By: Dr. Stephanie Maguire, PT, DPT
If you’ve ever dealt with back or neck pain, you’re not alone. In fact, most Americans experience it at some point in their lives, and for 8% of people, it becomes a chronic issue that affects their daily activities. It’s not just about discomfort—it’s a major reason for missed work, lost productivity, and healthcare costs.
But what many people don’t realize is that back and neck problems can also be the hidden cause of pain in other areas of the body, like the shoulders, elbows, knees, or even feet.
What Causes Spine-Related Pain?
Several conditions can contribute to pain that originates in the spine, including:
- Bulging or herniated discs – When the soft cushion between your spinal bones presses on a nerve, it can cause pain, tingling, or numbness.
- Spinal stenosis – A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves.
- Degenerative disc disease – Wear and tear on the spine that leads to pain and stiffness.
- Arthritis – While arthritis can cause back pain, it’s less likely to cause pain that radiates to other areas.
- Other causes – Fractures, infections, tumors, muscle strain, and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia can also contribute to back and neck pain.
How Does a Spinal Problem Lead to Pain in Other Areas?
Between each bone in your spine, there’s a disc that acts like a cushion. Over time, or with high-impact activities like running and heavy lifting, these discs can wear down. If a disc starts to bulge, it can press on nerves, sending abnormal signals to your muscles and tissues.
This can cause symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle tightness or spasms
Interestingly, the more compressed the nerve, the farther away from the spine the symptoms appear. That’s why a spine issue might be mistaken for tennis elbow, shoulder pain, a meniscus tear, or Achilles tendonitis when the real problem is actually in the back or neck!
How Do You Know If Your Pain Is Coming from Your Spine?
According to research, there are five key signs that pain in your arms or legs may actually be caused by a spinal issue:
- Numbness or tingling (paresthesia)
- Pain that changes with spinal movement
- Pain that improves with better posture
- Limited movement in the spine
- Normal movement in the affected limb
If at least two of these signs apply to you, your pain may be coming from your spine—and treating the spine directly can be much more effective than treating just the painful extremity!
The Good News: You Can Treat Spine-Related Pain!
If your pain is coming from your back or neck, there are specific exercises that can reduce disc bulging and relieve nerve compression. Physical therapy can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and prevent future flare-ups.
However, it’s important to see a doctor first if you have:
- Changes in bowel or bladder control
- Unexplained weight loss
- A history of a car accident or significant fall
Otherwise, if you’re struggling with ongoing pain—whether it’s in your back, neck, or elsewhere—we’d love to help you start the healing process and get you back to Loving Your Life! Contact us today to start your recovery.