What Causes Back and Neck Pain? | Belgrade and Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic
Understanding the Neck’s Vulnerability
Most people don’t realize how much they move their neck each day until pain or stiffness sets in. Because the neck is highly flexible, has relatively little muscular stabilization, and must support your 14–16 pound head, it is particularly prone to injury.
Imagine your neck and head like a bowling ball balanced on top of a stick, held in place by thin elastic bands. It doesn’t take much force to disrupt this delicate balance. When you’re seeking a Bozeman or Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic, we hope you’ll reach out to the team here at Spine and Sports Chiropractic. We understand firsthand how even minor strains can lead to significant discomfort.
How the Spine and Nerves Affect Pain
The spinal cord passes through the vertebrae, carrying vital nerve impulses to the entire body. Between each pair of cervical vertebrae, the spinal cord sends out large nerve bundles that extend into the arms and upper back.
This connection means that arm pain may actually originate in the neck. Symptoms can include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Cold sensations
- Aching
- “Pins and needles”
At Spine and Sports Chiropractic, we often evaluate patients whose arm or hand symptoms are traced back to issues in the cervical spine.
Conditions Linked to Neck and Back Issues
Problems in the neck don’t stop at stiffness or pain—they can mimic or contribute to other conditions, such as:
- Carpal tunnel–like symptoms from repetitive motion
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle spasms in the shoulders and upper back
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Otitis media (inflammation in the middle ear)
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
- Restricted range of motion
- Chronic tightness in the neck and upper back
Why the Neck and Upper Back Are Connected
The neck and upper back are closely related because most neck muscles either attach to or are located in the upper back. These include the trapezius, levator scapulae, cervical paraspinal muscles, and scalenes, among others.
Recognizing how these muscles work together is key to finding effective relief and restoring balance. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach—addressing not just the site of pain but the interconnected systems that may be contributing. Next time you’re seeking a Belgrade and Bozeman back and neck clinic – stop on in.
The causes of neck and back pain >
Or call: 406-388-1446
or email: info@spine-sportschiro.com