Neck pain has almost become a natural part of our routines. While sometimes it can be a common misshapen that makes us uncomfortable for a couple hours, it’s important to learn how to elucidate when it has crossed a line and when it’s time to get in touch with a specialist.
Contact our team at University Pain and Spine Center and learn how you can restore your quality of life.
Neck Pain 101
Why Is It So Common?
Neck pain has become a common ailment nowadays, mainly because we live very differently than a couple generations ago. Our routines have become much more sedentary than before, and most of us spend the majority of our days sitting at a desk, either at school or an office.
Additionally, consistently looking down at smartphones, tablets, and laptops, puts a great stress on our cervical spine and causes the “tech neck”, a name used to describe the condition of a tense, stiff neck due to daily and prolonged use of technology.
What Are Other Neck Pain Causes?
Neck pain can also be caused by:
- Accumulated stress and tension in neck and shoulder muscles
- Poor sleep posture
- Aging and wear-and-tear
- Lack of movement
- Injuries
- Additional medical conditions
Neck Stiffness: What Might Be Behind It
Some of the most common explanations for neck stiffness include:
- Muscle strain or tension: Caused by poor posture while sitting at a desk or using devices, sleeping in awkward positions, overuse, or stress-related tightness.
- Joint or dis problems: These must be diagnosed by a specialist, but could be cervical disc degeneration (DDD), herniated discs, cervical osteoarthritis, and others.
- Nerve compression or irritation: This would cause additional symptoms like numbness, tingling, and radiating pain.
- Other less common, but serious causes could be infections, tumors, or other inflammatory conditions or a consequence of a traumatic injury.
The Bottom Line: When It’s Time to Call a Specialist
Most neck pain episodes are related to muscle tension and will fade away in a few hours or even a couple days. If it persists, it might be a sign something’s not right. Nonetheless, consistency isn’t the only red flag.
Make sure to keep an eye out for:
- Persistent pain that lasts more than 2 weeks (even if it comes and goes)
- Pain that radiates to shoulders, arms, or hands
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling
- Sudden loss of coordination or balance
- Headaches that originate from the neck
- Pain that worsens at night or interrupts your sleep
We know that sometimes we will try to ignore these signs as much as possible. You can also be aware of any routine changes that reflect your pain.
If you are relying on OTC medications daily for managing your pain, have noticed posture changes or reduced mobility, started experiencing pain after an accident or trauma, or are suffering from recurrent episodes of stiffness, you should pick up the phone and arrange a consultation with your specialist.
👉 Discover what we can do to relieve your pain
How Your Posture and Desk Habits Worsen Your Neck Pain
Sitting at a desk for hours on end without ergonomic arrangements or proper posture compresses the cervical spine.
On top of that, looking down at your phone or monitor increases the load on your neck muscles, where just a few inches of difference can have significant impacts.
Office work often contributes to people developing a slouched posture, which also puts pressure on the upper spine and tightens neck muscles. When these positions are repeated over and over again, the muscles that support your neck become injured.
But most probably you can’t quit your job! In that case, try:
- Adjusting your monitor just below eye level
- Use a supportive chair with lumbar support
- Set reminders to stretch and move every 30 or 60 minutes
Need Help Managing Your Neck Pain?
Before finding the ideal treatment, you must get an accurate diagnosis. Our team will make sure to carefully assess you and determine the cause of your pain. Keep in mind that every situation is different, so we will tailor your treatment to fit your specific requirements to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Our pain management experts at University Pain and Spine Center, with offices located in Somerset, Monroe, Ewing, Englewood Cliffs, Jersey City, Hoboken, Bloomfield, Freehold, Clark, and Elizabeth, New Jersey; and Bayridge, Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Hempstead, New York, are committed to helping patients find relief and regain control of their everyday lives. To start your journey toward pain relief, call (732) 873-6868 or book an appointment online.