Search over 1.4 million articles by over 600 experts
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Back & Neck Pain

More from About.com

Browse Topics A-Z

Symptoms and Conditions of Back and Neck Pain

By Anne Asher, About.com Guide to Back & Neck Pain

The symptoms of back and neck pain are fairly obvious -- pain. But the subtle differences that come with the various causes of back pain help your doctor determine a diagnosis. Learn what goes into diagnosing your back or neck pain, how to effectively communicate your symptoms to your doctor, and what the common spinal conditions are.

  1. Seeing a Doctor for Back Pain
  2. Tests and Exams
  3. Common Symptoms of Back and Neck Pain
  4. Conditions & Injuries of the Spine

Seeing a Doctor for Back Pain

Most of the time back pain goes away by itself. However, there are a few signs that may indicate the need for a doctor's appointment or, in some cases, a trip to the emergency room. When in doubt, it is important to call your doctor. This section gives information for the times when it is appropriate to seek medical attention for your back or neck pain.

Tests and Exams

Tests and exams to find the cause of back pain can be scary, even painful. Understanding what they can and cannot do for you, and the reasons for which your doctor might suggest them may help you overcome your resistance to them.

Common Symptoms of Back and Neck Pain

Symptoms of back or neck pain come in varying qualities and intensities. Each of the qualities means something about what is causing it - information about your symptoms is what the doctor uses when determining which tests to order and how to examine you.

Conditions & Injuries of the Spine

Back and neck problems range in intensity from mild, one-day affairs such as wry neck to experiences that change your life forever. This sections provides a reference to back and neck injuries and conditions.

Anne Asher
Guide since 2005

Anne Asher
Back & Neck Pain Guide

Newsletters

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Back & Neck Pain

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.