Now Offering FAST TRACK. Same day treatments available. Book Now

Neck Pain - Image Condition - Header

Neck Pain

The neck is extremely susceptible to trauma and injury, particularly during falls, vehicular accidents, and during sports or physical activities.

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is discomfort or pain that is felt in the area of the neck, which is the region between the base of the skull and the top of the shoulders. It can vary in intensity and may be characterized by aching, stiffness, soreness, sharpness, or a combination of sensations. Neck pain can be temporary and mild, or it can become chronic and significantly affect an individual's daily activities and quality of life.

Neck pain can stem from various sources, including muscle strain, poor posture, injuries, and underlying medical conditions. It's a common complaint and can affect people of all ages. The pain may be localized to the neck itself or radiate to other areas, such as the shoulders, upper back, or arms.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

Neck pain can present with a range of symptoms, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Here are some common symptoms associated with neck pain:

  1. Pain and Discomfort: The most common symptom of neck pain is aching, soreness, or discomfort in the neck area. The pain can vary in intensity and may be sharp, dull, or throbbing.
  2. Stiffness: Many people with neck pain experience stiffness that limits their ability to move their neck freely. This can make it difficult to turn the head from side to side or up and down.
  3. Radiating Pain: Pain may radiate from the neck to other areas, such as the shoulders, upper back, arms, or even the head. This is often referred to as "referred pain."
  4. Headaches: Neck pain can sometimes cause tension headaches that originate at the base of the skull and radiate to the forehead or temples.
  5. Muscle Spasms: Tightness and involuntary muscle contractions in the neck muscles can lead to spasms and discomfort.
  6. Numbness or Tingling: Some individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the arms, hands, or fingers. This can be due to nerve compression.
  7. Weakness: In more severe cases, nerve compression or damage can lead to weakness in the arms or hands.
  8. Difficulty Turning or Tilting the Head: Limited range of motion in the neck can make it challenging to turn the head or tilt it to one side.
  9. Pain with Movement: Pain may worsen when moving the neck, especially during activities that involve turning, bending, or lifting.
  10. Trouble Sleeping: Neck pain can interfere with getting comfortable and finding a suitable sleeping position.
  11. Tenderness: The neck area may feel tender to the touch, particularly around muscles, ligaments, and joints that are affected.
  12. Clicking or Popping Sounds: Some people may hear clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving their neck. This can be associated with joint issues.

It's important to note that neck pain symptoms can vary based on the underlying cause. In some cases, neck pain might be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or persistent headaches. If neck pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, etc.), it's recommended to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from minor issues like muscle strain to more serious conditions involving the spine or other underlying medical problems. Here are some common causes of neck pain:

  1. Muscle Strain: Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to pain and discomfort.
  2. Poor Posture: Prolonged periods of poor posture, such as looking down at a screen, can strain the muscles and contribute to neck pain.
  3. Whiplash: Sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, often caused by car accidents, can result in neck pain due to soft tissue injuries.
  4. Cervical Herniated Disc: The discs between the vertebrae in the neck can herniate or bulge, pressing on nerves and causing pain.
  5. Cervical Spondylosis (Degenerative Disc Disease): The natural aging process can cause wear and tear on the cervical discs and joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
  6. Cervical Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck can compress the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and numbness.
  7. Osteoarthritis: Arthritis in the neck joints can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
  8. Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spaces within the spine can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
  9. Muscle Tension or Spasm: Stress, anxiety, and muscle tension can result in painful knots or spasms in the neck muscles.
  10. Injury or Trauma: Falls, sports injuries, or accidents can cause neck injuries and pain.
  11. Torticollis: Also known as "wry neck," torticollis involves the neck muscles contracting involuntarily, causing the head to tilt to one side.
  12. Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation in the joints, including those in the neck.
  13. Infections: Infections in the neck area, such as throat infections or infections of the spine, can lead to pain.
  14. Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord can cause neck stiffness and pain.
  15. Heart Attack: While rare, neck pain can sometimes be a symptom of a heart attack, especially in women.

How is neck pain treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. The common treatment options include a combination of home remedies (ice and heat application, rest and traction), physical therapy, anesthetic, pain relief patches, and analgesics. However, if the pain continues, local injections and other advanced treatments may be opted. Diagnosing the particular problem and taking note of the symptoms will help the professional determine the right treatment for the patient.

AZ Pain and Spine Institute
Neck Pain Treatments

Here at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, we improve our patients’ quality of life by alleviating and managing their pain. Some of our Neck Pain treatments include:

Why Choose AZ Pain - Image

Why choose AZ Pain and Spine Institute to treat your Neck Pain?

We have a team of medical practitioners, pain management doctors, and staff who are experts on pain management, including Neck Pain. We use state-of-the-art technology and effective approaches in achieving our mission. We care about your well-being and are committed to making your life pain-free.