Neck pain remains one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, affecting millions of people in the US and worldwide. Thankfully, there are several neck pain treatment options. There are also lifestyle changes you can make to reduce neck pain. Here are some of the most common causes of neck pain and what you can do to feel more comfortable.
Physical Strain
Poor posture, too many hours at a computer, and looking at our phones all cause physical strain on our spines and necks. In fact, the rise of smartphones has contributed to a health problem known as text neck.
As you might expect from the name, text neck occurs after looking down at a phone, tablet, or other device for too long, leading to strain on the muscles and ligaments holding up your head. This excess strain can cause muscle soreness, stiffness, and tension in the area. However, you can strain your neck even when you’re not using technology. Even reading in bed can cause pain over time.
Learning proper posture and stretches for your neck can help. Visiting a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist is the best way to learn what to avoid and how to find pain relief.
Sustaining Injuries
Injuries and trauma can damage your cervical discs, nerves, facet joints, muscles, and ligaments. If you’ve been in an accident or injured yourself, you may experience neck pain as a result. In fact, one of the most common car accident injuries involves the cervical spine or neck. You may not even realize the damage done until much later.
If you experience chronic neck pain as a result of trauma or an injury, orthopedic care can help you find relief through a specialized treatment plan.
Aging
As we age, our bodies naturally sustain wear and tear. Aging is one of the most common neck pain causes, especially when combined with poor habits.
Over time, parts of the cervical spine begin to wear down or deteriorate. Degenerative conditions like spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis can cause neck pain.
Nerve Compression
Stress and repeated movements also contribute to neck pain, as they can cause the discs to weaken. You might experience a pinched nerve or herniated disc.
Bone spurs and herniated discs can cause pain by pressing on the nerves as they travel down the spinal column or as they exit the spine.
Other Health Conditions
Some diseases also cause neck pain. Common examples include cancer, meningitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Even excess stress can cause you to tighten your neck muscles.
If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s worth speaking to a specialist to determine the root cause of your pain and how you might find relief.
How To Treat Neck Pain
There are many neck pain treatment options. The good news is that surgery isn’t always necessary. If neck pain is getting in the way of enjoying your normal life, it’s often a good idea to talk to an orthopedic spine specialist about your neck pain. This will include a thorough history and physical exam. You may need to complete imaging such as an X-ray or MRI. Once the evaluation is completed and the cause of your pain has been identified, you can undergo treatment to help reduce your pain levels.
Find Neck Pain Treatment
There are many causes of neck pain. Sometimes there is a specific injury or incident that leads to your symptoms. Like many patients, you may not even realize the cause of your pain at first.
Fortunately, there are many neck pain treatment options that can provide relief. To discuss your pain and options for treatment, reach out to us at Derrington Orthopedics- Interventional Sports and Spine. Call or fill out our online form to schedule an in-office visit.
