Neck Pain
“Is neck pain interfering with your daily life?” Neck pain is a pervasive affliction, impacting millions of individuals across the globe. From mild discomfort to debilitating agony, it can profoundly affect one’s daily life, making even the simplest tasks seem overwhelming. Startlingly, a 2023 study estimated that 203 million individuals worldwide suffered from neck pain, with projections indicating a 32.5% increase by 2050. [1] Given how common this condition is, one might wonder: why does such a universal issue often go unaddressed? Neck pain can range from a dull ache to intense, sharp discomfort that can radiate into the arms or even cause numbness or weakness in the hands. It’s a condition that can not only hinder movement but also diminish overall quality of life.
Neck pain can be classified in a variety of ways based on where it hurts, how severe it is, how long it lasts, and what causes it. Some common causes include injuries like whiplash, work-related strain from poor posture, like looking down at your phone, hunching over a desk, or sitting at a computer for long hours [2]. Another common cause is osteoarthritis, which can wear down the joints in your neck over time.
Doctors often categorize neck pain by:
- Location: Pain in specific areas of the neck.
- Severity: Ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
- Duration: Short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic).
- Cause: Injuries, repetitive strain, arthritis, or unknown factors.
In certain instances, neck pain may indicate a more serious underlying issue. If you experience numbness, weakness in your arms or hands, or sharp pain radiating to your shoulder or down your arm, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
At Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center in Scottsdale, we are committed to unraveling the complexities of your neck pain. By offering personalized, non-invasive treatments, we aim to restore comfort, functionality, and well-being. We work with patients to determine the source of their neck pain in order to treat it effectively and efficiently. Understanding the causes, risk factors, and available treatments for neck pain is pivotal in ensuring that it is addressed in the most effective and timely manner possible. [3]
Dr. Douglas Morris, chiropractor of Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center in Scottsdale, offers tips on how to recognize and treat neck pain.
Neck pain can manifest through a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early intervention and effective management.
Common symptoms include:
Localized Pain.
Discomfort or aching confined to the neck region, which may worsen with specific movements or prolonged positions.
Stiffness.
Reduced flexibility and difficulty moving the neck, often resulting in a decreased range of motion.
Radiating Pain.
Pain that extends from the neck to the shoulders, arms, or upper back, potentially indicating nerve involvement.
Headaches.
Tension headaches originating from the neck, commonly due to muscle strain or tension. [4]
Muscle Spasms.
Involuntary contractions of neck muscles, leading to sudden and sharp pain episodes.
Numbness or Tingling
Sensations of pins and needles in the arms or hands, which may suggest nerve compression or irritation.
Weakness.
Difficulty in gripping objects or performing tasks requiring arm strength, possibly due to nerve dysfunction.
When Should You Worry About Neck Pain?
Neck pain is a prevalent condition that often improves with home treatments over time. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is essential. Immediate medical attention is warranted if severe neck pain follows an injury, such as a car accident, fall, or diving incident.
These signs may indicate serious conditions such as infections, neurological disorders, or structural issues requiring prompt evaluation and intervention.
The majority of acute neck pain is mechanical in nature, meaning that the way the back’s components (the spine, muscle, intervertebral discs, and nerves) fit together and move is disrupted [8]. Your neck is strong yet flexible, allowing it to support your head’s weight; however, this also makes it prone to injuries and conditions that can lead to pain and limited movement. Common reasons of neck pain include the following: [9]
Muscle strains or ligament sprains.
Muscles and ligaments in the neck can be strained by repeated heavy lifting or a sudden strange movement. Constant tension or overuse (spending too much time slumped over a computer or smartphone) on your neck can produce severe muscle spasms. [2,10]
Slipped or bulging disks.
Disks act as cushions between the bones of your spine (vertebrae). The soft part of the disk can expand or rupture, which puts pressure on a nerve root.[11]
Arthritis.
Like every joint, the facet joints in the neck wear down. In some cases, severe wear on the facet joints can cause pressure on nerve roots, can cause inflammation, decreased mobility, and pain.[8]
Falls.
The most prevalent cause of low back pain is falls from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls, especially in elderly persons and children.
Vehicle-related collisions (Whiplash).
Neck pain is frequently caused by collisions involving vehicles, motorbikes, or bicycles, as well as pedestrians engaged in such events. [12]
Whiplash causes neck pain, which is treated by almost every chiropractor. Whiplash occurs when the muscles of the neck are damaged by violent movements of the head. Neck muscles are damaged as a result of the accident’s force. Inflammation and swelling are involved in their healing process, which causes the spine’s joints to become misaligned. Inflammation, on the other hand, does not appear right away. Swollen neck muscles can take a few days to start pulling the cervical vertebrae out of position. A ripple effect can take a few days, weeks, or months to create pain not only in the neck, but also in the shoulders, arms, and hands. You can save a lot of pain by seeing your chiropractor as soon as feasible.
Sports injuries.
Injuries from a variety of sports, including soccer, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey, and other high-impact or intense activities, can cause neck discomfort. These are especially common among teenagers. [12]
Heavy purses/Shoulder bags.
Carrying a heavy shoulder bag or purse can strain the muscles and joints in your neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort and pain from uneven weight distribution. [13]
Poor Posture.
Bad posture is one of the most common reasons people experience spinal pain. Sitting hunched over, slouching, or looking down at screens for long periods puts extra strain on your neck and back. [12, 14, 15]
Poor Sleep Posture.
Can strain neck muscles and joints, leading to stiffness, discomfort, and pain due to improper alignment during sleep.
Emotional Upset.
Emotional stress from anxiety or depression can cause muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, leading to pain and stiffness over time. [16]
Text Neck.
Cell phones may be found almost anywhere. People engrossed to their phones can be seen walking down any street. As a result of this recent change in lifestyle, tens of millions of people are suffering from a condition known as text neck, which causes neck pain. It is a painful condition affecting the muscles that attach to the bones of your neck, known as the cervical spine. Text neck is a condition that affects those who use their phones and other electronic gadgets excessively.
How much time on your phone do you have to spend each day to acquire text neck? According to a poll conducted by e-marketer, the average American (including teens, young adults, middle-aged persons, and elders) spends 3 hours and 35 minutes per day on the phone, and 1 hour and 9 minutes per day on a tablet. That’s 4 hours and 44 minutes every day spent crouched over a little screen, exerting 40 to 50 pounds of pressure on the muscles in the back of the neck. Is it any surprise that so many people seek therapy for neck pain?
Every day at your Scottsdale chiropractor’s office, we see patients of all ages with problematic neck. It’s time to see your chiropractor for a chiropractic adjustment if you’ve got neck ache. In the meanwhile, if you have the shoulders for it, holding your smartphone at eye level will relieve stress on your neck. It’s advisable to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a chiropractic adjustment and advice on how to avoid tech neck in the future.
Neck pain can change the way muscles function[22], often leading to increased muscle sensitivity[23], reduced coordination, and greater stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. [24,25] It can also impact movement control, decrease proprioception (body awareness), and limit natural movement patterns. [26,27]
In addition to physical effects, persistent neck pain is often linked to negative thoughts, emotional distress, and sleep disturbances. Anxiety, depression, and poor sleep can contribute to ongoing pain, making them important factors to consider in treatment. [28,29]
When you have neck pain, it’s critical to identify and treat any underlying medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to your symptoms.
When left untreated, neck pain can lead to a cascade of complications, affecting both physical and mental health. Chronic pain may result in permanent nerve damage, causing lasting weakness or numbness. Poor posture from persistent discomfort can affect other body parts, leading to a cycle of pain and dysfunction. Mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, often accompany chronic pain, further diminishing quality of life. Economically, neck pain leads to absenteeism and reduced productivity, prompting the question: how much more can society bear the burden of this pervasive issue? Addressing pain promptly is vital to prevent these outcomes, underscoring the need for comprehensive care.
Neck pain can affect anyone from toddlers to teens to elderly. Things that may increase your chances of having neck pain include:
Age.
Neck pain becomes increasingly common as you age, beginning around the age of 30 or 40 as a result of factors such as past employment and degenerative disk disease. [15, 17]
Your Sex.
Women are more likely than men to suffer from neck pain though both sexes experience similar patterns, with prevalence peaking around the age of 50 (women 50-54, men 45-49) and declining afterward. [18, 19]
Improper warmup.
Neck back pain can originate from not stretching or warming up before engaging in high-impact exercises.
Psychological conditions.
Neck pain appears to be more common in people who suffer from depression, anxiety, or a high-stress lifestyle. [16]
Diseases.
Neck pain can be caused by certain types of arthritis and cancer.
Smoking.
Neck pain is more common in smokers. This could be due to the fact that smoking causes increased coughing, which can lead to herniated disks. Smoking can also reduce blood flow to the spine, putting you at risk for osteoporosis. [20]
Occupation.
Desk and computer professionals often develop neck pain due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and repetitive strain from looking down at screens or typing for extended periods. [21]
Establishing the underlying cause of neck back pain necessitates a precise diagnosis, so our doctor can come up with the best method to treat your neck pain. Any major problems that may be causing your neck pain will typically be identified by a thorough medical history and physical examination. [11]
What to expect from your doctor
Establishing the underlying cause of neck pain necessitates a precise diagnosis, so our doctor can come up with the best method to treat your neck pain. Any major problems that may be causing your neck pain will typically be identified by a thorough medical history and physical examination. [11]
Your doctor will most likely ask you questions regarding medical history.
During the physical exam, your doctor may perform additional testing.
Possible Questions:
Complete responses to these questions provide a detailed picture of your everyday life so our doctor can figure out what’s causing your neck pain.
Possible Tests:
Your doctor will also do special neurological tests in order to determine the cause of pain, rule out more serious conditions and determine appropriate treatment.[1]
Imaging Tests:
Your doctor may order imaging tests in order to rule out specific causes of pain, including tumors and spinal stenosis.[1] Examples include:
At Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center, we offer comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs. Our treatments encompass chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and lifestyle counseling, all designed to alleviate pain and restore function. We focus on non-invasive methods, recognizing the body’s inherent ability to heal when provided with appropriate support. If your pain hinders your daily life, don’t wait for the discomfort to worsen. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey toward lasting relief and enhanced well-being.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic adjustments are mostly used on the spine and include applying a controlled, sudden force to a joint with intent to restore motion. Chiropractic adjustments can be done manually, using hand-held devices, or a drop table.
Massage Therapy
A professional practitioner manipulates the muscles with his or her hands during a massage.
Injections
Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may suggest injecting trigger point injections or other cutting edge treatments.
Non-surgical Spinal decompression
If your pain is related to nerve root irritation, your doctor may recommend using a type of traction that utilizes pulleys or to gently stretch your spine.
Physio Therapy
We have a variety of modalities to reduce inflammation, break down scar tissue, manipulate tissue, and accelerate healing.
Make an Appointment with Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center, LLC Today!
Call 480-585-5577 to schedule an appointment with Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center, servicing Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding region, to treat your neck pain using natural and noninvasive chiropractic treatments.
In order to back up the information in our articles, Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center exclusively cites high-quality sources such as peer-reviewed research. We strive to provide accurate, dependable, and trustworthy content based on the best evidence avaliable.
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- Garra, Gregory, et al. “Heat or cold packs for neck and back strain: A randomized controlled trial of efficacy.” Academic Emergency Medicine, vol. 17, no. 5, 23 Apr. 2010, pp. 484–489. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1553-2712.2010.00735.x
- Cohen SP. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of neck pain. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015 Feb;90(2):284-99. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.09.008. PMID: 25659245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.09.008
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