If you love gardening, keep up your hobby by following these simple tips and adaptations to minimize back pain during long periods of planting.

For many people, having a clear understanding of the anatomical structures of the spine and how they can cause pain will help you have a better discussion with your doctor.

References

• 1.Donally CJ, Butler AJ, Varacallo M. Lumbosacral Disc Injuries. [Updated 2019 Apr 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448072/.

A cervical selective nerve root block can help your doctor locate which of your nerves is irritated, and may also reduce pain in your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.

References

• 1.Park KD, Lee WY, Nam SH, Kim M, Park Y. Ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block versus fluoroscopy-guided interlaminar epidural block for the treatment of radicular pain in the lower cervical spine: a retrospective comparative study. J Ultrasound. 2018. doi:10.1007/s40477-018-0344-z

There are many options for alternative therapies to treat back and neck pain, including massage, acupuncture, yoga, and more. A large review reveals which options are the most effective at relieving pain.

References

• 1.Field T, Diego M, Hernandez-Reif M. Moderate pressure is essential for massage therapy effects. Int J Neurosci. 2010; 120(5):381-5. doi: 10.3109/00207450903579475.
• 2.Evidence-Based Evaluation of Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Management in the United States. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016 Sep;91(9):1292-306. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.06.007.
• 3.Rubinstein SM, Terwee CB, Assendelft WJ, de Boer MR, van Tulder MW. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Sep 12;(9):CD008880. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008880.pub2
• 4.Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Shekelle PG. Association of spinal manipulative therapy with clinical benefit and harm for acute low back pain. JAMA. 2017; 317(14):1451-60.
• 5.Cramer H, Klose P, Brinkhaus B, Michalsen A, Dobos G. Effects of yoga on chronic neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2017; 31(11):1457-1465. doi: 10.1177/0269215517698735

Spinal anatomy is a remarkable combination of strong bones, soft tissues, and highly sensitive nerves. Most of us take spine anatomy for granted in our everyday lives—until something starts causing neck or back pain.

References

• 1.Perolat R, Kastler A, Nicot B, et al. Facet joint syndrome: from diagnosis to interventional management. Insights Imaging. 2018;9(5):773–789. doi:10.1007/s13244-018-0638-x
• 2.Qu N, Graven-Nielsen T, Lindstrom R, Blogg Andersen Dc V, Hirata RP. Recurrent neck pain patients exhibit altered joint motion pattern during cervical flexion and extension movements. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2019; 71:125-32. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2019.10.026
• 3.Maigne J-Y, Doursounian L, Chatellier. Causes and Mechanisms of Common Coccydynia. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2000; 25(23): 3072-9. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200012010-00015

Cervical stenosis with myelopathy can have painful, far-reaching effects on your body and health. Learn how cervical stenosis develops and how to spot the signs and symptoms.

References

• 1.Hochman M, Tuli S. Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Review. The Internet Journal of Neurology. 2004. 4(1). doi: http://ispub.com/IJN/4/1/12262

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When neck arthritis strikes, it can cause painful joint inflammation and stiffness. There are various types of neck arthritis, such as the following:

• Cervical osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of the cartilage within the neck’s joints, which may occur due to wear-and-tear over time or may be accelerated by an injury.

  See Cervical Osteoarthritis (Neck Arthritis)

References

• 1.Zhu S, Xu W, Luo Y, Zhao Y, Liu Y. Cervical spine involvement risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. Int J Rheum Dis. 2017; 20(5):541-9. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.13096 Epub 2017 May 19.

Your neck pain may be caused by poor posture. A rolled towel can help support your spine’s natural curves—and experience pain relief.