Not all back and neck pain is experienced as a result of an injury or repetitive strain. Pain can occur as a result of a problem elsewhere in the body, such as a bladder infection, stomach ulcer or even psychological complications.
Spinal pain
Back and neck pain can occur because of biomechanical problems such as compression of intervertebral discs, torsion (twisting) injury and vibration, such as that produced by some types of tools (jackhammers, for example). People whose occupations require strenuous or repetitive lifting in a stooped position are most at risk of experiencing these difficulties.
Spinal pain can also be a result of destructive forces that occur in infections, tumors and rheumatoid disorders such as arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Degenerative changes, as seen in osteoporosis and spinal stenosis (narrowed spinal canal), are other sources of back and neck pain. Because osteoporotic bones are not as strong as healthy ones, they are more vulnerable to collapse, causing pressure on nerves, which in turn may produce pain. In spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the canal through which the spinal cord runs, and consequent compression of nerves, is what generates pain.
Non-spinal back pain
Back and neck pain can be associated with a number of health disorders not originating in the spine. These include:
- Stomach or duodenal ulcer
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Enlarged abdominal aorta (large artery)
- Bladder or kidney infection
- Gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea and pelvic infection
- Pregnancy-related problems including ectopic pregnancy (occurring in an abnormal position)
Psychogenic pain
Pain originating from psychological sources, such as depression, a significant personal loss or other life crisis, is yet another cause of spinal problems. This may be explained, in part, by the way the brain processes pain and by the suppression of endorphins, which are the body’s own pain-relievers.
Red flags
Of all the conditions that can trigger neck and back pain, there are some that signal serious health disorders. They are therefore called ‘red flags’ and they require urgent medical attention. They include:
- Recent major trauma such as injury from a car accident or sports event
- Pain that worsens at night or when you lie down
- Fever which cannot be explained
- Weight loss or gain which cannot be explained
- A history of cancer, diabetes, kidney disease or osteoporosis
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