Neck and back pain: musculoskeletal disorders

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Pain Medicine

Background:

• Neck and back pain are common, with numerous potential causes.
• Non-neurologic origins are frequently overlooked but significant contributors to spinal discomfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review non-neurologic etiologies of neck and back pain.
• To categorize and describe various musculoskeletal pain generators and associated disorders.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of non-neurologic causes of neck and back pain.
• Categorization of pain generators (muscle, tendon, bone, etc.).
• Discussion of specific conditions affecting the spine and pelvis.

Main Results:

• Identified key musculoskeletal pain generators including muscle, tendon, ligament, intervertebral disc, cartilage, and bone.
• Listed numerous disorders causing neck and back pain, such as muscle strain, ligament sprain, fibromyalgia, facet joint pain, spinal fractures, and vertebral osteomyelitis.
• Detailed specific conditions like atlantoaxial instability, internal disc disruption, spondylolisthesis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Non-neurologic musculoskeletal conditions represent a broad spectrum of causes for neck and back pain.
• Understanding these diverse etiologies is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of spinal pain.