Neck and Back Pain

Neck and back pain are among the most common reasons for seeking medical help, as they affect people across all age groups and lifestyles. For some, the discomfort is occasional and manageable. For others, it becomes a persistent, and even debilitating condition that interferes with everyday activities, sleep, mobility, and quality of life.

Thankfully, with the right treatments and pain management protocols, many neck and back pain conditions can be effectively managed. This starts with recognising the unique nature of each patient’s pain experience, and understanding that it goes beyond short-term symptom relief.

Common types of neck and back pain

Some of the most common types of neck and back pain include the following:

Neck pain

Back pain

What causes neck and back pain?

Neck and back pain can result from a wide range of factors — some mechanical, others neurological, or inflammatory. In many cases, the discomfort develops gradually over time due to postural habits, repetitive strain, or age-related changes in the spine. In other instances, it may arise suddenly after an injury or as part of an underlying medical condition.

Here are some of the most common causes:

Muscle strain or ligament sprain — overuse, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements can stretch or tear muscles and ligaments, leading to acute pain and stiffness.
Degenerative disc disease — with age, the intervertebral discs that cushion the spine may lose hydration and elasticity, resulting in reduced shock absorption and localised pain.
Herniated or bulging discs — when a disc slips or protrudes from its normal position, it can compress nearby spinal nerves, causing sharp pain that may radiate to the arms or legs.
Facet joint arthritis — the small joints connecting the vertebrae can become inflamed or worn over time, leading to localised pain and reduced spinal flexibility.
Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, often causing pain, numbness, or tingling that worsens with standing or walking.
Poor posture and sedentary lifestyle — prolonged sitting, especially with unsupported posture, places undue stress on the spine and supporting muscles.
Trauma or injury — falls, whiplash, or sports injuries can damage spinal structures, trigger muscle spasms, or inflame soft tissues.
Chronic conditions — illnesses such as ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, or spinal tumours may also manifest as persistent back or neck pain.
Psychological stress — tension and anxiety can lead to muscle tightness, particularly around the neck and shoulders, contributing to ongoing discomfort.

What are the symptoms of neck and back pain?

Common symptoms of neck and back pain include:

Localised pain — a steady ache or discomfort in the neck, upper back, or lower back (link to service page), often worsened by movement or prolonged sitting.
Stiffness and reduced range of motion — difficulty turning the head, bending, or straightening the spine without pain or tightness.
Radiating pain — pain that travels from the neck into the shoulders and arms, or from the lower back into the hips, buttocks, or legs (sciatica).
Numbness or tingling — a sensation of pins and needles in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, often caused by nerve irritation or compression.
Muscle weakness — difficulty gripping objects, walking, or maintaining balance due to affected nerve signals.
Headaches — tension in the upper neck can sometimes trigger headaches (link to service page), particularly at the base of the skull or behind the eyes.
Muscle spasms — sudden, involuntary tightening of muscles in the neck or back, often painful and limiting movement.
Pain that worsens with certain positions — lying down, sitting for long periods, or standing upright may intensify discomfort, depending on the condition.

When should you visit a doctor for neck and back pain?

You should consider seeing a doctor for neck or back pain if:

The pain lasts more than a few weeks — most mild strains improve with rest and self-care, but ongoing pain may signal an underlying issue.
The pain is severe or worsening — intense discomfort that doesn’t ease with rest or over-the-counter medication should be evaluated.
You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness — these could be signs of nerve compression or damage, especially if symptoms travel down the arms or legs.
There’s pain after a fall or accident — trauma-related pain needs medical attention to rule out fractures or serious injury.
You have difficulty walking or balancing — trouble with coordination or walking may indicate spinal cord involvement.
You lose bladder or bowel control — this is a red flag for conditions like cauda equina syndrome and needs emergency care.
You have unexplained weight loss or fever — these may point to infection, inflammation, or, in rare cases, a tumour.

Who is at risk of neck and back pain in Singapore?

Neck and back pain can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing these conditions, particularly in an urban setting like Singapore, where work and lifestyle habits often place significant strain on the spine and supporting muscles.

Those at higher risk include:

Office workers and students — long hours at desks, often with poor posture or inadequate ergonomic support, can lead to chronic neck and back strain.
Individuals aged 25 and above — age-related wear and tear in the spine becomes more common with time, especially in those leading sedentary lifestyles.
Women — studies show that females may be more prone to musculoskeletal pain, possibly due to hormonal, anatomical, and occupational differences.
People engaged in household tasks — repetitive bending, lifting, and prolonged standing during housework can contribute to both upper and lower back pain.
Those with high stress levels — emotional stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulder region.
Manual labourers — jobs involving heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or awkward postures increase the risk of spinal injuries and degenerative conditions.
Smokers — smoking can impair blood flow to spinal tissues, which makes them more vulnerable to degeneration and delayed healing.
Individuals with poor physical fitness — weak core muscles and low flexibility place extra pressure on the spine and joints, which increases the risk of injury.

How can I prevent neck and back pain?

Preventing neck and back pain often comes down to everyday habits; how we sit, move, work, and manage stress. While not all causes can be avoided, especially those related to age or injury, many cases of pain can be reduced or delayed through simple lifestyle changes and better posture.

Here are some practical ways to protect your spine and prevent pain:

Maintain good posture — keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed whether you are sitting, standing, or walking. Avoid slouching, and use a chair with proper lumbar support.
Adjust your workstation — position your screen at eye level, keep your feet flat on the floor, and ensure your elbows are supported at a 90-degree angle when typing.
Take regular breaks — avoid staying in the same position for long stretches. Stand up, stretch, or take short walks every 30 to 60 minutes to ease muscle tension.
Strengthen your core — exercises that target your abdominal and back muscles help stabilise the spine and reduce the risk of strain or injury.
Lift objects properly — bend at the knees, not the waist, and keep the object close to your body when lifting. Avoid twisting your spine while carrying weight.
Stay active — regular low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, or yoga helps maintain flexibility, circulation, and spinal health.
Manage stress — high stress levels can lead to muscle tightness, especially in the neck and shoulders. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness may help.
Use the right pillow and mattress — support your neck during sleep with a pillow that keeps your head in line with your spine. A medium-firm mattress is often best for spinal alignment.
Avoid smoking — smoking has been linked to disc degeneration and slower healing, increasing the risk of chronic spinal issues.

How are neck and back pain diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. Neck and back pain can have many possible causes, from nerve compression and joint inflammation to muscular strain or disc problems, and each requires a different approach. This is why it is crucial to begin with a thorough evaluation to understand the root of your symptoms.

The diagnostic process may include:

Detailed medical history — our doctors (link to ‘About Us’ page) ask about the onset, duration, and pattern of your pain, along with any related symptoms, previous injuries, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors that may contribute to your discomfort.
Physical examination — this helps assess posture, flexibility, muscle strength, reflexes, and nerve function. We may also perform specific tests to check for signs of nerve compression or joint stiffness.
Imaging studies:
- X-rays — Useful for identifying bone alignment issues, arthritis, or fractures.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) — Provides detailed images of soft tissues, such as discs, nerves, and muscles, and can detect conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- CT scans — May be used when more detailed bone imaging is needed.

Nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) — if symptoms suggest nerve involvement, these tests assess how well electrical signals travel through your nerves and muscles.
Diagnostic injections — in some cases, we may use targeted injections of local anaesthetic to confirm the specific source of pain, especially when multiple areas are affected.

This structured, step-by-step approach ensures that we don’t just treat the pain, we treat the underlying cause. With a precise diagnosis, our doctors can recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment for your condition.

What are the treatment options for neck and back pain?

Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, we may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments:

Non-surgical pain relief procedures

Medication management

Supportive therapies

Multimodal pain management

Why see a pain management specialist for neck and back pain?

When it comes to healing neck and back pain, sometimes, an ideal approach is targeted, non-surgical care. Seeing a pain management specialist offers a range of minimally invasive treatment modalities, such as image-guided injections and nerve blocks that help reduce pain, improve function, and support your recovery. Such treatments may even complement your physiotherapy sessions as you work towards regaining full mobility or when managing chronic pain as your body heals.

Summary

Contrary to popular belief, neck and back pain does not always translate to needing surgery. In fact, we believe in working closely with each patient to develop a treatment strategy that aligns with their goals, lifestyle, and health needs. Whether you are dealing with acute discomfort or long-standing spinal pain, our aim is to help you return to a more active, comfortable, and pain-free life.

If you are suffering from persistent neck or back pain, schedule a consultation with us for a detailed diagnosis and personalised, medically-guided treatment plan that helps you move and live more comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should I seek medical attention for neck or back pain?

Can stress contribute to neck and back pain?

Are there specific sleeping positions that can help prevent neck and back pain?

How does posture affect neck and back pain?

Can exercise help alleviate neck and back pain?

Is neck pain ever a sign of a more serious condition?