Back and neck pain  may occur in the muscles, spinal joints, or nearby nerves. It can result from muscle strain, damaged spinal disks (the cushions between the vertebrae), poor posture, being overweight, pregnancy and several other factors.

Symptoms

Stiffness and limited movement

Pain that is constant or occasional, gradual or sudden

Pain that occasionally radiates to buttocks, legs, feet, abdomen, or head

Drug Treatment

Several medicines are recommended to relieve pain, stiffness, and other symptoms:

Analgesics (painkillers), including aspirin and acetaminophen, reduce pain. Potential side effects range from stomach bleeding to liver damage. Other narcotic painkillers, such as codeine and meperidine, can be helpful but should be used only for short periods because of their habit-forming nature.
Tricyclic antidepressants, in low doses, may encourage sound sleeping. Side effects may include dry mouth, blurred vision, and dizziness.

Surgical Treatment

A damaged disk that has ruptured and is putting pressure on the spinal nerves can be surgically repaired. Surgery is also used to widen the space between the vertebrae. Numerous critics, including some doctors, complain that many back surgeries are unnecessary and potentially harmful.


Alternative Approaches


Yoga

Yoga  can ease back and neck pain and prevent injuries and strains from recurring. The mix of yoga exercises and movements depends on the cause of the pain and where it is located. The sessions usually should be once a week to every day. Of course, its preferable to prevent back and neck pain with yoga rather than to treat it.


Massage

Several forms of bodywork can improve movement and posture, relieve pain, and aid in the healing process. Massage is perhaps the most recognized bodywork therapy for this type of pain. It relaxes muscles and increases blood circulation to the area (crucial to the healing process).

Other Therapies

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE:  Treatment can include meditation, herbal therapy, and massages with warm oil.

HERBAL MEDICINE:  White willow bark, cayenne, burdock, cramp bark, and chamomile can be used to relieve pain. Hypericum can be applied topically in lotion or oil form for sharp nerve pain.

HOMEOPATHY: Common remedies include arnica montana, calcarea fluorica, ruta graveolens, and rhus toxicodendron.

HYDROTHERAPY: Alternating hot and cold compresses (ending with cold) and exercises performed in a pool of water can be helpful.

OSTEOPATHY: Treatment of back and neck pain can include manipulation of the back, arms, legs, and other joints, as well as massage and instructions on proper posture. The osteopath also looks to see if seemingly unrelated health problems, such as sinus problems, are contributing to the back or neck pain.