Neck pain can be incredibly uncomfortable and frustrating to deal with, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing it. In today’s post, we’ll take an in-depth look at six of the most common causes of neck pain.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, then please reach out to The Spine Care Center for an appointment. We know that neck pain can be incredibly uncomfortable, and our team of spine specialists will work quickly to resolve your symptoms and help you find long-lasting relief. Request an appointment through this page, and read on to learn more about what could be causing your neck pain.

Six Causes of Neck Pain

Atypical Sleeping Position

If you wake up with an aching neck that doesn’t seem to have an explanation, then your sleeping position may be to blame. Also known as a “crick,” neck pain is often caused by sleeping in a way that strains your neck muscles. It can also be caused by a pillow that doesn’t support your spine, or a mattress that is either too firm or too soft. Evaluate both your mattress and your pillow to see if any changes need to be made before seeking out additional treatment.

Sports-Related Injury 

Athletic injuries are one of the most common causes of neck pain. While running, biking, and even skiing with poor form can all cause neck pain, contact-based sports are much more likely to cause neck pain. Body-to-body contact can sometimes cause what’s known as a “stinger,” a condition in which the neck and/or shoulder nerves are impacted and cause ongoing pain that radiates through the arms. In severe cases, discs located in the neck can rupture or crack, which in turn causes the painful symptoms associated with herniated discs.

Poor Posture

It doesn’t matter whether it’s at work, school, home, or anywhere else — poor posture can cause a host of problems for both your neck and back. While we won’t get too in-depth in today’s entry, you can use the following tips to reduce neck pain symptoms caused by poor posture:

  • Keep your eyes level with whatever you’re reading or working on. This means adjusting your computer monitor to be level with your eyes, holding your phone up instead of looking down at it, and taking a break every 30 minutes if you have to write while at a desk.
  • Invest in a headset if you regularly talk on the phone. Holding your phone between your shoulder and ear instantly strains your neck and will almost certainly lead to tight muscles.
  • Instead of carrying a backpack, purse, or briefcase on one side of your body, see if you can find a backpack that distributes the weight evenly. If this isn’t an option, then do your best to lighten your load.

If you’re interested in learning more about how poor posture causes neck pain, then be sure to read through one of our previous entries about the relationship between office jobs and neck pain.

Whiplash

Whiplash is most commonly caused by car accidents, though it can also be caused by contact sports, cycling accidents, and falls. In addition to neck stiffness and pain, those with whiplash symptoms often experience:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sleep disruption
  • Numbness and/or arm weakness
  • Pain that radiates into the arms and shoulders

Whiplash is a serious condition, so be sure to get in touch with The Spine Care Center immediately if you suspect that you’re experiencing any of these common whiplash symptoms.

Stress

With busy schedules, heavy workloads, and hectic home lives, it’s no surprise that many Americans report feeling stressed out and overworked. Many people unconsciously tense their necks throughout the day in response to stress, which can lead to immobility and other painful symptoms. If you suspect that stress is causing your neck pain, then see if you can find healthy outlets to destress and relax after a long and hectic day.

Dehydration

Your neck is supported by spongy structures between each vertebrae, also known as discs. Their main purpose is to promote flexibility and absorb shock, but because they’re primarily made of water, they can become brittle and dry if you don’t stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day, or approximately eight 8-ounce glasses.

Neck Pain Treatment Options

Although there’s no denying that neck pain is both uncomfortable and life-disrupting, the good news is that most symptoms can be treated with non-invasive techniques. Some patients may be able to find relief by incorporating hot and cold therapy into their daily routine, but others may need to attend physical therapy before their symptoms completely resolve. Patients with severe neck pain may require surgery, but at The Spine Care Center, we exhaust every possible treatment option before recommending surgery to our patients.

Contact Us for Neck Pain Treatment in Manassas

If you’re experiencing neck pain of any kind, then contact The Spine Care Center in Manassas. We’ve treated tens of thousands patients just like you with non-invasive procedures, and our talented spine doctors will develop a personalized care plan that resolves your symptoms and helps you get back to doing the things you love.

Are you ready to schedule an appointment with our spine specialists? Give our office a call or fill out the form below to get started.

We look forward to providing you with the neck pain relief you deserve.

Schedule your appointment with our office today!