Neck pain when looking up but not down? Here’s what the cause might be

Most people don’t think about how much they look up or move their head upward. At least, they don’t until their neck starts to hurt when they look upward.

People who feel neck pain when looking up aren’t alone. It’s estimated that up to 50% of Americans experience neck pain annually, and up to 70% of people are likely to deal with neck pain in their lifetime. Physical therapists can help you determine the cause of your neck pain. There are two issues that could be causing neck pain when you look up. 

Two conditions that can cause neck pain when looking up

There are many issues that can lead to neck pain when you’re looking up, and an experienced physical therapist can help you determine which specific issue is affecting your neck. 

Two issues that are likely to cause this type of neck pain are: 

1. Cervical spondylosis — This issue is more commonly known as neck osteoarthritis. Researchers estimate that more than 85% of people over 60 have this condition. Cervical spondylosis occurs in the facet joints of the neck, and it’s typically the result of natural age-related wear and tear. Neck pain during certain movements is common with this issue. Additionally, you might experience neck muscle spasms, headaches, or popping or crackling sensations in your neck.

2. Cervical strain — Cervical strain includes the overstretching of muscles, ligaments or tendons in the neck. Whiplash is one of the top reasons people experience this issue, and it’s estimated that whiplash alone causes up to 1 million cases of cervical strain annually. Commonly, cervical strain leads to symptoms like neck stiffness or pain, tenderness in the neck and decreased range of motion. 

Get effective help for your neck pain at Armor Physical Therapy

Wondering where to get help for neck pain when looking up? Look no further than Armor Physical Therapy. Our team of therapy specialists offers many services that can help you treat and prevent the recurrence of neck pain. We offer free screenings designed to help reveal the cause of your pain. Our specialists also excel at constructing personalized therapy plans for a variety of neck issues. 

We even offer virtual care and at-home therapy for patients who are unable to make an in-clinic visit. Even better, you can use any of our services without a doctor’s referral. 

Don’t wait to start getting our help with your neck pain. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.