Conditions

Neck, Mid & Lower Back Pain

Spine pain doesn't have one cause or one solution. Here's how we approach each region.

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Neurosurgeon

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Pain can show up in different parts of the spine, and each region has its own common causes. Below, we break down what typically causes pain in the neck, mid back, and lower back, and how each is treated. The cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine each carry distinct anatomy, failure patterns, and symptoms. Identifying the correct region is step one toward an accurate diagnosis.

Spine Regions

Neck Pain (Cervical Spine)

What causes it

Cervical disc problems, joint irritation, or muscle strain from posture. Can also stem from nerve compression, radiating pain into the shoulder or arm.

Common signs

Stiffness turning the head
Pain worsening with sitting or screen use
Radiating shoulder or arm pain
Headaches at the base of the skull

How it's treated

Conservative care and physical therapy first. Cervical epidural or medial branch block injections for nerve compression. Surgery only if conservative options fail.

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Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine)

What causes it

More uncommon than neck or lower back pain. Usually muscle strain or poor posture, but persistent pain here can signal compression fractures, disc issues, or rarer causes needing evaluation.

Common signs

Pain wrapping the chest wall or ribs
Stiffness twisting or arching the back
Pain that worsens with deep breathing
Pain unrelated to recent injury

How it's treated

Evaluation and imaging matter more here than in the other two regions. Treatment ranges from physical therapy and posture correction to targeted injections depending on findings.

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Lower Back Pain (Lumber Spine)

What causes it

The most common of the three. Frequently caused by disc degeneration, herniated discs, or nerve compression. Radiating leg pain is often sciatica.

Common signs

Pain with bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting
Radiating pain into the buttock or leg
Numbness, tingling, or weakness
Stiffness that returns with rest

How it's treated

Progressive: Conservative care and PT first, then lumbar epidural injections or radiofrequency ablation if needed, and surgery only if other options don't help. Over 90% resolve without surgery.

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When should you see a specialist?

Don't wait if any of these apply to you.



Pain lasting more than 6 weeks

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Pain radiating into the arms or legs

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Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness

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Pain that started after an injury or fall

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Pain that is getting worse, not better

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Prior treatment hasn't provided relief

Treatment options

We match treatment to the diagnosis non-surgical first wherever appropriate.

Spine Injections

Radiofrequency Ablation

Microdiscectomy

Lumbar Fusion

ACDF / Disc Replacement

Expert Spine Surgeon

Dr. Avery L. Buchholz is a board-certified neurosurgeon with fellowship training in complex spine surgery. With over 15 years of experience and 5,000+ procedures performed, he specializes in both minimally invasive and complex surgical techniques.

His expertise spans the full spectrum of spine care, from non-surgical interventions to advanced reconstructive procedures, always prioritizing patient safety and optimal outcomes.

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

Advanced training in complex spine surgery

5,000+ procedures performed

Minimally invasive & advanced surgical specialist

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About Dr. Buchholz

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about our practice and procedures

How do I know if my back pain is serious enough to see a doctor?

It is a bit like unblocking a ruptured pipe. A needle is directed to the disc and a little of the bulging material is drawn away so that the nerve next to it has space again.

What's the difference between neck pain, mid back pain, and lower back pain?

The difference is mainly location and likely cause. Neck pain often comes from cervical disc or joint issues. Mid back pain is less common and usually muscle- or posture-related. Lower back pain is the most frequent and is often tied to disc degeneration or nerve compression.

Will I need surgery for neck, mid back, or lower back pain?

Not in most cases. Over 90% of back pain cases improve with conservative care, physical therapy, or targeted injections. Surgery is only considered when these options don't relieve symptoms.

How is the cause of my pain diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a clinical evaluation of your symptoms and history, followed by imaging such as X-ray or MRI if needed. This identifies whether the pain is disc-related, joint-related, or nerve-related before any treatment plan is built.

Can lower back pain cause leg pain?

Yes. When a lower back issue, such as a herniated disc, compresses a nerve, pain can radiate into the buttock or leg. This is commonly known as sciatica.

How long does it take to recover from neck, mid-back, or lower-back pain?

Recovery depends on the cause and treatment. Many patients improve within a few weeks with conservative care. More involved cases, such as those needing injections or surgery, may take longer.