, lifestyle changes and traditional therapies help.

However, chronic back and neck pain — which lasts for months or even years — is usually caused by a specific event like an accident or fall, or changes in the spine due to age or a medical condition, and often requires surgery. 

The right treatment for you depends on the cause of your pain. Your doctor will conduct a full examination, including diagnostic tests like X-rays and scans, to better pinpoint the source of your pain, so they can best treat it. 

Lifestyle changes

In some cases, you can improve back and neck pain with lifestyle changes, such as:

• Eating an anti-inflammatory diet that includes calcium and vitamin D for strong bones
• Maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce stress and strain on your neck and spine
• Practicing good posture when sitting or standing
• Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees
• Staying active with regular exercise to increase strength and balance
• Wearing comfortable shoes with a low heel

If pain limits your daily activities, a physical or occupational therapist can help you learn how to move safely. And while bed rest may seem like a good idea when you don’t feel your best, it’s important to note that it can make back and neck pain worse.

Traditional and complementary approaches

Your doctor may recommend additional back and neck pain treatment, including over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications or muscle relaxers. In addition to traditional treatments, you may also benefit from complementary approaches such as tai chi and yoga. 

Surgery

If you’ve tried everything else and are still in pain, surgery may provide relief. Surgical approaches to relieve neck and back pain range from minimally invasive to more complex open surgeries, and include:

• Fusing portions of the spine  
• Removing bone spurs of the vertebrae of your spine
• Removing part of a herniated disc to relieve pressure
• Replacing damaged discs
• Stimulating the spinal cord
• Widening areas of the spine to relieve pressure on nerves

Before surgery, one of our neurosurgeons will give you a thorough evaluation to make sure you’re a good candidate. They’ll review your medical history, the cause of your pain, your symptoms and your level of support after surgery. Your doctor will review the risks and benefits of the procedure with you so you can make an informed choice. Each surgery is tailored to the individual and their lifestyle and activity goals. 

Expert care for your chronic pain is within reach 

If you haven’t been able to find relief from chronic back or neck pain, reach out to Luminis Health Neurosurgery today. We’re ready to help you find relief from your pain and get you back to feeling your best.