Back and neck pain often comes from posture, muscle strain, disc problems or age-related changes in the spine.
Common symptoms
- Pain and stiffness in the back or neck
- Pain spreading into a leg or arm
- Tingling or numbness
When to see a doctor
- Pain doesn't improve over a few weeks
- There is weakness or numbness in a leg or arm
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: go to an emergency department immediately
How it is evaluated
- Your symptoms and daily activities
- Physical examination of the spine and nerves
- X-ray or MRI when needed
Emergency: after a serious accident, a suspected fracture with deformity, heavy bleeding, numbness or loss of movement, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.