The majority of chronic or acute neck pain is caused by muscular issues, rather than actual spinal problems. This type of neck muscle pain is a good thing though, because it’s much easier to treat the muscles directly.
Dr. Mohr at North Tampa Spine & Joint Center specializes in diagnosing and fixing your problem areas quickly and efficiently. He can help relieve your neck pain as soon as possible. Whether it is caused by an auto accident, whiplash, or chronic postural problem, you have come to the right place for treatment.
The neck, or cervical spine, consists of vertebrae that extend from the base of the skull to the upper torso, providing strength and stability needed to keep your head on your shoulders and everything functioning correctly. The muscles around your neck provide further stability, as well as motion and support, which is necessary considering how vulnerable the neck is compared to the rest of the more-sheltered spine.
Many times, a “crick in the neck” can come and go in the same day, but this is often a sign of something else going on that needs to be addressed soon enough to prevent future problems from arising.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
The most common cause of neck muscle pain is an injury, such as a car accident, whiplash, sports injury, or general wear and tear that leads to abnormalities in the ligaments, nerves, and muscles that surround your cervical spine. Even issues farther down in the upper back, arms, or shoulders, can lead to neck pain, because of the connective tissues and nerves in the affected areas. Rheumatoid arthritis can also strike hard in the upper neck, leading to moderate to severe pain.
General wear and tear over time is a common culprit in people after they reach their forties. Known as cervical disk degeneration, or spondylosis, this occurs when the “jelly-filled” center of the disks break down, leading to less space and mobility between the cervical vertebrae.
These are all possible causes of neck pain, but perhaps the most common cause for new neck muscle pain is the dreaded whiplash, which is seen in many car accident victims; especially those who have been rear-ended. When the neck bends backwards past its normal limits (referred to as hyperextension) and/or forward (referred to as hyperflexion), the muscles and ligaments undergo stress that can lead to strains, pulls, and possibly even fracture or dislocation.
Finding Relief
If you experience pain in the muscles surrounding the neck and it lasts for more than a day, this pain should be addressed as soon as possible. Dr. Mohr, who has earned a reputation for being the top chiropractor in Tampa, has extensive experience in treating neck muscle pain that arises from many different causes; he is ready to be your first line of defense for answers, treatment, and relief.
If you would like to discuss your treatment options, request your appointment by clicking here or calling our office at (813) 983-7921.