Why Does the Neck Hurt?

Why Does the Neck Hurt?

The neck is a marvel of nature’s engineering, holding up about 11 pounds of weight, all your life. The bones at the top of the spine, along with your muscles and ligaments, support the head which is a delicate balance. Several factors, ranging from poor sleeping postures to sitting hunched over a phone screen all day can cause neck pain.

What causes Neck Pain?

Things that can cause your neck to hurt include –

  • repetitive motion
  • pinched nerves
  • sports injuries
  • car accidents involving whiplash
  • arthritis
  • infection
  • tumors
  • poor posture
  • poor sleep habits
  • gritting your teeth
  • carrying a heavy shoulder bag

How can Neck Pain be Treated?

Neck pain treatment would often begin with your pain specialist prescribing NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, such as aspirin and Ibuprofen. Applying an ice pack on your neck may help too. Neck muscles strengthening exercises and physical therapy can go a long way in treating and preventing future neck pain.

When to see a Pain Doctor for Neck Pain?

See a pain doctor if your neck pain is chronic, severe, doesn’t respond to home remedies, or worsens over time. You need to seek urgent attention if your neck pain is accompanied with numbness, weakness, or tingling and pain in the arms and legs.

Your doctor would diagnose the underlying source of your neck pain and design a personalized treatment plan for you. Treatment options may include –

  • Medications and muscle relaxants
  • Physical therapy
  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Facet joint injections
  • Nerve Blocks
  • Radiofrequency Ablation
  • Surgery, in a few cases
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