Some aches and pains are relatively easy to treat. You grab a bottle of over-the-counter medication to treat a headache, and an ice pack can help calm a throbbing muscle. However, it’s a little different when you’re dealing with back and neck pain.

The pain can make it difficult to move and even impact your quality of life. So, what are the common causes of neck and lower back pain and what are your treatment options? Knowing what the causes are can make it easier to avoid the injury.

What are the Common Causes of Lower Back and Neck Pain

Back pain can be anything from a persistent ache to severe pain. Neck pain can be chronic or show up suddenly. Both types of pain can restrict your freedom of movement and make it impossible to easily complete daily tasks.

Even walking and standing can be difficult if you’re suffering from neck and lower back pain. So, what are some of the common causes of pain in the neck and lower back?

• Injuries from an accident. Some examples include car wrecks and slip-and-fall accidents.
• Overusing the muscles in your lower back.
• Strenuous activity like repetitive twisting or heavy lifting.
• Infection
• An abnormal growth, such as a tumor or bone spur
• Vertebrae in the neck or lower back breaking down due to age or stress
• Obesity, which often puts weight on your spine and pressure on your disk

If you sprain or strain your neck or lower back, you may be increasing your chances of developing chronic aches and pains. Other causes of lower back and neck pain include compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis, along with congenital and abdominal conditions.

An aortic aneurysm is an example of an abdominal condition that often causes neck and lower back pain.

Potential Symptoms of Lower Back and Neck Pain

Pain, dull aches, and burning sensations are all common and obvious symptoms of lower back and neck pain. These are symptoms you expect to experience but there may be some that surprise you.

If you believe some of the following symptoms may be a sign of another type of injury, you’re probably not alone. To avoid misdiagnosing yourself, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing discomfort in your neck and/or lower back.

Lower Back Pain Symptoms

• Leg numbness
• Tingling above or below your knees
• Aches or a stiff feeling along your spine, usually running from your neck to your lower back
• Pain radiating from your lower back to your legs and feet
• Persistent lower back pain after sitting or standing

Another symptom associated with lower back pain is difficulty controlling your bladder. If this symptom is present, contact your healthcare provider. Your back pain is severe enough to disrupt other bodily functions.

Neck Pain Symptoms

Shoulder pain and numbness or tingling sensations can be a symptom of neck pain. If the pain is sharp and sudden, it’s known as acute. Acute pain shouldn’t linger longer than 5 weeks, though it doesn’t mean you can’t treat the discomfort. If your pain stays around for 3 months or so, it’s referred to as chronic.

Chronic neck and lower back pain is less common than acute, but both can respond to treatment. If you suffer from frequent headaches, it may also be a symptom of neck pain.

Treating Neck and Lower Back Pain

Your healthcare provider may prescribe rest if you’re diagnosed with acute lower back and neck pain. Taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve some of your discomfort.

Don’t be surprised if your healthcare provider also recommends some easy stretching exercises. Even though you want to rest, you also don’t want your muscles stiffening up since this can delay your recovery or even reinjure the affected area.

Treating chronic pain doesn’t always require surgery. Remember chronic pain tends to last for several months without relief. Before surgery becomes an option, you may go through several treatment plans that may include:

• Acupuncture
• Aerobic exercise to help boost overall muscle strength and flexibility
• Hot or cold packs
• Anti-inflammatory medicines or muscle relaxants
• Nerve block to limit pain signals being sent by the affected nerves

You may also find yourself wearing a back brace to support your lower back. If you’re dealing with neck pain, a brace may also provide support. Another treatment option is to receive pain shots. The injections can minimize pain while the neck and lower back injury heals.

If these treatment options aren’t successful, you may need to undergo surgery; this can be a common treatment option if your pain is caused by a slipped or broken disc.

Potential Complications of Lower Back and Neck Pain

Pain in your neck and lower back can result in complications beyond your discomfort. Did you know lower back pain is the most common reason working adults file a disability claim? Your acute or chronic pain can affect your productivity. Things you used to be able to accomplish are suddenly impossible tasks.

Weight gain is another common complication. Since your back and neck pain is affecting your ability to move, you’re missing out on activities like walking your dog and playing catch with friends. Your sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and this can worsen your lower back and neck pain. You're placing additional weight on your neck and lower back.

Weight gain and lack of mobility can often lead to depression. If you believe depression is a complication of your lower back and neck pain, contact a healthcare professional immediately since this is a complication you never want to ignore.

Can You Receive Compensation for Your Lower Back and Neck Pain?

Not all causes of lower back and neck pain are eligible for compensation. However, if your acute or chronic pain is caused by someone’s negligence, such as a vehicle accident, you may have grounds to file a claim.

Speak with an accident attorney about the cause of your pain to learn more about your legal options. They can help you understand whether you have a valid claim and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

By consulting with an attorney, you can protect your rights and take the necessary steps toward recovering damages for your pain and suffering.