Neck Pain Treatment in the Greater Phoenix Area
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, and Fountain Hills
In the United States, 30% of the population will experience neck pain at some point. Of this 30%, half will continue to experience either frequent recurrences of short-term neck pain or chronic pain that affects them daily. Many chronic neck pain issues are related to pressure on the nerves, meaning that failing to remedy the cause of the pain can lead to long-term nerve damage.
Neck pain is a common problem that impacts all areas of life. It can lead to a loss of productivity, making it difficult for a person to work effectively. Other, seemingly unrelated, issues can arise due to neck pain. For example, some find that they begin putting on weight due to their pain limiting their mobility, creating an inability to exercise. The disruption the pain causes to sleep, social activities, and work can also lead to stress and anxiety.
Common symptoms of neck pain
Stiffness that makes it difficult for a person to move their neck, particularly when turning the head to the side.
Pain resulting from attempting to hold the head in place for an extended period. For example, many experience neck pain when working at a computer, driving, and participating in similar activities that require little head movement.
Stabbing or stinging pains localized to a single area. These types of pains most commonly affect the lower neck.
A general soreness, including aches and pains, can affect a broad neck region.
Headaches where the issue in the neck affects nerves and muscles connected to the head. Common examples include occipital headaches and tension headaches.
Pain that extends from the neck and into the shoulder. This pain is usually caused by pinching or pressure on the nerves, leading to a burning sensation.
Spasms and muscle tightness, which can even extend to the arms in some cases.
Some Common Reasons Why You May Be Experiencing Neck Pain
The neck is one of the most vulnerable parts of the human body. It supports the head’s weight, meaning any head issue may affect the neck. Many causes of neck pain are the result of the neck simply doing its job. Neck pain can result from accidents or situations where the neck has to act in a way that it’s not supposed to.
Muscle strains are among the most common reasons somebody may experience neck pain. Almost anything involving the head and neck muscles can lead to muscle strains. Engaging in activities that place consistent stress on the neck, including hunching over a computer or straining to see something, can trigger muscle strain. Interestingly, even gritting the teeth involves the neck muscles. Repetitive motions, poor posture, and bad sleeping habits can cause strains.
Problems with nerves can lead to neck pain. For example, bone spurs and herniated discs in the neck vertebrae can affect the many nerves that branch up from the spinal cord, through the neck, and into the head. Pressure on these nerves can result in burning sensations when moving the head.
The wear and tear on the body that comes with age may cause neck pain. Over time, constant use of the neck leads to wear on the cartilage between the bones, often the result of osteoarthritis. The condition can lead to the formation of bone spurs, which affect how the joints in the neck move and potentially create issues for the nerves.
Of course, injuries can also lead to chronic neck pain. Examples include whiplash, which somebody may experience in a car accident, and any injury that damages the vertebrae in the neck. Several other conditions, including infections and tumors, can lead to inflammation or pressure on the nerves in the neck.
Finally, neck pain can result from conditions including fibromyalgia and spinal stenosis. These conditions are often chronic, resulting in constant aches and pains throughout the day.
OUR REVIEWS
Our goal is to provide supportive and effective patient care.
With so many potential causes, the issues leading to neck pain can be challenging to diagnose.
For this reason, patients need the help of trained professionals who work with people who experience all types of neck pain.
At Liberated Rehabilitation, our team of physical therapists can help people to understand the root causes of their pain. We work with patients to create in-home physical therapy programs to relieve their pain and return movement to their necks.