Back and Neck Pain

Back and Neck Pain are among the most common musculoskeletal complaints seen in clinical practice. They may arise suddenly due to injury or strain, or develop gradually from poor posture, repetitive stress, or degenerative changes in the spine. While often not life-threatening, these conditions can severely affect quality of life, limiting mobility, sleep, and work performance.

 

Causes:

Common causes include muscle strain, ligament sprain, poor ergonomics, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or sleeping in awkward positions. In some cases, degenerative conditions like spondylosis, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis contribute to pain. Stress and lack of physical activity may further aggravate symptoms. Neck pain is frequently associated with “tech neck,” a result of long hours on computers or mobile devices, while back pain often stems from weak core muscles, poor lifting techniques, or sedentary lifestyles.

 

Symptoms:

Patients may experience localised pain, stiffness, muscle tightness, or radiating symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms (for neck issues) or legs (for lower back issues). Chronic pain may also lead to headaches, poor posture, and a reduction in functional capacity. Cervicogenic headaches (headaches that originate in the neck but are felt in the head) and cervical and lumbar radiculopathy (caused by a pinched nerve) may also be contributing factors.

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Treatment:

Initial management often involves pain relief through rest, heat or cold therapy, and medication if prescribed. In cases of chronic or recurrent conditions, physiotherapy is the primary treatment approach. The spine is a structure that affects the entire body's stability and mobility. Therefore, the approach to spinal conditions must be gentle and precise. This includes proper assessment and protocols. Surgical intervention is only considered in cases of severe structural or nerve-related issues.

 

Role of Physiotherapy:

Physiotherapists adopt a holistic approach to managing back and neck pain, focusing on both symptom relief and long-term prevention. In Physiotherapy, the primary goal is to reduce pain and strengthen the muscles. Interventions include:

• Manual therapy and mobilisation to restore spinal mobility.

• Posture correction and ergonomic advice for the workplace and daily activities.

• Stretching and flexibility exercises to relieve muscle tightness.

• Strengthening programs targeting core, back, and neck muscles for spinal support.

• Pain-relieving modalities include TENS, ultrasound, and heat therapy.

• Education and lifestyle modification to encourage active self-management.

 

Prevention:

Physiotherapists emphasise regular exercise, correct lifting techniques, breaks from prolonged

sitting, and mindful posture during screen use. Early intervention prevents acute pain from becoming chronic.

With guided physiotherapy, patients suffering from back and neck pain can achieve significant pain reduction, improved posture, and a return to normal activities with greater confidence.