Neck pain

Neck pain is a common problem that can affect your ability to get around and engage in daily activities. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our orthopedic doctors help pinpoint the cause of neck pain. We offer the latest treatments to help relieve pain and improve mobility.

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is a symptom, not a condition. It’s often a sign of an injury or health condition. Neck pain can affect any structure in your neck, including nerves, muscles, bones, joints or discs. Mild to severe neck pain can make it difficult to move your head and complete daily tasks.

Causes of neck pain

The most common cause of neck pain is muscle strain. Everyday activities can put tension on your neck, causing muscle strain. These activities include:

• Bending over a workstation or desk for hours
• Having poor posture while sitting, standing, watching TV or looking at your phone
• Looking up at a computer monitor that’s positioned too high, or looking down at a monitor that’s too low
• Sleeping in an awkward position
• Twisting or turning your neck in a jarring manner

Other possible causes of neck pain include:

• Accidents, falls or whiplash
• Arthritis, including osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Head and neck cancer
• Spine disorders, such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc and spinal tumors
• Spine fractures, often from osteoporosis

Neck pain symptoms

In addition to neck pain, you may also have:

• Difficulty turning or moving your head
• Headaches
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or hands
• Stiffness in your neck

Types of neck pain

Neck pain may last for less than six weeks (acute pain) or more than three months (chronic pain). Types of neck pain include:

• Axial neck pain, which causes pain in just your neck
• Radical neck pain, which causes pain that radiates from your neck to your shoulders, arms and hands

Neck pain diagnosis

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms and medical history. They may assess your neck and spine while you bend and move.

These tests can help your doctor pinpoint the cause of your neck pain:

• Blood tests to check for inflammation or medical conditions that cause neck pain
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scan or MRI, to look for problems that affect your bones, joints, discs and spine
• Nerve conduction study to check for nerve problems that cause neck pain

Neck pain risk factors

Nearly everyone has neck pain at some point. Factors that can increase your risk include:

• Chronic stress
• Depression
• Female sex assigned at birth
• History of back pain
• Jobs that require repetitive twisting, long hours of sitting or heavy lifting
• Obesity
• Poor posture
• Smoking or addiction to other forms of tobacco

Complications of neck pain

Neck pain can negatively affect many aspects of your life. It can lead to complications such as:

• Depression
• High stress levels
• Loss of mobility, which can lead to disability and weight gain

Neck pain prevention

Taking care of your neck and spine can help lower your risk of neck pain. These actions may help:

• Keeping your computer monitor at eye level
• Seeking help to quit smoking
• Sitting and standing with good posture
• Sleeping on a mattress and pillow that support your neck
• Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight
• Strengthening your upper back and shoulder muscles
• Taking frequent breaks to stretch your neck and shoulders

Neck pain treatments

Treatments for neck pain depend on the underlying cause and pain severity. Treatments may include:

• Alternating hot and cold therapies
• Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers
• Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and massage
• Physical therapy
• Spinal injections
• Spine surgery
• Steroid injections
• Stress management