Life's demands create stress, and although some stress may be good, too much can cause health problems.

In the world of contact sports, such as football, hockey, soccer or basketball, a common cervical injury affecting the neck and upper body is the stinger.

The spine is a long, hollow tube that has multiple openings to allow for the passage of the spinal cord and nerve roots. Over time, bone, ligaments, and discs can constrict the canal.

A back sprain or strain can occur when you lift too much weight, play a strenuous sport, or even bend or twist improperly during the course of a regular day.

Although not common, back and neck injuries can occur in young athletes who participate in sports.

Technically, spondylosis is a form of arthritis—spinal osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis) to be exact.

The spine is made up of a series of connected bones called "vertebrae." In about 5% of the adult population, there is a developmental crack in one of the vertebrae, usually at the point at which the lower (lumbar) part of the spine joins the tailbone (sacrum).

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it.

Spondylolisthesis commonly occurs in the lower back, which bears more weight and frequently experiences more twisting.

A primary care physician may be the first stop for back and neck pain; several specialists can help if pain persists or increases.