Neck pain  is a common issue, affecting millions of people in the United States. Around 30% to 50% of adults will experience neck pain at some point in their lives.

If you live in Great Falls, VA and experience neck pain, stiffness, or loss of motion, come to Virginia Joint & Spine Center for a neck and shoulder checkup to uncover the cause.

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Experiencing Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common disorder that is characterized by discomfort, stiffness or burning sensations in the neck area. It can be caused by muscle strain, poor posture, bad sleeping habits, injury or chronic conditions like arthritis and degenerative disc disease.

In some cases, neck pain may even be accompanied by headaches, dizziness and numbness in the arms or hands.

Your neck is prone to pain and injury due to its support of the 12-pound weight of your head and its wide range of motion.

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Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can show up in different ways, such as stiffness, soreness, or aching in the neck area. It might also cause headaches, shoulder pain, or trouble moving your head. Some of the common causes of neck pain:

  • Muscle Strain: Overusing or straining the neck muscles can lead to pain. This can happen from things like bad posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or spending too much time hunched over a computer or phone.
  • Whiplash: A sudden jerking motion, like in a car accident, can cause the neck to whip back and forth. This can injure the muscles and ligaments, leading to neck pain.
  • Degenerative disc disease: As we age, the cushiony discs between our neck bones can wear down. This can cause pain, stiffness and loss of motion in the neck.
  • Herniated disc: Sometimes, a disc in the neck can push out of its normal spot and press on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms.
  • Arthritis: Neck pain can be caused by arthritis, which is when the joints in the neck become inflamed and worn down over time. This can lead to stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in the neck area.
  • Pinched nerve: When a nerve in the neck gets compressed or squeezed, it can cause pain. This might happen due to things like a herniated disc, bone spurs, or arthritis.
  • Poor posture: This is a narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on nerves.
  • Sleeping habits: Using a pillow that doesn’t properly support your neck, or sleeping in an awkward position (such as stomach sleeping), can cause neck pain.
  • Muscle spasms: Stress and tension can manifest in the neck muscles and lead to muscle spasms, causing pain and discomfort.

If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. At Virginia Joint & Spine Center, we can help you find relief from neck pain and get you back into action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain can develop for several reasons, including muscle strain, joint restriction, prolonged device use, posture, disc problems, stress, or injury. The location of pain alone does not always identify the source. A focused history and examination can help distinguish a local joint or soft-tissue problem from referred pain, nerve involvement, or a condition that needs medical testing.

When should I seek care for neck pain?

Schedule an evaluation when stiffness, reduced turning, shoulder or arm symptoms, headaches, or pain after sitting persist, recur, limit sleep or daily activity, or follow an injury. Seek urgent medical attention for severe trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, new weakness, loss of coordination, chest pain, or loss of bowel or bladder control.

How is neck pain evaluated?

An evaluation typically includes questions about when symptoms began, activities that worsen or relieve them, prior injuries, and relevant medical history. The provider may assess mobility, strength, sensation, balance, posture, or movement patterns. Imaging or referral may be recommended when the examination suggests it is necessary.

What non-surgical treatments may help neck pain?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include education, activity modification, chiropractic or manual care, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, and medical treatments when appropriate. The plan should focus on restoring comfortable motion, reducing muscular tension, improving support, and screening for nerve involvement. No single treatment is right for every patient.

How long does improvement from neck pain take?

Recovery time varies with the cause, severity, duration, overall health, work or activity demands, and consistency with the care plan. Some symptoms improve within a few visits, while long-standing conditions may require more time. Progress should be reassessed using pain, mobility, strength, and functional goals.