Severe neck pain — causes and treatment options

Nobody is immune to the occasional stiff or sore neck, but for some, neck pain can become a serious problem that disrupts nearly every aspect of life. If you are dealing with severe neck pain, it is easy to start to feel hopeless. You may even start to wonder if the pain and other symptoms are going to become a permanent part of your life.

For severe neck pain sufferers, it is important to stay positive. Finding relief is possible and the first step is often educating yourself as a patient. To help you be proactive with your treatment, Armor Physical Therapy is sharing this helpful guide to the causes and treatment options of severe neck pain.

What causes severe neck pain?

The neck is such a common source of severe pain because this relatively delicate part of the body is responsible for supporting the head while still allowing for a wide range of movement and flexibility. This is why it is so easy for muscle strains to develop in the neck and for injury or age-related degeneration to develop in cervical (upper) part of the spinal column as well.

Spine problems are a common source of severe neck pain because of the large amount of nervous tissue running through this part of the body. If displaced spinal anatomy, such as a joint or disc, puts pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root, it can cause intense localized neck pain that can sometimes be accompanied by radiating symptoms like tingling, shooting pains and muscle weakness. Specific spine conditions that can cause severe neck pain include:

• Herniated discs
• Bulging discs
• Bone spurs
• Spinal arthritis

Getting to the source of severe neck pain typically requires the expertise of a qualified medical professional.

Effective treatment for severe neck pain

Severe neck pain can be treated with a number of options, including steroid injections, hot/cold therapy and, in some cases, surgery. For many, physical therapy is a core part of a holistic treatment plan for neck pain. A physical therapist is an expert in the body mechanics and postural factors that play a part in the development of neck pain.

At Armor Physical Therapy we take a hands-on approach and will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual adjustment and trigger point therapy. Our caring team is committed to helping you find the relief you deserve.

We have centers located conveniently in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Mattawan and Plainwell, Michigan. To schedule an initial appointment, contact us today.