Acute Pain

Damage to a structure of the back or neck can be the result of violent trauma or a collection of smaller injuries over a longer period. Whatever the cause, as a result tissue damage occurs, causing death to a significant number of cells. The dead cells release irritant chemicals, leading to inflammation. Fluid moves into the area and swelling occurs. The nerve endings nearby become irritated by the increase in pressure and the chemical irritants, and subsequently pain is felt.

This inflammatory condition and attendant pain is perfectly normal. The pain serves a useful function by alerting us that damage has occurred and that the damaged structure needs attention. In most minor cases rest is all that is required for recovery.

Chronic Pain

Once damaged, many of the structures in the back fail to work properly again, which can lead to ongoing problems. This can range from stiffness, causing a restriction of movement, through to lack of support creating instability. And in a minority of cases, the irritated nerve endings can set up a constant, unremitting, pain that remains long after the tissue heals.

What does this all mean?

With all the different structures in the back and all the different things that can go wrong, it explains why there are so many treatments out there and so many experts promoting their special technique for back and neck pain. It also explains why, no one, single, treatment could possibly fix all back or neck pain - there are so many different things that can go wrong.