Neck & Back Pain

Pain that starts in the neck and travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand can have several causes. Learn how muscle referral differs from possible nerve irritation and which symptoms deserve prompt evaluation.

A sore back after lifting boxes, a long drive, or an intense workout can be frustrating, but it is often manageable. Still, many people wonder: When is back pain serious enough to need prompt medical attention rather than rest and a wait-and-see approach? The answer depends less on how severe the pain feels at one particular moment and more on how the pain began, which symptoms accompany it, and whether it is affecting your strength, sensation, walking, or other daily functio

Neck pain can come from muscles, joints, discs, nerves, posture, or injury. Learn what different symptoms may mean, which warning signs should not be ignored, and how conservative care may be approached.