subject: Neck and Upper Back Pain [print this page] Neck and Upper Back Pain Neck and Upper Back Pain
Acute back and neck pain is in a category of its own. Acute pain is set apart by symptoms that occur suddenly, usually as a result of a specific injury. If not treated promptly, these symptoms can persist for long amounts of time, so it's best to check with a physician if you believe your injury to be anything less than a minor injury, or if the pain continues for more than a month. A few different types of injuries that will result in acute neck and upper back pain are herniated disk(s), sprains or fractures of the neck or back, and scoliosis. Neck pain can also be a result of whiplash, which is a sudden change of direction or cessation of motion. These injuries are common in contact sports and can also be a result of an automotive injury. Rarely are any of these causes life threatening, but to reduce the pain and come up with a long term solution for a cure, it is always best to consult a physician about your pain.