People go through so many aches and pains throughout their lifetime and the most recurring would likely be back and neck pains. In fact, 1/3 of the total population has been suffering from chronic back and neck pains. Though both may sound minor, chronic back and neck pains can disrupt lives, and drastically change the way we conduct our personal and professional lives. Chronic back and neck pain cause the most impact on time lost from work, more than any other illness or health condition.

There are so many possible reasons that may cause chronic neck and back pain. Some individuals wake up one morning already with neck or back pain for no reason or warning. Some may get either condition as a result of stress or overwork, bending or twisting the body in a way that will strain either the neck or back. A good quality medium firm mattress can also play a significant role in the prevention of neck pains at times. Even though, due to the frequency of these occurrences, we tend to disregard or ignore the pains. This should not be the case because these pains may be the symptom of something serious and disregarding the symptoms can lead to a more serious illness or condition. Ignoring an ache can turn the pain into a chronic problem that will affect the normalcy of daily living. Worse, ignoring the pain can affect our immune system or cause psychological problems.

Some people afflicted with chronic back or neck pains suffer from depression or anxiety. The recurring pain and inability to perform normal chores or tasks make the sufferer feel inadequate and helpless, thereby leading to more pain. Many doctors recommend counseling sessions with a qualified psychologist as a means to avert further pain for the sufferer. Our physical and emotional beings are attuned to each other and any negativity from one will always affect the other.

The first important step towards treating both chronic pains is pain management. Although pain management does not necessarily make the pain go away, it paves the way towards lessening and eventually totally eliminating the pain. Pain management involves working our way around the pain in such a way that it will not affect our daily routine and responsibilities. This can also be good for the emotional well-being of the sufferers since pain management will prove that the chronic back and neck pains do not necessarily render them useless. Always seek medical advice as soon as back or neck pains occur. Don't wait till the pains become a chronic problem that can affect your entire life if you continue to ignore them.