Neck pain is a very common complaint among adults as well as kids. Research says in 1 year, around 15% of adults in the US experience neck pain that lasts for at least one day.
Many causative factors can lead to neck pain. It can develop suddenly due to an injury or it may develop slowly due to years of wear and tear or poor posture.
Usually, the pain can be alleviated with self-care measures like rest, icing or improving posture. However, sometimes, conservative medical treatment is required such as medication and physical therapy. If noninvasive treatment is not helping, then invasive treatment may be considered.
A pain specialist should be consulted if pain persists or continues to interfere with your daily activities.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Strain or sprain is the most common cause of neck pain in day to day life. It can happen due to
Sleeping in the Wrong Position
Sleeping in an awkward position can lead to neck pain
Sports Injury
Moving the neck suddenly in an unusual way or experiencing a fall or collision.
Poor Posture
This is one of the most common causes of neck pain. Whether it is at home, work or during travel, poor posture can lead to neck problems. If your head is often bent forward for long periods of time, then it puts a lot of strain on neck muscles and leads to pain.
Repetitive Motions
Moving the head in a continuous manner while swimming or dancing can lead to overuse of neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Unusual Position of the Neck
Holding the head in an unusual position for long periods can cause neck pain, like having a long conversation while holding the phone between the shoulder and head.
Whiplash
When the head and neck suddenly move backward and then forward with great force, it leads to whiplash injury. The soft tissue near the cervical spine can get ruptured or torn. This commonly happens during a rear-end collision of vehicles.
What are Red Flags for Neck Pain?
Seek immediate medical care if neck pain is associated with the following symptoms:
- Severe pain
- Tingling, numbness or weakness in arm, shoulder or hands
- Radiating pain
- Difficulty in walking or balancing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever or chills
Also, severe neck pain due to injury caused by a car accident or a fall needs emergency medical care.
If neck pain has been bothering you for long time and you are not getting relief from rest or over-the-counter pain killers, then you should consult a pain specialists at the Pain Center. We are experts in diagnosing and treating the underlying conditions causing neck pain and will work to find you relief.
Contact The Pain Center to discuss treatment by filling out our contact form or calling (208) 342-9800!