Neck pain is something most people experience at some point. You sleep wrong, sit at your desk too long, or strain a muscle during a workout. Usually, the discomfort fades within a few days.
But sometimes neck pain doesn’t go away. It gets worse, spreads to other areas, or starts interfering with your daily activities. Our friends at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic discuss how ignoring persistent neck pain can lead to chronic problems that become harder to treat over time. A qualified neck pain doctor can identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Understanding Why Neck Pain Happens
Your neck supports your head, which weighs about 10 to 12 pounds. That might not sound like much, but when you consider how much your neck moves throughout the day, the strain adds up quickly.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, neck pain affects approximately 30% of adults each year. Common causes include poor posture, muscle strain, arthritis, herniated discs, and nerve compression. Sometimes the cause is obvious, like a car accident or sports injury. Other times, pain develops gradually without a clear trigger.
When To Seek Professional Help
1. Pain Lasting More Than Two Weeks
Acute neck pain from minor strains typically resolves within a week or two with rest and home care. When pain persists beyond this timeframe, something else is going on.
Chronic pain suggests an underlying condition that needs professional evaluation. We see patients who wait months or even years before seeking treatment, hoping the pain will eventually disappear on its own. This delay often makes treatment more difficult and recovery longer.
2. Pain That Radiates Down Your Arms
Neck problems don’t always stay in your neck. When pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness extends into your shoulders, arms, or hands, this indicates possible nerve involvement.
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in your neck becomes compressed or irritated. This creates symptoms that travel along the nerve pathway. Common signs include:
- Sharp, burning pain shooting down one or both arms
- Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations in your fingers
- Weakness when gripping objects or lifting
- Numbness in specific areas of your arm or hand
These symptoms need prompt attention because prolonged nerve compression can lead to permanent damage.
3. Headaches That Start In Your Neck
Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in your neck but cause pain that radiates into your head. Unlike typical tension headaches or migraines, these headaches usually occur on one side and worsen with certain neck movements or positions.
Many people treat these headaches with over-the-counter pain medication without addressing the root cause. A neck pain specialist can identify whether your headaches stem from cervical spine issues and provide targeted treatment.
4. Limited Range Of Motion
Your neck should move freely in multiple directions. You should be able to turn your head to check blind spots while driving, tilt your head to rest the phone on your shoulder, or rotate to look behind you.
When neck pain restricts these movements, daily activities become challenging. You might struggle with driving, working at a computer, or even sleeping comfortably. This limitation signals structural or muscular problems that require professional assessment.
5. Pain Following An Injury
Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries can cause whiplash or other neck trauma. Even seemingly minor accidents can damage soft tissues, ligaments, or vertebrae.
Some injury-related symptoms appear immediately. Others develop hours or days after the incident. Don’t assume you’re fine just because you didn’t hurt right away. We recommend getting evaluated after any significant impact, even if you feel okay initially.
What To Expect During Your Visit
A thorough neck examination includes reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and performing physical tests to assess range of motion, strength, and nerve function. We may recommend imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans to get a detailed view of your cervical spine.
Treatment options vary based on your diagnosis but often include spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, soft tissue therapy, and posture correction. The goal is to address the underlying problem, not just mask the symptoms with pain medication.
Getting Back To Normal
Living with neck pain affects everything from your work productivity to your ability to enjoy hobbies and time with family. You don’t have to accept pain as a permanent part of your life. We help patients identify the source of their neck pain and develop effective treatment strategies. Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and start your journey toward lasting relief.