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What Is Disc Axial Pain?

Disc axial pain can literally be a pain in the neck. One of the most common complaints of neck and back patients, disc axial pain is usually caused by a physical jolt or stress to the spinal column. The good news is, it usually goes away on its own with rest and home therapy.

  1. Anatomy Lesson

    • Your spinal column is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae, and discs are set in between these vertebrae. The Chicago Back Center explains that the discs serve as shock absorbers, separating the bones from one another.

    Definition of Axial

    • Axial pain stems from body mechanics rather than another cause, such as a disease or degeneration. This type of pain tends to get worse with activity and it feels better with rest. Axial disc pain can be mild to severe; you may feel a constant dull ache or unpredictable shooting pains. The pain can be exacerbated by a degenerated disc, facet joint problems or damage to nearby muscles, ligaments or tendons.

    Axial Back Pain

    • Spine-Health reports that axial pain is the most common type of low back pain. Unlike other back problems, axial back pain is localized and doesn’t spread to your legs, feet or glutes. It's usually aggravated by sports or vigorous activity, or by sitting for long periods. Prevention notes that back pain is the fifth most common reason for hospitalizations and that more than half of patients say their pain keeps them from their daily activities.

    Axial Neck Pain

    • Likewise, the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch reports that axial neck pain is the most common complaint of neck patients. Also called cervical strain, axial neck pain is caused by bad posture, sleep positions, ergonomics, stress or chronic muscle fatigue. This type of pain can radiate to your shoulders, limit your range of motion or cause a warm, tingling sensation.

    When to Visit the Doctor

    • Axial disc pain usually clears up on its own, and only severe cases need medical intervention. Spine-Health recommends seeking medical help if the pain is bad enough to disrupt sleep. In chronic cases, your doctor may order an MRI to rule out an infection, tumor, fracture or other underlying cause.

    How to Treat Axial Pain

    • The website Spine-Health reports that 90 percent of patients feel better after a few weeks of home treatment. This includes one or two days of rest, followed by physical therapy, exercise and stretches. Pain brought on by an injury can be treated with ice packs, and over-the-counter pain medications help relieve inflammation. In severe cases that last more than eight weeks, your doctor may prescribe additional testing, injections or surgery.

    How to Avoid Axial Pain

    • To avoid neck and back pain, Spine-Health advises living a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating nutritiously, managing stress and getting plenty of sleep. You can also strengthen your back and improve your posture through yoga, pilates and tai chi.

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