What Are the Common Causes of Neck Pain?
Back Problems
Scoliosis, kyphosis, poor posture, and other back problems can lead to neck pain.
Physical Trauma
Sports injuries, falls, and other accidents can cause mild to severe neck pain. Whiplash from car crashes is one of the most common physical traumas that can cause neck pain.
Other Diseases
Cancer can create tumors in and around the neck. Conditions like diabetes can contribute to disc degeneration and other health problems. By diagnosing the underlying conditions that are causing neck pain, neck pain can be treated more effectively.
Age-Related Deterioration
Natural wear and tear can cause parts of your spine to deteriorate, leading to neck pain. Conditions like arthritis (especially osteoarthritis) and spinal stenosis (the narrowing of your spinal cavity) can create neck pain. Spinal wear and tear can also lead to herniated discs, pinched nerves, cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves in the neck), and other health problems.
Strain
Repetitive stress injuries are a common cause of neck pain; these injuries can be particularly common in people who work at computers, as they may strain their necks to view their computer screens. Poor posture, weak muscles, and higher body weight can all contribute to muscle strain and neck pain.
How Is Neck Pain Diagnosed?
Neck pain is a medical condition with a number of underlying causes. Diagnosing it often involves a thorough process to ensure accurate treatment.
Diagnosis Process
- Medical History Review: Your doctor will review your medical history to assess any underlying conditions.
- Physical Examination: They may conduct a physical exam to check for:
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tenderness
- Range of motion (forward, backward, side-to-side)
- Additional Tests: Based on the examination, your doctor may order:
- X-rays
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Blood Tests
- And any other diagnostic tests.
Your initial consultation will include an all-inclusive review of prior conservative and surgical treatment along with a comprehensive physical examination to develop an accurate diagnosis
Is Neck Pain Related to Spinal Issues?
Spinal issues may be the underlying cause of neck pain, though neck pain is more often caused by muscle strain. Neck pain caused by spinal issues may be accompanied by numbness or tingling, pain or discomfort throughout other parts of the back, and other symptoms.
There are several different spinal issues which can cause pain, ranging from pinched nerves to bone spurs. The treatment plan for different spinal issues can vary significantly, so it’s important to consult with a doctor who specializes in spinal, neck, and back problems.
What Treatments Are Available for Neck Pain?
There are several effective treatments for neck pain; the treatment plan you and your doctor will take will depend on the cause of your neck pain, your overall physical health, and several other factors.
Some of the treatments that doctors may recommend to patients include:
- Physical therapy
- Pain management through pain medications, NSAIDs to reduce inflammation, and other techniques
- Steroid injections (near the nerve root, into the joints, or into the neck muscles)
- Surgery
- Neck collars
- Nerve stimulation
- Muscle relaxants
Your doctor will also strive to treat the underlying causes of neck pain, especially if diabetes, cancer, or other diseases are believed to have contributed to your symptoms.
Using the above techniques, you and your doctor will be able to develop a treatment plan to find relief from your pain and eliminate its underlying causes. The doctors at New Jersey Spine Institute can help you find relief from chronic pain in your neck. Book an appointment online with us today.
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