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Back and neck pain

The human spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae which are stacked on top of each other to form a column. Between each vertebrae is a cushion known as a disc. The vertebrae are held together by ligaments, and muscles are attached to the vertebrae by bands of tissue called tendons.

Openings in each vertebrae line up to form a long, hollow canal. The spinal cord runs through this canal from the base of the brain. Nerves from the spinal cord branch out and leave the spine through the spaces between the vertebrae.

The lower part of the back holds most of the body's weight, and even a minor problem with the bones, muscles, ligaments or tendons in this area can cause pain when a person stands, bends, or moves around. Less often, a problem with a disc can pinch or irritate a nerve from the spinal cord, causing pain called sciatica that runs down the leg.

Symptoms of low back problems include pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the low back or down the legs.

Symptoms of neck problems include pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and neck, and even possibly weakness and numbness in the legs.