3 Common Causes of Neck Pain and How to Find Relief

If you regularly find yourself working out kinks in your neck, you might have an underlying problem that’s the source of your persistent neck pain. Neck pain, medically known as cervicalgia, is common among adults in the United States, especially among older Americans. Our health habits contribute to the frequency of neck pain symptoms, but other factors can cause neck pain.

In this blog, spine care expert Dr. Beejal Y. Amin informs you about three of the most common causes of neck pain. He treats new and existing patients dealing with these issues from his Hinsdale and Woodridge, Illinois, locations. Could your neck pain go away if you adjusted some of your habits? Here’s what you need to know.

Tension, stress, and neck pain

Often, neck pain results from physical or mental strain. You may be overusing your neck muscles or holding stress or mental tension in your neck muscles. 

Often, people who suffer from tension-related neck pain don’t realize they’re tightening up their neck muscles in stressful moments. Practicing physical awareness and mindfulness can help you eliminate tension in your neck, lessening the frequency and intensity of your symptoms.

Tech neck: neck pain and screentime

In today’s world, many people’s neck problems are due to technology use and poor posture. If you spend time in front of a monitor at a desk, or even if your relaxation hours involve scrolling on your phone on the couch, poor posture could be causing pain in your neck. 

When your spine is positioned correctly, your body is better able to distribute pressure and physical stress, resulting in less neck pain. Maintain good posture at work and at home, and, if necessary, change your position, furniture, or setup to facilitate a straight spine.

Underlying medical conditions: neck pain as a symptom

An underlying medical issue with your spine or other parts of your body may cause your neck pain. If this is the case, you may need to consult with a medical professional about your next steps. To relieve your neck pain symptoms, you may need to find a way to address an underlying cause.

An injury or physical trauma can damage the muscles or ligaments in your neck. Whiplash from a car crash often impacts your upper spine. Dr. Amin can help you determine if this is the underlying cause of your pain symptoms.

There may also be an issue with a part of your spinal structure, including damaged vertebral joints or spinal discs. If this is the case, you may ultimately need spinal surgery to relieve your neck pain. Dr. Amin and his team provide minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS), as well as other, less invasive treatments for spinal damage.

If neck pain is a persistent concern for you, don’t keep trying to treat your symptoms alone. With the correct diagnosis and care, you can figure out exactly why your neck hurts so often, and the most effective path toward lasting pain relief. To consult with Dr. Amin, contact his office online or by phone and schedule an appointment today.