How to Get to the Root of Your Neck Pain

Neck pain doesn’t just come out of nowhere. In typical cases, it could develop because you slept in a funny position and woke up with a stiff neck or spent long hours at your desk in poor posture. 

In more concerning cases, your neck pain could be a sign of a more severe problem. Whatever the case, you shouldn’t ignore chronic and consistent neck pain. 

Sometimes, your pain may improve with rest, stretching, or over-the-counter painkillers. But chronic or recurring neck pain can stop you from living life to the fullest, and it’s time to look for answers.  

In Tampa, Florida, Dr. Phillip Henkin, our expert neurosurgeon at NeuroSpine Center, has over 30 years of experience identifying the underlying causes of neck pain, no matter how complicated, and providing the appropriate treatment.

In this blog, he covers the most common causes of neck pain, when to seek professional help, and how to address it. 

Everyday causes of neck pain

Simple, everyday habits that strain the neck muscles are usually the culprits behind neck pain. One of the most common causes is poor posture. Many spend hours looking down at phones, tablets, or laptops. Over time, this strains the neck muscles, causing pain.

Sleeping in an awkward position can also cause recurring neck pain. Your neck needs proper support when you sleep, and a poorly aligned pillow can leave it feeling sore for days.

Stress is another factor. Pay attention to how your shoulders creep up toward your ears when stressed. This tension can affect your neck muscles, too, causing tightness and pain.

Is your neck pain a sign of something more serious?

Neck pain can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Some of the more serious causes include:

Herniated or bulging discs

The discs in your cervical spine act as cushions between the bones. When one slips or bulges, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in your neck, shoulders, or arms.

Arthritis

The natural wear and tear on your neck joints as you age can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis. Arthritis can cause stiffness, inflammation, and pain, especially in the mornings.

Pinched nerves

When spinal changes, such as bone spurs or canal narrowing, compress a nerve in your neck, you may experience shooting pain or weakness in your arms.

Whiplash, injuries and infections 

Car accidents, sports injuries, or falls can result in neck strain. Even if the injury initially feels minor, it can lead to long-term pain if untreated. Conditions like fibromyalgia or infections can sometimes trigger chronic neck pain.

If your neck pain lasts more than a few weeks or you notice other symptoms like numbness, weakness, or severe stiffness, it’s time to see Dr. Henkin.

Getting to the root cause of your neck pain

Unlike a cut or bruise, where the source of the problem is obvious, neck pain often has multiple contributing factors. That’s why seeing a specialist is so important. When diagnosing neck pain, Dr. Henkin considers your entire body, lifestyle, and medical history to fully understand what’s happening. 

The first step in his process is a thorough physical examination, which allows him to assess your neck’s range of motion, identify areas of tenderness, and rule out more obvious issues, such as muscle strain.

If the physical exam doesn’t provide all the answers, imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are the next step. If your pain radiates to your arms or hands, or if you’re experiencing tingling or numbness, a nerve study like electromyography (EMG) might be necessary.

When it comes to neck pain, treating the symptoms without identifying the underlying cause is like putting a Band-Aid on a deep gash. It might help temporarily, but the problem will come back. 

If you’ve lived with neck pain for a while, it can be hard to imagine a life without the constant discomfort, but it’s possible. Use our online scheduler to book a consultation with Dr. Henkin at NeuroSpine Center, or call 813-651-3300 to get to the root cause of your neck pain today.