Patient information
Back and neck pain
Back and neck pain can affect sleep, work and confidence with movement. Many episodes settle over time, but pain that persists or keeps returning deserves a clear assessment and a plan that fits your daily life.
What can cause the pain?
Muscles, joints, discs and other tissues can contribute to back or neck pain. Sometimes there is no single structure that explains it. Pain can still be significant even when a scan does not show a clear cause.
Pain centred in the back or neck is different from pain travelling along an irritated nerve into an arm or leg. Tell your clinician about any tingling, numbness or weakness, as this can change the assessment.
Assessment and the role of scans
An assessment considers how symptoms started, what changes them, previous treatment and their effect on your activities. Examination helps look for nerve involvement and signs of a condition needing further investigation.
An MRI is not automatically needed for back or neck pain. Scans are most useful when they help answer a specific clinical question or change treatment. A scan result needs to be interpreted alongside your symptoms and examination.
Building a treatment plan
Care often starts with staying active within your abilities, gradually returning to usual activities, and an exercise or physiotherapy programme. A healthcare professional can advise on suitable pain relief. Prolonged bed rest is generally unhelpful for uncomplicated back pain.
Persistent pain may benefit from a broader rehabilitation or pain-management approach. Surgery is not a routine treatment for back or neck pain alone. Any discussion of an operation should explain the specific problem it aims to treat, alternatives and realistic expectations.
When to arrange an assessment
Seek medical advice if pain is not improving after a few weeks, repeatedly disrupts daily life, or concerns you. Tell your clinician about unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer or pain that consistently disturbs sleep. Severe pain with fever or feeling unwell needs urgent assessment.
When to seek urgent help
Seek emergency assessment for new bladder or bowel changes, numbness around the genitals or bottom, new or worsening limb weakness, or difficulty walking. Pain after a serious accident also needs emergency care. Go to an emergency department; call 111 if you need emergency assistance. Do not wait for a reply to an online consultation request.
Questions to discuss
- What is the working explanation for my pain?
- Would a scan change the treatment plan?
- How can I build activity safely, and when should we review progress?
Arrange a consultation
Dr Baecker consults at Domain Orthopaedic Surgeons in Parnell, Auckland. Self-referrals are welcome.