Neck pain doesn’t waste any time in derailing your day. Whether it appears suddenly one morning or gradually worsens over time, neck pain can make it difficult to move (or even sleep) comfortably.
Since neck pain has many possible causes, it can be challenging to determine if it’s a fleeting moment of discomfort or a sign of a more serious issue. In this article, we’ll discuss leading causes of neck pain to help you better understand the possibilities—and seek professional care as needed.
What Are the Leading Causes of Neck Pain?
The most common causes of neck pain are:
Poor Posture
Holding your spine in an abnormal position can lead to neck pain. Poor posture (like hunching over your computer or sleeping in a twisted position) places excessive impact on the spine, increasing your risk of muscle strain, tension, and pain. Over time, consistent poor posture can even accelerate spinal degeneration, leading to more serious conditions like a slipped disc.
The good news? Poor posture is entirely fixable with a little determination. Put a reminder to sit up straight at your desk, and invest in a comfortable, supportive pillow if you tend to twist your neck in bed.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are common soft tissue injuries. With a strain, muscle or tendon tissue is stretched or torn. With a sprain, a ligament is stretched or torn.
Neck strains and sprains can result from sports injuries, repetitive neck movements, and general neck overuse. Symptoms include neck pain that worsens with movement, neck stiffness, and headaches.
Most neck strains and sprains are mild, resolving on their own with rest and at-home care. More severe cases involve a lengthier recovery process and can benefit from a chiropractor’s insights.
Stress-Related Tension
You’ve probably heard that stress can be detrimental to your mental health, blood pressure, and immunity, among other aspects of your physical health. But, did you know that stress is directly linked to neck pain?
Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which stimulate muscle contractions. It also constricts your blood vessels, causing less blood to flow to your neck and back. Both of these factors can lead to neck pain.
If stress becomes chronic, it can cause chronic inflammation, which can play a role in neck discomfort.
Auto Accident Injuries
Common car accident injuries, like whiplash, can cause neck pain. Given that hundreds of thousands of Florida car crashes occur each year, this is a significant concern for our Coral Springs patients.
The impact of an accident can cause your head to be thrown back and forth. This forces the neck out of its normal range of motion and triggers tissue damage. Unfortunately, whiplash symptoms are often delayed due to adrenaline and gradual inflammation. Seeing a Coral Springs chiropractor ASAP after an auto accident can ensure possible injuries are addressed immediately—even before obvious symptoms appear.
Treating Neck Pain with Your Coral Springs Chiropractor
Not sure where to turn for persistent neck pain? Dr. Krzeminski is a Coral Springs chiropractor who can help you get on the path to healing with manual adjustments, decompression therapy, and lifestyle recommendations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
