Common Causes of Neck Pain and When to Seek Treatment

Neck pain makes life difficult. When it’s too difficult to look up or down or left or right, it’s too difficult to do just about anything else. Causes of neck pain vary, and in many cases, neck pain is not serious. However, if the pain is severe, lasts for more than a few days or is accompanied by other side-effects, it may be the sign of something serious.

Minor neck pain is usually caused by poor posture and strain. In these cases, some rest, over-the-counter pain medication can help you feel better after a couple of days. Some lifestyle changes are necessary too. Do you look down for long periods of time at your cell phone or computer screen? Take breaks and stretch your neck.

Causes of neck pain that require professional treatment

Neck pain can be the sign of a serious condition. In these cases, it is often accompanied by other symptoms, and it lasts longer than a few days. 

If your neck is in extreme pain or has been hurting for a long time, you should visit your health care provider to check for one of these conditions:

• Whiplash — If you’ve been in an automobile accident or subjected to some form of sudden impact, you may have whiplash. This condition occurs when your neck and head suddenly fling in one direction due to impact.

• Arthritis — Arthritis can cause pain in your spine by making the spinal column grow narrow. This puts pressure on the nerve running through your spine, which results in chronic pain.

• Slipped or burst disc — The discs between your vertebrae are meant to cushion your vertebrae and keep them from rubbing against one another. When one of these discs slips or bursts, it can put pressure on the nerve in your spine.

• Fibromyalgia — Chronic medical conditions like fibromyalgia can cause pain across your entire body, which includes pain in the neck. 

If the pain in your neck is severe or chronic, or if you’re just unsure about how serious it is, you should speak with your doctor.

Treating neck pain with physical therapy

At Armor Physical Therapy, we specialize in rehabilitative services that can help reduce pain in your neck and restore its strength and mobility. By strengthening and stretching the muscles and ligaments in your neck, we can help you overcome neck pain and live a fuller quality of life.

Are you suffering from severe or chronic neck pain? Would you like to speak with a physical therapist at Armor Physical Therapy about treatment? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out how we can help you.