What causes neck pain?

Neck pain affects the cervical spine — the seven vertebrae at the top of your spinal column along with the ligaments, discs, nerves, and muscles surrounding them. You might get acute neck pain from an injury at work, playing sports, or an auto accident.

You could develop chronic neck pain if an acute injury fails to heal properly. Degenerative diseases and repetitive strain can also cause chronic neck pain. In many cases, poor posture — slumping while sitting and holding your head at an awkward angle — lead to wear and inflammation that causes neck pain.

Some common causes of neck pain include:

• Muscle strains
• Whiplash injuries
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Bulging or herniated discs
• Arthritis

A common reason for neck pain is nerve compression in the cervical spine. That occurs when a nerve coming away from the spinal cord gets pinched or squashed by a bulging disc or problems like bone spurs caused by arthritis.

What can I do about my neck pain?

Mild neck pain often clears up after a few days’ rest. Try to stay mobile without putting excessive strain on your neck, and use hot and cold treatments to relieve pain and relax your muscles.

Activities that are good for your spine include swimming and yoga or Pilates for building strength and flexibility. If you have problems with your weight, a healthy diet, and more exercise is the best way to shed excess pounds. Your provider at Onesource Sports Neuro Rehab can offer advice and support with weight loss and healthy living.

Think about your work environment, too, and make sure you use a correctly adjusted ergonomic office chair to ensure you have good posture when seated. Avoid spending long periods sitting or standing, and make sure your mattress and pillows provide the correct support to your neck.

What treatments help with neck pain?

If your neck pain isn’t responding to home care or it’s too severe to manage, Onesource Sports Neuro Rehab offers expert therapies to ease your discomfort. These include:

• Physical therapy
• Manual therapy
• Range of motion exercises
• Osteopractic therapy
• Dry needling
• Laser treatments
• Stretching and strengthening
• Therapeutic ultrasound
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
• Spinal decompression

In addition to these techniques, the Onesource Sports Neuro Rehab team has access to the latest cutting-edge technologies, like artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Your provider selects the treatments that are likely to be of most benefit to you after performing a comprehensive exam.

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe neck pain, call your nearest Onesource Sports Neuro Rehab office today or book an appointment online.