The spine is one of the most important parts of the human body. And yet, studies suggest that, along with back pain, 10% to 30% of the adult population is impaired by neck pain, with seemingly minimal treatment options available.

If left untreated, back and neck pain can cause chronic discomfort while sitting, standing, and performing other daily activities. A study published in 2020 by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that low back pain and neck pain accounted for the highest amounts of spending by both private and public insurers. In fact, studies have found that back injury is the most common cause of job-related disability and is a leading contributor to missed days of work. However, many cases of back and neck pain can go undiagnosed and undertreated, leaving the patient to suffer in silence.

In the Mayo Clinic book Back and Neck Health, acclaimed neurosurgeon Mohamad Bydon, M.D., evaluates the primary back and neck conditions plaguing working adults today and identifies everyday actions that may exacerbate the pain. The book also outlines the variety of treatment options available to those living with chronic back and neck pain, including home treatments, physical therapy, interventional approaches, and different types of surgery. Finally, Dr. Bydon reviews specific lifestyle changes that can help patients improve and maintain good back and neck health as they age.

The book is organized as follows:
Introduction

Part 1: Understanding your back and neck

Chapter 1: Your spine

Chapter 2: Back and neck pain

Chapter 3: Common back problems

Chapter 4: Common neck problems

Part 2: Relieving your pain

Chapter 5: Identifying the problem

Chapter 6: Home treatment

Chapter 7: Physical therapy

Chapter 8: Nonsurgical interventions

Chapter 9: Surgery

Chapter 10: Living well