3 Reasons Your Neck Might Be Hurting

A stiff or sore neck might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can gradually become more than a pain in the neck. Poor posture and screen time are often to blame, but sometimes the issue goes deeper than that.

Whether your pain seems rooted in muscle tension or spinal damage, a specialist can narrow down the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, we pinpoint the cause of your neck pain and develop a customized treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort.

3 common causes of neck pain

Assuming you haven’t recently been in an accident and suffered whiplash, there are three common explanations for neck pain.

1. Tech neck

Neck pain isn’t unusual, especially if you spend a lot of time looking at a screen. Whether that’s a smartphone, tablet, or computer, it’s recommended that you maintain good posture as you watch or scroll, making sure not to hunch over or angle your neck.

Tech neck, or text neck, is a common source of neck pain. If you regularly stoop over a laptop or phone, correct your posture every 15 minutes until it feels more natural. Poor posture can lead to neck pain, so sit up straight and keep the head facing forward and upright.

2. Stress and tension

Whether caused by an injury, whiplash, or mental and physical stress, tension in the muscles is the most common source of acute neck pain. If you often find yourself rubbing your neck to relieve a burning ache, you’re likely experiencing inflammation in the muscles.

Improving your posture can help, along with stress relief techniques like massages and heat therapy. While inflammation responds well to over-the-counter medication and at-home remedies, consult a specialist if you’re experiencing it often.

3. Disc deterioration

If you struggle with persistent, chronic neck pain despite lifestyle changes, something might be wrong with the cervical spine itself. The vertebrae in your neck are cushioned by discs that slowly harden and deteriorate over time.

That can lead to compressed nerves, herniated discs, and arthritis. If you suspect your neck pain goes beyond posture and muscle pain, it might be time to evaluate the cervical spine.

Finding long-term relief

Many people rub their stiff necks and take medication to manage the pain, but few actually seek out treatment to find out why it keeps happening.

Neck pain is often overlooked or ignored, especially by those with desk jobs. However, if your neck seems noticeably sore for a long time, consulting a specialist can help diagnose the cause. From there, you can explore potential solutions.

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics, we offer a range of treatments, including: