What are the common causes of neck pain?
One of the most common causes of neck pain today is poor posture. As the modern American lifestyle becomes more sedentary and more reliant on mobile technology, your posture suffers. For example, the average American spends over four hours a day with their head tilted down to look at their phone, which puts a lot of pressure on their neck, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
Other causes of neck pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Neck strain
- Cervical spondylosis
- Spinal stenosis
You may also have neck pain due to injuries such as whiplash, herniated discs, or a pinched nerve.
How is the cause of neck pain diagnosed?
The expert physicians at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine diagnose the cause of your neck pain with a comprehensive exam and consultation. Your doctor collects your medical history and asks questions about your symptoms. During your exam, they feel your neck and check for signs of any swelling or abnormalities. They may also guide you through a series of gentle movements and stretches to gauge your pain and its effect on your range of motion.
In some cases, your physician will order diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to get more detailed information about the bones, muscles, and connective tissues in your neck. These details can help your doctor accurately diagnose the condition causing your pain.
How is neck pain treated?
The physicians at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine provide customized treatment plans to relieve your neck pain and resolve the condition causing it. They often use a multidisciplinary approach for neck pain, combining treatments both to ease pain and heal the condition causing it. For example, your treatment plan may include:
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage
- Hot and cold therapies
- Trigger point injections
- Joint injections
- Nerve stimulation
If your neck pain doesn’t resolve with conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair your neck.
Can I prevent neck pain?
Some of the causes of neck pain, such as injuries like whiplash, can’t be predicted or prevented. But, you can protect your neck health by reducing the amount of time that you spend on your mobile devices. Also, if you work at a desk, make sure your workstation is set up correctly, so you don’t spend your day with your head tilted up or down to see your screen.
If you have chronic neck pain that is reducing your mobility or interfering with your life, call North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine or make an appointment online today.
