Neck Pain Treatment Doctor Q&A

The neck is composed of seven cervical vertebrae’s and eight cervical nerves; damage to any one of these nerves, vertebrae’s or the muscles around them can cause neck pain. Common causes of neck pain include:

– Arthritis — Joint inflammation, or arthritis, is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in the world, affecting millions of people across the globe. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis which affects around 32 million American adults; it develops as the joints wear down over time.

– Herniated Disc — Each vertebra in the spine is cushioned with a vertebral disc that has a tough outer shell and soft, gel-like interior called the nucleus. Injury or overuse can create a weak spot in the disc, causing the soft nucleus to protrude outside the tough exterior.

– Muscle Strain — The cervical spine is surrounded by muscles that offer additional support and enable the ability to move the head from side to side. However, the neck muscles can hold tension or suffer strain from things like an accident or poor posture.

– Pinched Nerve — The medical term for a pinched nerve in the neck is cervical radiculopathy. Pinched nerves can occur when the nerves are inflamed or irritated, or when a herniated disc presses on a nerve; this can cause symptoms like tingling in the neck and sharp pain.

– Spinal Stenosis — The spine has a hollow canal that contains nerves; when this canal narrows, it is known as spinal stenosis which can put pressure on the nerves inside. Spinal stenosis can develop in the lower back or neck, causing symptoms like muscle weakness, tingling, and pain.

– Whiplash — A common neck injury that occurs when the head is forced in a sudden back-and-forth motion, whiplash can cause symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and headaches, which often arise several hours after the incident.

Neck pain may be serious if it:

– Worsens in spite of self-care
– Persists after several weeks of self-care
– Radiates down the arms or legs
– Is accompanied by headache, numbness, or tingling

There are certain signs that neck pain is an emergency situation and requires immediate medical attention, including if it is associated with:

– Traumatic injuries, such as accidents or falls
– Muscle weakness, including weakness in an arm or leg. Trouble walking may be a sign of a more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible
– High fever, as this could indicate possible infection which would pose a serious threat to one’s health

Signs and symptoms of neck injuries include:

– Pain that is often worsened by staying in one position for prolonged periods, such as working at a desk or driving
– Muscle tightness and spasms
– Decreased ability to move the head
– Headaches

If you have neck pain trust the specialists at Urgent Care & Wellness Center to provide you with effective relief. Contact us today or book an appointment with our neck pain specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently. We serve patients from Lutz FL, New Port Richey FL, Land O’ Lakes FL, Cheval FL, Greater Northdale FL, Greater Carrollwood FL, River Ridge FL, Seven Springs FL, Port Richey FL, Bayonet Point FL, Hudson FL, and Elfers FL.