Back and Neck Pain
Back and Neck Pain: At a Glance
What it is: Neck and back pain are common problems caused by issues with the spine, muscles, joints, or nerves.
How it affects people: Pain may be mild and short-lived or long term pain that is disabling, affecting daily activities, work, and sleep.
Key concern: Persistent or severe pain that limits mobility or signals nerve compression.
Diagnosis: Based on clinical examination and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans.
Treatment options: Lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, medication, pain management techniques, and spinal surgery in selected cases.
Outlook: With expert care, many patients achieve relief and regain function.
Neck pain and back pain are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. They may arise from poor posture, muscle strain, wear-and-tear changes in the spine, or underlying problems such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
What is Neck and Back Pain?
While many cases improve in a short time with simple measures, persistent pain should not be ignored. Early assessment by a back and spine specialist can help identify the underlying cause and guide the right treatment plan.
Symptoms of Neck and Back Pain
Neck pain and back pain symptoms vary depending on the cause, but may include:
Aching, stiffness, or sharp pain in the affected area
Pain that radiates into the arms or legs
Tingling, numbness, or weakness (suggesting nerve root involvement)
Pain that worsens with movement, prolonged sitting, or lifting
Emergency / red flag symptoms
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe weakness or numbness in the legs
Sudden inability to walk or stand
Call 999 immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Causes of Neck and Back Pain
Common causes of chronic pain in the back and neck include:
Herniated disc placing pressure on the nerves
Degenerative disc disease leading to stiffness and reduced mobility
Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, often seen with ageing
Muscle strain from poor posture, overuse, or heavy lifting
Arthritis affecting the spinal joints
Traumatic injury
Rarely, spinal tumours or infections
Understanding the causes of neck and back pain is key to developing the right treatment plan.
Reducing Your Risk
You may not be able to prevent all cases of neck and back pain, but you can lower your risk with the following steps:
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine.
Exercise regularly, focusing on core and back-strengthening routines.
Avoid smoking, which reduces blood flow to spinal tissues.
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Poor posture is one of the most common contributors to neck and back pain. To reduce your risk:
Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported.
Position screens at eye level to avoid looking down for long periods.
Take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move.
Use ergonomic chairs and supportive mattresses to help maintain spinal alignment.
Getting a Diagnosis
A thorough diagnosis starts with a clinical assessment by a neck pain specialist London or another spine specialist. Tests may include:
MRI scan or CT scan to show discs, nerves, and spinal structures
X-rays to detect fractures or alignment changes
Nerve conduction studies if there is concern about nerve compression
Your consultant may also work closely with physical therapists and pain specialists to design long-term treatment options.
Treatment Options Neck and Back Pain
Most people improve without surgery, but effective pain treatments for this area may involve a combination of:
Pain Relief and Medication
Medications such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants may be used to reduce pain and ease muscle tension.
Physiotherapy and Exercise
A tailored physiotherapy plan helps strengthen core and back muscles, improve posture, and restore mobility through guided exercises.
Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining a healthy weight, improving ergonomics, and regular low-impact exercise can prevent recurrence and reduce strain on the spine.
Surgical Intervention
In severe or long-standing cases, spinal surgery such as decompression or fusion may be recommended. Techniques are often used to relieve pressure on the nerves and restore spinal stability.
Every treatment plan is designed to reduce pain, address persistent pain, and prevent recurrence.
Mr Kailaya-Vasan, a highly experienced neurosurgeon in London for back pain, provides both non-surgical and advanced surgical options tailored to the patient’s needs.
Living with Neck and Back Pain
Chronic neck and back pain can affect every aspect of life, from work to relationships. Many patients benefit from:
Regular exercise and stretching programmes
Supportive seating and sleeping surfaces
Stress reduction and relaxation techniques
Long-term rehabilitation to prevent recurrence
While side effects from some treatments (like injections or medications) may occur, most patients experience pain improving with the right support.
Book a consultation with Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan
Receive a clear diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan from a leading consultant neurosurgeon. Appointments are available at top London hospitals, with remote options for international patients.
Seeking a second opinion?
If you have already received a diagnosis elsewhere, Mr Kailaya-Vasan can provide an independent review of your scans and medical notes, and explain the safest and most effective next steps.
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Neck pain is often linked to muscle strain, poor posture, arthritis, or disc problems in the cervical spine. Prolonged computer use, phone use, or injuries such as whiplash are also common triggers.
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Back pain can result from herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, arthritis, or muscle strain. Poor lifting technique, obesity, and lack of exercise may also contribute.
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If pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens, or is linked with neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, or bladder/bowel problems, you should seek urgent medical care.
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Treatment depends on the cause. Many patients improve with physiotherapy, pain relief medications, and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be recommended if conservative care does not work.
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Pain management is a specialist approach that may include medications, injections, or therapies provided in a pain clinic to reduce pain and improve function.
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Yes, especially if posture, lifestyle, or underlying spinal changes are not addressed. Rehabilitation and long-term physiotherapy reduce recurrence.
FAQs about Neck and Back Pain
If you have any further questions, please get in touch.