Neck Pain Treatment in CT & NY
The bones, ligaments, and muscles of the neck support the weight of the head, allow for motion and protect the spinal cord and nerves. Many people experience neck pain or stiffness occasionally, which is often due to poor posture or overuse. However, neck pain can also be caused by injury, inflammation, or any abnormalities in the spine.
Symptoms of Neck Pain
Common symptoms of neck pain include:
- Decreased ability to move the head
- Headache
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Neck muscle stiffness
- Pain and/or weakness that shoots down the arm
Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:
Muscle Tension & Strain
The muscles that support the weight of the head can be injured and irritated from overuse and postural problems. Common activities and behaviors that can cause this include:
- Poor posture
- Sleeping in an awkward position
- Sitting at a desk for too long without changing position
- Jerking the neck during activity
Injury
Neck pain may also be the result of an injury due to falls, car accidents and contact sports. The ligaments and muscles in the neck are often forced to move outside of their normal range, which strains the soft tissues of the neck, resulting in neck pain. Common neck injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Herniated disc
- Fractured cervical spine
- Neck sprain
Overuse
Similar to other joints in the body, the neck joints tend to wear down as a person ages. Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis, is a condition in which the discs of the cervical spine gradually break down, lose fluid and become stiffer.
Treatment for Neck Pain
Treatment will vary depending on what is causing your neck pain. Depending on the severity, some neck problems do require surgery. However, most conditions can be treated with the following:
At Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT, we offer a variety of personalized treatments to help you find relief. To learn more about which treatment is right for you, schedule an appointment today!
