Neck and low back pain are extremely common. Most people will experience some degree of pain in these areas during their lifetime. For the great majority, these episodes are acute, meaning that they will resolve within a few weeks.

Treatment for acute episodes often includes physical therapy, chiropractic care, over-the- counter medications (e.g., non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] such as ibuprofen), and rest. Prescription anti-inflammatory and other medications can help with extreme cases. After the symptoms have resolved, Dr. Gebauer recommends that patients develop a regular routine of core stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent further episodes of back pain. In rare cases, acute neck and back pain will persist. If the pain continues for more than 6 months, it then becomes chronic pain. Unfortunately, chronic pain is much more difficult to treat. Initial treatment options are usually the same as for acute pain and include physical therapy, chiropractic care, and over-the- counter and prescription medications. Injections, which place medications at specific locations in the back and neck, can be another option. Surgery is only considered as a last resort and is only utilized to treat specific causes of back and neck pain.

• Acute Low Back Pain - KnowYourBack-NASS  • Chronic Low Back Pain - KnowYourBack-NASS  • Low Back Pain - OrthoInfo - AAOS  • Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease - KnowYourBack-NASS 

• Ortho-pinion - How Worried Should I Be About My Low Back Pain? - AAOS  • Neck Pain - OrthoInfo - AAOS  • 10 Tips for a Healthy Back - KnowYourBack-NASS 