Acute Pain

Acute low back and neck pain is most often cause by a sudden injury to the muscles and ligaments supporting the back or neck. 

The pain may be cause by muscle spasms or a strain or tear in the muscles and ligaments. Causes of sudden low back pain include: Compression fractures to the spine from osteoporosis.

The time frame considered for acute back pain varies by injury type, but is typically three weeks to three months. Generally, acute back pain follows a course that is typical or expected for a particular type of injury. The pain is usually more severe initially and gradually goes away. Acute pain related to the spine may arise in the back and/or legs and in the neck and/or arms. Sensations of aching, numbness, burning or tingling may be felt.