Why does my neck hurt?

While whiplash and trauma are leading causes of neck pain, certain movements and daily habits can also contribute to your discomfort. Common triggers of neck pain include:

• A sudden movement of the head or neck

• Whiplash injuries

• Sleeping on your stomach

• Sleeping with unsupportive pillows

• Poor desk ergonomics

• Poor posture

• Looking down at your laptop or cellphone for long periods

• Prolonged static postures

• Certain exercises

The NuVive Medical team can help identify your neck pain triggers and work with you to develop strategies to avoid or eliminate neck pain triggers whenever possible.

What conditions cause neck pain?

In most cases, neck pain is the result of a mechanical issue in the joint of your neck or a soft tissue injury. Other conditions that can cause neck pain include:

• Intersegmental joint dysfunction

• Cervical facet syndrome

• Whiplash

• Sprains and strains

• Spinal stenosis

• Arthritis

• Cervical radiculopathy

• Burners and stingers, a condition that causes overstretching of the nerves in your neck and shoulders

• Arthritis

• Degenerative joint disease

• Disc herniations

Depending on the symptoms you experience and the location of your pain, your provider can narrow down the potential causes of your pain and perform an appropriate orthopedic exam to accurately diagnose your condition.

What are the signs of a neck injury?

While neck pain and discomfort are the most common signs of a neck injury, additional warning signs include:

• Popping or clicking in your neck

• A feeling of instability in your neck

• Decreased range of motion and stiffness

• Inability to turn your head without pain

• Pain that’s worse when bending your neck forward or backward

• Pain at the base of your skull or in your jaw

• Numbness or tingling in your arms and hands

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have pain lasting more than three to five days, see the NuVive Medical team for an exam and begin treatment to get relief.

How is neck pain treated?

Treatment for neck pain depends on your diagnosis. For most types of neck pain, the team recommends a combination of:

• Hot and cold therapy

• Soft tissue therapy

• Trigger-point injections

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Rehabilitation therapy

The NuVive Medical team combines these techniques to relieve pain and inflammation, improve your range of motion, and heal injured muscles and ligaments. With a comprehensive treatment plan, you can recover more quickly than rest alone, and by following any at-home care recommendations, you may be able to avoid flaring up your neck pain.

To schedule a consultation and exam for neck pain at NuVive Medical, call today.