CONDITION OVERVIEW
Neck pain is an incredibly common condition that can range from a minor ache to severe, debilitating pain that impacts your daily life. Your cervical spine supports the full weight of your head and allows for a wide range of motion, making it susceptible to strain, injury, and degenerative changes. While many instances of neck pain are temporary, persistent or severe pain is a signal of an underlying issue. The key to lasting relief is not just to treat the pain, but to obtain an accurate diagnosis for the specific cause—whether it's a muscle, joint, disc, or nerve problem.
COMMON CAUSES
Neck pain can arise from a variety of sources, ranging from simple muscle fatigue to complex degenerative conditions. Identifying the correct source is the key to treatment.
The most common cause. Overuse from poor posture, such as hunching over a computer or phone, or even sleeping in an awkward position, can strain neck muscles.
Age-related wear and tear on the cervical discs and facet joints (spinal arthritis) is a primary cause of chronic neck pain and stiffness.
A herniated disc or bone spur in the neck can press on a nerve root, causing sharp pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder and arm.
A sudden, forceful movement of the head from a car accident or sports injury can damage the soft tissues of the neck, leading to significant pain and stiffness.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
While minor neck aches often resolve on their own, certain symptoms strongly indicate an underlying problem that requires a professional diagnosis.
If pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness travels from your neck into your shoulder, arm, or hand, it's a clear sign of nerve compression.
If your neck pain is frequently accompanied by headaches, especially those that start at the base of your skull, it may be a cervicogenic headache.
A significant loss of neck mobility or stiffness that doesn't improve after a week or two warrants a professional evaluation.
Any neck pain that begins immediately after or in the days following a car accident, fall, or sports injury should be checked by a doctor.
Neck pain that doesn't improve with rest and self-care, or that progressively gets worse over time, needs to be diagnosed.
If your neck pain is accompanied by problems with balance, coordination, or hand clumsiness, seek immediate medical attention.
Don't dismiss your neck pain as just a simple ache. It's your body's signal that something is wrong. Instead of just treating the symptom, we find the cause—whether it's a muscle, joint, disc, or nerve. Contact us to schedule a thorough evaluation and find the root cause of your neck pain.