Neck pain is a prevalent issue that affects quite a significant portion of adults in the United States. It is believed that every human will struggle with neck and back pain at some point in their life. Neck pain can come from a great number of causes, which can make it difficult to diagnose – especially if you don’t get help right away. As a top-rated center for spine surgery and neurosurgery in Newport Beach, we know how scary dealing with neck pain can be. In order to provide the best treatments and prevent the most pain, we would want to diagnose the risk factors behind the pain. Below, we will list 6 common causes of neck pain that you should be aware of.

6 Common Causes of Neck Pain

Muscle Tension and Strain

Muscle tension and strain are often at the root of neck pain. Poor posture, overuse of neck muscles, or sleeping in an awkward position can cause muscle tension and lead to discomfort. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate this tension, creating a cycle of increased pain. You can invest in physical therapy, massage, and pain management to help lessen the severity of your muscle strain.

Poor Ergonomics and Posture

Long hours spent working at a desk can have terrible ramifications on your back. If you hunch over while looking at your phone, stare at the screen all day, or even sleep in an uncomfortable position, you can develop chronic pain in your neck. We work to educate our patients on the proper posture and ergonomics of sitting in order to prevent further spinal damage.

Herniated Discs

Herniated or slipped discs in the cervical spine can compress nerves, resulting in localized or radiating neck pain. While herniated discs typically also produce pain in areas of the spine, a lot of sharp or stiff pain can be felt in the neck as well. This condition often stems from age-related degeneration or injury. Pain specialists may recommend a range of treatments, including physical therapy, spinal injections, or in severe cases, surgical intervention, to manage the neck pain caused by herniated discs.

Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a particular condition that happens when the bones of the cervical spine start to weaken and degenerate. This typically occurs as a result of aging or a genetic predisposition. Over time, the discs and joints wear down, which leads to pain and issues with neck mobility. Pain management for cervical spondylosis involves a combination of physical therapy, prescribed lifestyle modifications, medication, facet joint injections, and even a special surgery performed by our neurosurgeon.

Trauma and Whiplash

Whiplash is a dangerous occurrence that particularly affects the neck. Whiplash comes from a sudden jerking of the neck and head after physical trauma. Usually, whiplash comes from car accidents or similar injuries. Though some of the immediate effects of whiplash may be mild, it is really important to visit your doctor right away, as symptoms can worsen while going undetected.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging, albeit a painful one. It starts with the breakdown of discs in the neck and spine, eventually causing severe pain and total immobility. Spinal discs are responsible for cushioning the vertebrae in your spine, making it more comfortable for you to move and turn your neck. As these discs lose hydration and become less flexible, they can cause stiffness. Depending on the severity of your degenerative disc condition, treatment can range from at-home therapy to spinal disc surgery.

Visit Paragon and Treat Your Neck Pain ASAP

By identifying the root cause of your neck pain, it is easier for your pain specialist to prescribe the perfect kind of treatment. Whether you are dealing with a degenerative spine condition or you have neck stiffness after an injury, you should visit your local Paragon Health Group facility right away. We offer unique and advanced treatment options based on the area of your spine that is causing you the most grief. Our herniated disc surgery and cervical microdiscectomy in Newport Beach are excellent options for anyone dealing with severe pain along the spine. Contact us today to get the treatment you deserve.