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Approximately 20%-50% of people experience neck pain each year. An astounding 80% of the population will experience some neck pain during their life. For some, it can be debilitating. causing many to go to a neck pain specialist for relief. If you are considering seeking neck pain treatment due to neck muscle pain, a pinched nerve, or other neck condition, here is some important information about the causes and treatments you should know.
The neck consists of vertebrae protecting the spinal canal, spinal cord, and nerve roots, along with neck muscles, ligaments, and discs designed to absorb shock between the bones. It extends from the base of the skull to the top of the torso. Anytime you feel pain in the neck, it could result from various factors in isolation or combination. Symptoms that manifest from neck issues may include headaches, stiffness, or difficulty turning your head. Some may also experience pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms.
There may be many potential triggers for neck pain:
Neck pain doesn’t always come from an illness, injury, or emergency trauma. One of the most common causes of pain in this area comes from what most people do every day. Slumping over a computer, looking down at a book, phone, or other devices, using repetitive motions like playing a game, typing on a computer, texting, or carrying heavy bags or purses on the shoulder may promote injury or pain. You may inadvertently be causing your neck to hurt even at night by having poor sleep habits or gritting your teeth.
A neck pain doctor can help you identify any common causes of pain and eliminate underlying severe conditions. Not all neck pain, like a stiff neck, seem serious at first. However, failing to address the root cause could lead later to chronic neck pain that may be much harder to treat. Getting effective neck pain treatment now could save you long-term pain in the future.
If you are experiencing neck stiffness, there are some steps you can take to initially address the issue. First, review some of the most likely causes and see if you get relief by:
Next, try gently stretching the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back to relieve tension and stiffness. You may try using cold or hot packs on your neck to eliminate inflammation and relax stiff muscles.
Because there could be multiple factors at play, it is recommended that you seek the opinion of a neck pain specialist if lifestyle changes and temporary relief measures don’t work. If already severe neck pain continues to increase, or causes numbness, weakness, or shooting pains in the shoulders or the arms, you should seek care.
At Bayside Physical Therapy, Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we treat patients suffering from pain resulting from work or sports injuries and automobile accidents. We believe in providing the highest quality services from the most experienced and knowledgeable providers. Options are available to fit a variety of physical abilities and conditions.
Physical therapy works to ease neck and shoulder pain, increase mobility, and help you live a more functional quality of life. Specific treatments may include massage, passive joint immobilization, electric muscle stimulation, or ultrasound. Benefits of PT may include pain relief and improved strength and flexibility. It is appropriate for all ages to treat many health problems.
Chiropractic is a course of treatment that concentrates on the spine, other joints, and their relation to the nervous system. Chiropractic doctors and practitioners use manual adjustments to relieve pain, support the nervous system, increase comfort, and encourage the body’s natural healing abilities. Over 35 million Americans benefit from chiropractic treatment each year.
This ancient Chinese system of integrative medicine, now commonly used in Western medicine, uses very thin needles inserted in areas of the body to relieve pain and treat many conditions.
If you have experienced an accident or injury and are suffering from neck pain, talk to the knowledgeable staff at our office. Your care may include providers other than a neck pain doctor, such as those with experience and education in neck pain treatment.