Neck Pain Overview
Neck pain is one of the most common ailments experienced by people of all ages. It can range from mild discomfort to sharp and persistent pain, and a variety of underlying conditions can cause it. If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s essential to understand what might be causing it so that you can get the proper treatment. Let’s take a closer look at neck pain and the causes behind it.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain may have several causes, including poor posture, injury, or medical conditions such as arthritis. Certain lifestyle habits can also contribute to neck pain, for example:
- Carrying a heavy bag on one side of the body for an extended period can cause a person’s muscles and spine to become unbalanced, leading to neck pain.
- Frequently looking down at devices such as smartphones and tablets can cause tension in the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Poor ergonomics when using a computer or sitting in an office chair for long periods without breaks can also lead to neck pain.
- Additionally, conditions like whiplash or strains from overuse during physical activity can result in acute or chronic neck pain.
Neck pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions and issues, such as muscle strain, osteoarthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, poor posture or injury.
The most common cause of neck pain is poor posture—sitting or standing in an unnatural position for long periods of time can lead to tight muscles, knots, and spasms in the neck area.
Other common causes include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Whiplash
- Nerve entrapment
- Arthritis
- Herniated discs
- Pinched nerves
In some cases, neck pain may be caused by a serious medical condition such as meningitis or a tumor.
Explore Treatment Options For Neck Pain
Neck Pain Symptoms
Symptoms associated with neck pain can include:
- Burning
- Stiffness
- Tightness
- Shooting pain
- Pressure
- Swallowing difficulties
- Swelling
- Pain that travels to other body parts, including the shoulder, arm, and hand
- Stabbing ache
Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain may have several causes, including poor posture, injury, or medical conditions such as arthritis.
Certain lifestyle habits can also contribute to neck pain. For example, carrying a heavy bag on one side of the body for an extended period can cause a person’s muscles and spine to become unbalanced, leading to neck pain. Similarly, frequently looking down at devices such as smartphones and tablets can cause tension in the neck and shoulder muscles.
Poor ergonomics when using a computer or sitting in an office chair for long periods without breaks can also lead to neck pain. Additionally, conditions like whiplash or strains from overuse during physical activity can result in acute or chronic neck pain.
Treating Neck Pain
The treatment for your neck pain will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment options include physical
- Therapy exercises designed to strengthen weak muscles
- Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Heat or ice therapy
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Surgical procedures if necessary
Diagnosing Neck Pain
If you’re experiencing chronic or severe neck pain, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam to assess your symptoms and diagnose the problem. They may also order additional tests such as X-rays or MRIs to look for any underlying issues that could be causing your neck pain. At the end of the day, understanding why you are experiencing neck pain is essential to get the proper treatment. Whether it’s due to poor posture or something more serious like a tumor or nerve entrapment – diagnosing the cause is key in getting relief from your symptoms. If you’re suffering from chronic or severe neck pain don’t hesitate to contact our team and schedule an appointment.
Chronic neck pain is defined as pain that lasts for three months or more. Various conditions, including arthritis, degenerative disc disease, poor posture, and muscle strain, can cause it. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause but may include physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress management, injections or surgery. Taking an active role in managing your condition with the help of your healthcare team can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life. It’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis to determine the source of your chronic neck pain and develop an effective treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will likely ask questions about your medical history and perform a physical exam to identify any possible sources of pain.
Neck Pain Conditions FAQ
What is a pinched nerve?
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
What causes a neck muscle strain?
What is osteoarthritis or cervical spondylosis?
What is Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
Meet Our Team Of Doctors
Dr. James Yu
Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Board Certified Interventional
Pain Management Physician
Dylan J. O'Rourke
Certified Physician Assistant
Pain Condition We Treat
Improve your quality of life with our comprehensive approach to pain management
We are dedicated to finding individualized treatment options tailored to fit your needs. Our team is dedicated to helping you lead a productive and active life, free from pain and disruption.
We use an integrative approach to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and assess your condition.
Physical examination and review of your medical history. We assess the cause of your pain, determine its severity and duration, and help you develop an individualized treatment plan.
We provide a range of treatments and procedures to address your chronic pain. These include nerve blocks, injections, physical therapy, implantable therapies and more. We also offer health education to help you better manage your condition.