The most frequent causes of chronic neck pain are degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, whiplash, herniated disc, fibromyalgia or simple strain. Infections may also produce neck pain, such as throat infections and associated swelling of the lymph nodes. Neck pain that is accompanied by back pain may be the result of inflammation extending from spine into the neck region, a disorder called ankylosing spondylitis.

Comprised of intricately connected bones held together by soft tissues called ligaments, the spine and vertebrae suffer tremendous amounts of stress and strain each day. Physical activities we take for granted, such as walking, bending, lifting and twisting, constantly put extreme pressure on the protective, gel-like discs sandwiched between vertebrae.

If one of these discs slips out of position, the disc typically bulges outward and presses on spinal nerves, causing pain and inflammation indicative of a condition called disc herniation. When moderate to severe disc herniation is unresponsive to physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, your back pain doctor may recommend patients undergo a discectomy to repair herniated discs, relieve pain and restore mobility.

A degenerative disease affecting the lower spine, lumbar spondylosis compromises spine health and function by narrowing intervertebral spaces and compressing spinal nerves. Generally attributed to aging, spondylosis also causes spinal osteoarthritis when it damages thoracic and cervical vertebrae.

Symptoms of lumbar spondylosis include pain, numbness and tingling radiating from affected areas and decreased flexibility of the spine. In advanced cases of lumbar spondylosis, spinal cord impingement caused by narrowing of the spinal canal may produce neurological problems, such as unsteady gait and an inability to control bladder functioning.

Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve root canal can cause back and leg pain, especially when walking. Patients with foraminal spinal stenosis may require a doctor to perform a foraminotomy to enlarge the opening and reduce pressure on the nerve root.

Spondylolisthesis / Spondylolysis is weakness or fracture between the upper and lower facets of a vertebra. If the vertebra slips forward, it can compress the nerve roots causing pain. If you have tried traditional treatments for disc problems and continue to suffer from protruding, degenerated or herniated discs that cause debilitating back and leg pain, you may qualify for an endoscopic discectomy.

Scoliosis is when the spine has an abnormal curvature. The most common symptoms of a curving spine may include; visible difference in hip/shoulder height, uneven shoulders, leg length asymmetry, back pain, height loss, pressure on nerves causing pain, numbness or weakness. 

If severe and left untreated, it can affect the general health including cardiopulmonary function. Treatments for scoliosis include bracing and exercise. For cases that are severe or progressive surgical correction is recommended.