What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain is the result of injuries or irritation to tissues/structures of the cervical spine. Tissues/structures in your neck that can cause pain are:

• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Joints
• Discs (Intervertebral Discs)
• Nerves
• Arteries
• Scar Tissue (Previous Injuries/Chronic Restriction)

If any of these tissues/structures in your neck are injured or irritated, you can experience neck pain, decreased range of motion, muscle spasms, and/or numbness/tingling/pain in your arms and hands.

Potential causes of injury or irritation of these tissues/structures include but are not limited to:

• Recent Trauma
• Previous Trauma
• Poor Posture
• Poor Sleeping Position
• Improper Ergonomics When Working
• Restricted/Altered Joint Motion
• Muscular Imbalance
• Muscular Weakness
• Repetitive Motion

Often, there are a combination of factors causing pain. Our doctors work hard to determine these factors and come up with individualized treatment plans to reduce your pain as quickly as possible. Reducing these factors also helps to decrease the risk of future flare-ups or additional problems from developing.

What Conditions Cause Neck Pain?

A variety of conditions can cause neck pain, such as:

• Intersegmental joint dysfunction
• Facet syndrome
• Cervicocarnial Syndrome
• Cervicobrachial Syndrome
• Spinal stenosis
• Arthritis
• Whiplash
• Degenerative disc disease
• Tension headaches
• Cervical disc bulges or herniations
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Muscle Spasms

Depending on the location of your pain and the severity of your symptoms, our doctors can determine which orthopedic tests and/or advanced testing you need to determine your diagnosis.

How is Neck Pain Diagnosed?

At CSMC, your first visit will start with a consultation and physical exam in order to determine which tissue/structure is causing your pain, how severe the condition is, what is causing the problem, and any contributing factors that may slow down or prevent proper healing.

This involves discussing your symptoms, when they are at their worst, the impact it is having on your life and putting together a set of treatment goals you would like to accomplish (examples: picking up kids or sleeping without pain). It is important to bring any previous medical notes or images for the doctor to review and take into consideration for your case.

Next, a physical exam will be performed, physical exams typically consist of:

• Neurological Evaluation
• Orthopedic Testing
• Postural Assessment
• Chiropractic Evaluation
• Functional Assessment
• Range of Motion Measurements
• Referral to Imaging/Advanced Diagnostic Testing (When Necessary)
• Radiographic Biomechanical Analysis (When Necessary)

These tests may aggravate your symptoms, so let your doctor know what you are feeling.

For imaging and additional testing, CSMC coordinates referrals to specialty radiologists as needed.

What Neck Pain Treatments are Available?

CSMC takes a customized, comprehensive approach to care for all types of neck pain. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to address your neck pain:

• Various Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques
  • Based on Preference/Condition
• Decompression Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Ergonomic Training
• Massage Therapy
• Postural Correction
• Topical Analgesics
• Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

These therapies may be recommended individually or together to relieve your pain, improve your range of motion, strengthen your neck, improve posture and/or stabilize your condition depending on your needs.

You can find the neck pain relief you need at CSMC. Book your appointment today.