Our neck and back take a lot of strain and stress on a daily basis. Neck and back pain is most commonly caused by a muscle injury due to overuse (such a heavy lifting) or by repetitive strain (such as sporting activities, job-related movements, or poor posture).

In the case of chronic neck or back pain, a damaged spinal disc may be to blame. Our spinal discs are the soft gel-like cushions between vertebrae that absorb shock and facilitate movement. When our discs are injured or deteriorate due to aging, it can lead to back and neck pain, which often extend to the limbs.

A bulging disc (usually in the lower back) occurs when the disc shifts out if its normal position (usually over a period of time) and swells (bulges) through a crevice in the spine. Apart from back pain, symptoms also include muscle spasms, pain or tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands or fingers.

A herniated disc causes nerve pain and other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling or weakness in the areas where the nerve travels.

A degenerated disc refers to the soft cushioning disc drying out and getting flat, losing some of its flexibility and shock absorption ability.

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