Four conditions that cause neck pain when looking up

Most people are not strangers to an occasional stiff or sore neck. In these circumstances, the pain is usually not something to worry about. It tends to go away after a few hours or days of rest and home treatment. However, if you have neck pain when looking up that affects you for more than a week, you may need to see a professional for assistance.

Health care professionals, such as physical therapists, can examine your neck and identify the potential source of your pain. Once they find out what the source of your pain is, they can begin providing treatment to help you manage your pain and regain your range of motion. 

Four possible reasons you have neck pain when looking up

1. Strains — Strains are the most common cause of stiffness and neck pain when looking up. A strain is a muscle or soft tissue that has been overstretched or torn due to overexertion or from a traumatic injury, such as a car accident that causes whiplash. Some strains are minor and go away with little need for treatment beyond a period of rest. Other strains are more intense and require the assistance of a physical therapist.
2. Herniated disc — A herniated disc is a disc in your spine that has burst, causing its fluid to spread around the nerves in your spinal canal. It can cause prolonged pain around the spine in your neck, and it may limit your range of motion for movements like looking up. Herniated discs are not as common as strains, but they still affect many people.
3. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) — DDD is the natural wear and tear of the discs in your spine over time. Like many people, you may not really notice the effects of this condition. However, some do feel pain and stiffness from DDD that can cause pain in the neck when looking up.
4. Arthritis — Arthritis is the degradation of the cartilage in your joints. It can specifically affect the joints in your spine, which can cause pain and stiffness in the neck when looking up.

Physical therapy for neck pain

Physical therapists provide treatments that can help reduce the pain from your condition and improve your ability to look upward and in other directions. At Holland, our team always personalizes treatments to the needs of each patient. When you visit us for assistance with your neck pain, you can expect a well-rounded treatment that will likely include:

• Gentle exercises and stretches
• Hands-on therapy
• Posture guidance
• Patient education and more

Visit Armor Physical Therapy today for neck pain treatment

Are you tired of suffering from neck pain that’s keeping you from looking upward or in other directions? Our physical therapists would love to help you manage your pain and restore your range of motion. Contact our team today for more information about treating your neck pain or to schedule an initial appointment.