What Are the Common Causes of Neck Pain?

Neck pain is extremely common and the variety of neck pain, as well as its causes, differs. It affects approximately one in three people at least once a year. Neck pain is a frequent symptom of various medical conditions and injuries.
 
There are several types of neck pain, including axial neck pain, which occurs primarily in the neck, or radicular neck pain, which affects other areas like the arms and shoulders as well. Neck pain can be acute or chronic. If left untreated, the pain can become unmanageable, the condition can deteriorate, and it can interfere with day-to-day activities and quality of life. 
 
Aging makes individuals more susceptible to neck pain generally and can also prompt degenerative conditions like spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis, which will present with neck pain. The other most common cause of neck pain is any kind of sudden trauma resulting from an injury.
 
Some other common causes of neck pain include physical strain caused by repetitive or strenuous actions; mental stress; poor posture; being overweight; previously existing health conditions; growth; and overall health. Any injury or condition affecting the musculoskeletal system can cause neck pain as a symptom.

Orthopedic doctors will diagnose neck pain with a combination of medical history and a physical exam. Given the various causes of neck pain, treatment options must be equally diverse. Exactly what treatment will depend entirely on the specific wants and needs of the patient as well as the severity and nature of their condition or injury? Typical treatment includes physical therapy, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, and surgery as needed and desired.
 
There are additional treatment methods as well, but much will depend on if it is a chronic condition or an acute injury and whether the goal of treatment is pain management or full recovery. Often, these treatments will be used in combination with each other. The most important part is that an individual suffering from neck pain seeks out treatment so a custom plan can be developed to manage or eliminate their pain and improve their quality of life.

While a slight feeling of strain in the neck from time to time due to an awkward movement or an uncomfortable night’s sleep can be expected, neck pain can be a sign of many serious injuries or conditions.
 
Individuals should always get neck pain checked out by a medical professional when tingling or numbness accompanies it in the shoulders, arms, or legs, following an accident that involves dizziness, headaches, vomiting, or nausea. You should also get your neck pain looked at if it also involves loss of coordination or weakness in the arms or legs, includes fever or chills, does not lessen after a week, the pain is still present while moving or resting, or is unresponsive to over-the-counter medications.
 
Given the potential risk factors associated with a neck or spinal injury or condition, it is always best to get neck pain checked out, particularly if it presents any of the aforementioned symptoms or is particularly severe.

Depending on the type of treatment a patient is looking for, there are several different types of doctors they can see. A general physician may be able to diagnose the issues and recommend treatment; a musculoskeletal specialist or orthopedic surgeon may operate, and a chiropractor or rehab therapist can provide excellent holistic care options.
 
At NorthShore Orthopedics, our board-certified Dr. Charles Soma, MD has extensive experience and knowledge in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal systems – the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. He provides both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. NorthShore Orthopedics is dedicated to helping you improve your health and provide extensive treatment for all your musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Call us today to book an appointment to meet with our foot and ankle specialist, or visit our clinic. We serve patients from Maui, Wailuku HI, Lahaina HI, Kahului HI, Kihei HI, Wailuku HI, Kula HI, Makawao HI, Paia HI, Wailea HI, Haiku HI, and Waihee-Waiehu HI.