Spine, Neck & Back Pain Care

The spine is made up of bones, discs, nerves and muscles—all working together to support your body and protect your spinal cord. Because of this complexity, spine, neck and back pain can have many causes, including: 

• Poor posture or poor muscle tone 
• Muscle tension, spasms or overuse 
• Sprains, strains or torn ligaments 
• Injury to other areas of the body 
• Infection 
• Obesity 
• Degeneration of the vertebrae 
• Osteoarthritis or osteoporosis 
• Protruding or herniated discs 
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) 
• Degenerative disc disease (chronic wear-and-tear on spinal discs) 
• Systemic conditions such as tumors, bone spurs or cysts 

Some conditions may put pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain to radiate to other parts of the body.  

Symptoms of spine-related conditions vary depending on the cause and location of the issue. Common symptoms include: 

• Dull, sharp or burning pain in the neck or back 
• Pain that spreads to the arms, legs or buttocks 
• Tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs 
• Muscle stiffness or limited movement 
• Pain that worsens after sitting for long periods 
• Headaches or neck pain 
• Shooting pain down the legs (sciatica) 

If you have any of these symptoms and they are not improving, a Banner Health specialist can help you find relief. 

Diagnosing spine, neck or back issues usually begins with a physical exam and a review of your medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors. Your provider may also recommend imaging tests to better understand the source of your pain: 

• X-rays 
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) 
• CT scans (computed tomography) 
• Ultrasounds 
• Electromyography (EMG) to test nerve activity 
• Blood tests 
• Bone scans to check for fractures or tumors 

These tests help pinpoint the cause of your pain and guide your treatment plan. 

Most cases of neck and back pain can be treated without surgery. Non-surgical treatment options include: 

• Rest 
• Ice or heat therapy 
• Gentle stretching or physical therapy 
• Over-the-counter medications such as anti-inflammatories 
• Prescription medications for muscle relaxation or pain relief 
• Epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation 

If pain continues despite these treatments, your provider may recommend other approaches, including surgery.  

When is surgery needed for back or neck pain?

Surgery may be considered when non-surgical treatments don’t work - especially if spinal nerves are compressed and causing severe pain or weakness. Before choosing surgery, your provider will help you consider: 

• How much your pain limits your ability to function 
• The expected healing and recovery time 
• Which type of surgery is best for your condition 

At Banner Health, we carefully weigh the benefits and risks of surgery and only recommend it when necessary. 

Types of neck and back surgery

The most common surgical goal is to relieve pressure on a nerve root. Some procedures include: 

• Spinal fusion - Two vertebrae are joined together using bone or metal implants to stabilize the spine. 
• Artificial disc replacement - A damaged disc is replaced with an artificial one. This can help maintain flexibility and may lead to a quicker recovery. 

Your care team will help you understand your options and decide which procedure is right for you.  

What to expect during recovery 

Recovery after spine surgery varies based on the type of procedure. You may need a short period of rest before beginning physical or occupational therapy. This helps restore strength, flexibility and mobility. 

Your care team at Banner Health will work with you to develop a customized recovery plan that supports your long-term health and healing. 

At Banner Health, we take a team-based approach to spine, neck and back care. Our orthopedic experts offer advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans and both non-surgical and surgical options to help relieve pain and restore movement. 

Whether you’re dealing with new symptoms or a chronic condition, we’re here to support your journey to better spine health.