Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention or miss work, and most people experience it at least once. It may be short term (acute) or become chronic and more limiting over time. Back pain can occur without a clear cause and may be linked to conditions such as arthritis, disk problems, strains, or osteoporosis related compression fractures.

Degenerative disk disease occurs as the disks between the vertebrae dry out and shrink over time. This can narrow the space between vertebrae, decrease flexibility, and make the spine less stable. Some people have symptoms such as pain, weakness, or numbness, while others may have no symptoms.

A herniated disk occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disk pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer. It can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness, often in an arm or leg. Many people may have a herniated disk without noticeable symptoms.

Neck pain is a common condition that can range from mild discomfort to more persistent or limiting pain. It may be caused by muscle strain, poor posture, age related changes in the spine, or conditions such as herniated disks, spinal stenosis or arthritis. Neck pain can sometimes be accompanied by stiffness, headaches, or pain that radiates into the shoulders or arms. While many cases improve with conservative care, ongoing or worsening symptoms may require evaluation by a spine specialist.

Radiculopathy refers to pain or symptoms that occur when a spinal nerve is irritated or pinched. This commonly causes pain that radiates from the spine into the arm, torso, buttock, or leg. Herniated disks are a common cause, and imaging or nerve testing may help identify the cause and guide treatment.

Referred pain is when pain is felt in a different location than where the underlying injury or condition exists. It happens because nerves are part of a connected network. Referred pain can occur anywhere, but it is commonly experienced in the neck, shoulders, and back, and may be related to internal organs, muscles, or connective tissue.

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve pathway from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down the leg, usually affecting one side. It commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compresses a nerve root, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness. Although symptoms can be severe, many cases improve with nonsurgical treatment in a few weeks.

 Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces in the spine that can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It most often affects the lower back or neck and may cause pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness that can worsen over time. The most common cause is wear and tear changes related to osteoarthritis.

Spondylosis is a general term for age related wear and tear (osteoarthritis) of the spine. As disks shrink and dehydrate, bony growths called osteophytes (bone spurs) can develop. It is common and often has no symptoms, and when symptoms occur, nonsurgical treatments are often effective.

This minimally invasive treatment may help relieve chronic low back pain that originates from the vertebral bones of the spine. The procedure targets a specific nerve within the vertebra that can transmit pain signals, helping reduce pain when conservative treatments such as medication or physical therapy have not provided relief.

Diskectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged portion of a herniated disk that is pressing on nearby spinal nerves. This procedure is most commonly used to relieve pain that radiates into the arms or legs and may help reduce nerve related symptoms caused by disk herniation.

Epidural injections deliver medication into the space surrounding the spinal cord to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by irritated or compressed spinal nerves. This treatment may help manage pain related to conditions affecting the spine, including back or neck pain that radiates into the arms or legs.

This minimally invasive procedure may help relieve pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis by reducing pressure on spinal nerves. A small device is placed between the bones of the spine to help maintain space within the spinal canal, which can ease pain and improve function, particularly when symptoms worsen with standing or walking.

Joint injections deliver medication directly into a joint to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. These injections may be used to manage spine related joint pain, such as pain originating from the facet joints of the neck or lower back.

Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that creates more space within the spinal canal by removing part of the vertebra called the lamina. Also known as decompression surgery, laminectomy may help relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis or bony overgrowth related to arthritis.

Lumbar laminectomy is a type of decompression surgery performed in the lower back to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. By creating additional space in the spinal canal, this procedure may help reduce leg pain, numbness or weakness associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Manual therapy includes hands on techniques used to evaluate and treat spine related pain and movement restrictions. Treatments such as osteopathic manual medicine, chiropractic manipulation and soft tissue mobilization — commonly offered in physical therapy settings — may help reduce pain and improve mobility and overall function during acute and subacute episodes of back and neck pain.

Medial branch nerve block injections may be used to help identify or temporarily relieve pain that originates from the facet joints of the spine. By targeting the small nerves that carry pain signals from these joints, this procedure can help clarify the source of pain and guide further treatment decisions.

Medications may be used as part of a personalized spine care plan to help manage pain, reduce inflammation and support movement and function. The type of medication recommended depends on the underlying cause of back or neck pain and may include:

• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to help manage episodic pain
• Muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms that contribute to back or neck pain
• Topical pain relievers, including creams, ointments or patches applied to the skin to target localized discomfort

Medication use is carefully considered and coordinated with other treatments, such as physical therapy or interventional procedures, when appropriate.

This outpatient procedure may help relieve pain in the lower back or legs caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. By removing small amounts of tissue contributing to nerve compression, this approach can improve mobility and reduce pain associated with standing or walking.

Peripheral nerve stimulation uses targeted electrical signals to help manage chronic, localized pain. Small stimulation leads are placed near peripheral nerves to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, which may help reduce pain and support improved function.

Physical therapy focuses on improving strength, flexibility, posture and movement to help reduce back and neck pain and support spine health. A physical therapist teaches targeted exercises to strengthen core and spinal muscles and improve mobility. Education on posture and movement patterns can also help reduce strain on the spine and lower the risk of pain returning during daily activities and physical movement.

Radiofrequency ablation may help reduce pain by disrupting nerve signals that transmit pain from the spine, most commonly from the facet joints. This minimally invasive treatment can provide longer lasting relief for some people with neck or back pain when other nonsurgical options have not been effective.

This minimally invasive therapy may help reduce chronic mechanical low back pain by restoring function to muscles that support and stabilize the spine. Targeted nerve stimulation helps re engage key stabilizing muscles, which can improve movement, strength and spinal stability over time.

Spinal cord stimulation uses an implanted device to deliver gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses help modify pain signals before they reach the brain, which may reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life when other treatments have not provided adequate relief.

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce abnormal motion. This procedure may be recommended for certain spine conditions that cause pain or instability when movement between vertebrae contributes to symptoms.

Trigger point injections may help relieve pain caused by tight, irritated areas of muscle, often referred to as trigger points. By targeting these localized areas, the treatment can help reduce muscle tension and relieve pain in the neck or back.

Your first instinct may be to wait or try at-home treatments. But when your normal routine is interrupted, pain becomes the focus. You should consider seeing a spine care specialist if pain interferes with daily activities, lasts longer than expected, worsens over time or is accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, numbness or pain that radiates into the arms or legs.

Additionally, you should call now for an appointment if your back pain or neck pain:

• Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury
• Is constant or intense pain, especially at night or when you lie down
• Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below your knee
• Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
• Occurs with swelling or redness on your back
• Occurs with unintended weight loss
• Occurs with new bowel or bladder control problems
• Persists after a motor vehicle accident

Some spine pain may be reduced through healthy movement, posture and strength, but not all spine conditions can be prevented. If back or neck pain develops or persists, a spine care specialist can help evaluate the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

During your first appointment, you will discuss your health issues and concerns with an expert who will develop an individualized treatment plan. This may include imaging, lab work or referrals to other specialties.

Bring your current prescription information or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form (PDF) to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us right away — this includes any prior therapy and related prior imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs, from other institutions as these may allow for more expeditious delivery of the next steps in your care journey. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for other forms in multiple languages.

Our Patient Account Services representatives can assist you with any issues related to billing and insurance. We also offer financial assistance if you are unable to pay for care due to financial hardship.

Yes. Call the appointment number at your preferred Spine Care location.

Prior to treatment, your healthcare team will assess your at-home and recovery needs. We partner with physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers to make recommendations for a successful, safe recovery.

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.