Every person needs a strong and healthy spine, yet so many of us take it for granted. Virtually every movement we make, from the time we wake up to the moment we turn out the light, involves the use of the neck and back. That's why, when neck and back pain strikes, it affects everything we do. As we age, neck and back pain become more common occurrences. This condition affects not only our personal health, but also our social, emotional and economic well being. Even one episode of neck and back pain is enough to completely disrupt your daily tasks, employment, leisure activity and routines.

Life comes to a standstill, bringing a flood of doctors' reports and missed employment. There is no question that neck and back pain can make life downright miserable, but it is not necessary to jump into surgery. There are many other treatment options available, and pain management steps that you can take to overcome your obstacles.

These non-surgical measures will not only help to relieve your pain but will also help you to reduce the likelihood of recurrences of this condition. Causes of Neck and Back Pain Most occurrences of neck and back pain are brought on by strains or other injuries to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spinal column. Pain can be caused by a sports injury or a sudden increase in unaccustomed physical activity, such as heavy lifting. Sometimes, viral infections can bring about flu-like symptoms accompanied by muscular pain in the neck and back. This condition is known in medical circles as myalgia. The natural degeneration of the spine is another possible cause of neck and back pain.

Your spinal column is made up of individual bones called 'vertebrae' that are joined together by the intervertebral discs, joints, and ligaments. These components are combined to form the strong and flexible structure of your spine. As you age through middle life and beyond, neck and back pain may occur as a result of the wear and tear of your intervertebral discs and other associated components of your spine. These degenerative changes are most often caused by movement.

Over time, motion will cause the cervical (neck) and the lumbar (lower back) areas of the spine to break down. Your ligaments and joints are biological structures that will try to heal and repair themselves. As a result, your spine may become deformed with bulging discs, buckling ligaments, and bone spurs. These changes may also create a pinching of the canals through which nerves pass, with painful results. Treating Neck and Back Pain There is no definitive cure for neck and back pain, but this condition is easily and effectively treatable. Pharmaceutical medications with pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties are the most common therapies.

Passive physical therapy, used in conjunction with active physical exercise, is another popular option. Hot and cold compresses are applied to the painful area in order to alleviate the discomfort. Other modalities may be used, including the application of electric impulses that can override the muscular spasms that often characterize neck and back pain. While it can seem impossible to lead a normal, productive life with neck and back pain, surgery is not necessarily the answer. If you suffer from persistent neck and back pain, speak to your health care provider to find out more about the treatment options that can help you get your life back.

Author Venus Enock provides material for a variety of popular Internet sites, on exercise fitness and healthy body tips subjects.