Why does your neck hurt?

As with most things, we often don’t appreciate them until they stop working properly. The same is true of the neck. Most of the time our necks ‘work’ without any issues. But—if you have ever had the discomfort of a stiff neck or neck pain—you will know it can be agony. 

However, there is some good news. It has been found that neck pain is one of the more prevalent symptoms that people suffer from in the U.S. But, in order to avoid neck pain, it helps to understand the causes. Read on below for a list of causes, outlined by our spine surgeon in Palm Beach County, Dr. Hepler.

What causes neck pain?

Many things can affect your neck such as poor posture, bad sleep habits, carrying a heavy shoulder bag or even infections. Here are the most common causes of your neck pain:

• Muscle strains. 

Muscle strains in the neck can be caused by poor posture (e.g. slouching over your smartphone or computer), poor neck support during your sleep or while watching TV. Also, muscle strain may be caused by sports or work activities, anxiety, and stress, including gritting your teeth.

• Worn joints and the aging process. 

As you age, the joints in your body tend to wear down including your neck joints. Your intervertebral discs lose moisture and some of their cushioning effects. Your body then creates bony growths (bone spurs) that affect joint motion and cause pain Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate.

• Pinched nerves. 

A pinched nerve occurs when there is pressure on a nerve. Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck may press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord. The pressure on a nerve may happen from repetitive motions or holding your body in one position for a long time.

• Injuries. 

Injuries from car accidents, in particular whiplash. Whiplash is a form of neck sprain caused by sudden movements of your neck; when your neck is suddenly jerked backward and then forward. This stretches the neck muscles and ligaments more than normal, causing a sprain.

• Diseases. 

Certain diseases may cause neck pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or a tumor.

Symptoms

Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from poor posture to injury. It’s symptoms can include:

• Stiff neck
• Reduced range of motion
• Tenderness in the neck
• Headaches
• Radiating pain down the shoulders and arms
• Arm numbness
• Tingling and weakness
• Balance issues

For more serious cases, you have to be watchful of symptoms like swelling, bruising, and decreased movement on one side of the neck. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing neck pain requires a thorough medical history and physical examination and may include imaging studies or other tests. The doctor will typically start by asking questions about your medical history, such as any injuries to the neck or any other medical conditions, along with lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and stress levels. The doctor will also ask about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter pain medications.

The physical examination involves a full evaluation of the neck, shoulders, and back, including range of motion, strength, and flexibility. The doctor may also check for any abnormalities or tenderness.

Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs may be ordered to determine the cause of the neck pain. Blood tests may also be ordered to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If the neck pain is related to a nerve issue, an electromyogram (EMG) may be ordered.

The doctor may also recommend physical therapy or medication to help manage the neck pain.

Prevention

If you are experiencing neck pain, the following tips may be beneficial in alleviating neck pain and avoiding it from worsening:  

1. Practice good posture to prevent neck pain. When sitting or standing, make sure your shoulders are back, your neck is straight, and your head is level.
2. If you work at your desk, use a proper ergonomic chair. Adjust the chair height at a comfortable position, and place your monitor at the right distance from your eye.
3. Don’t stay in one position for too long. If you have an activity that takes long periods of time, take regular breaks to reduce tension in the neck and shoulder.
4. Exercise regularly to strengthen the neck and shoulder, and helps reduce tension and prevent neck pain.
5. When lifting objects, avoid using your back and lift using your legs.
6. Get enough quality sleep at night for overall health improvement.
7. Use a neck pillow while you sleep to help reduce tension and neck pain.
8. Avoid getting stressed as it can cause pain or tension in the neck area. Divert your thinking by doing activities that can manage your stress level.

Treatment Options

Treatment for neck pain depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Common treatments include:

1. Massage

Massage therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for neck pain. Massage therapy also helps to relax muscles, which helps to reduce tension and tightness in the neck. Massage therapy can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a major cause of neck pain.

2. Physical therapy

Physical therapy is an effective treatment option for neck pain. Physical therapists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat neck pain and related conditions. They use a variety of modalities and techniques to reduce pain, restore range of motion, and improve strength and function. Common treatment options for neck pain include therapeutic exercises, manual therapies, and heat and cold therapy.

3. Lifestyle changes

 Lifestyle changes are often recommended as a treatment option for neck pain. Some of the recommended lifestyle changes for neck pain includes maintaining good posture, practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi or meditation, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

4. Medications

Over-the-counter medications are a common treatment for neck pain as it helps reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. For more severe cases, prescription medications are advised to manage moderate to severe levels of pain.

5. Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a damaged disc or other structures in the neck. Surgeries can range from minimally invasive to more extensive procedures. Surgery carries some risks for patients, thus it is important to ask a doctor about the risks and benefits before undergoing any type of surgery. If you need surgery, Dr. Matthew Hepler is one of the best spine surgeons in South Florida. 

If you have neck pain, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine the underlying cause of your neck pain and recommend the best treatment option for your specific situation.

Need advice or consultation with a spine surgeon in South Florida

Don’t let chronic back or neck pain take over your life. If you are suffering from constant discomfort in your neck or back, our orthopedic spine specialist is ready to help. Dr. Matthew Hepler treats all conditions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, and also provides spinal stenosis treatments. He is accepting new adult and pediatric patients at two convenient locations:

• Spine specialist in Delray Beach Fl
• Spine specialist in Fort Lauderdale

Additionally, he offers non-operative treatment options, such as pain medications and steroid injections. 

If you would like to learn more about our orthopedic spine surgeon and his services, please Contact Us.

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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

What causes neck pain?

Many things can affect your neck such as poor posture, bad sleep habits, carrying a heavy shoulder bag or even infections . Here are the most common causes of your neck pain: 

• Muscle strains. That can be caused by poor posture (e.g. slouching over your smartphone or computer), poor neck support during your sleep or while watching TV. Also, muscle strain may be caused by sports or work activities, anxiety, and stress, including gritting your teeth

• Worn joints and the aging process. As you age, the joints in your body tend to wear down including your neck joints. Your intervertebral discs lose moisture and some of their cushioning effect. Your body then creates bony growths (bone spurs) that affect joint motion and cause pain Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. 
• Pinched nerve. A pinched nerve occurs when there is pressure on a nerve. Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck may press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord. The pressure on a nerve may happen from repetitive motions or holding your body in one position for a long time.

• Injuries. Injuries from car accidents, in particular whiplash. Whiplash is a form of neck sprain caused by sudden movements of your neck; when your neck is suddenly jerked backward and then forward. This stretches the neck muscles and ligaments more than normal, causing a sprain.

• Diseases. Certain diseases may cause neck pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or a tumor.

Need advice or consultation with a spine surgeon in Palm Beach County

Don’t let chronic back or neck pain take over your life. If you are suffering from constant discomfort in your neck or back, our orthopedic spine specialist is ready to help. Dr. Matthew Hepler is an adult and pediatric spine surgeon in Palm Beach County, including Fort Lauderdale, and Delray Beach. 

He treats all conditions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, and also provides spinal stenosis treatments. Additionally, he offers non-operative treatment options, such as pain medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy. But, he also offers operative treatments, including both minimally invasive techniques and complex reconstructions. If you would like to learn more about our orthopedic spine surgeon, please Contact Us. 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.