Neck Pain Specialist

What Causes Neck Pain?

Millions of Americans suffer from neck pain. Neck pain is caused by a variety of factors including poor posture, either from sitting at a desk or hunching of over a work station, cell phone, or tablet, or injuries from car accidents, sports, or even slipping and falling. Conditions or issues that may contribute to a pain in the neck include:

• Tumors
• Trauma
• Poor posture
• Muscle strain
• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative Diseases
• Abnormalities in the bone or joints

When neck pain is accompanied by numbness, shooting pain or loss of strength in your shoulders, arms or hands, you seek professional diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is the result of the ligaments and tendons in the neck being damaged by a swift and extremely violent jerking motion. Whiplash is often caused by motor vehicle accidents, but it can also be caused by slipping and falling, moving too quickly, or getting hit during an athletic event. The forward motion of the head continues at the same rate of speed even though the body has abruptly been stopped. Once the head reaches its physical limit of extension, it is jerked backward in the opposite direction. This dramatic movement can actually tear ligaments and tendons, weakening them substantially and preventing them from functioning correctly.

What Is a "Stiff" Neck?

A "stiff" neck usually occurs when a person has slept for several hours with their head resting at an odd angle. The pressure on the muscles and connective tissue can cause them to tighten up, preventing sufficient blood flow from reaching specific areas. The muscles become cramped and pain results if the person tries to move their head in a certain direction. Massaging the stiffened or tightened muscles will restore blood flow to the area and allow the tissues to relax sufficiently enough to restore at least a portion of the person's normal range of motion. If the muscles are extremely tight, it can take one or two days before the inflammation and discomfort finally subside.

What Is the Best Way to Relieve Muscle Tension in the Neck?

Muscle tension in the neck can be caused by stress, overexertion, or holding the neck in one place for long periods of time. Medications that work to relax the muscle tissue can offer relief, but may not correct the problem. Deep tissue massage that addresses the muscle, tendons, and ligaments closest to the pain, may be more beneficial. Not only does massage restore blood flow, it also manually manipulates the tissues releasing the tension and improving their tone and flexibility. Muscle tension in the neck can be caused by tension throughout the chest and upper back. Working all three areas will help to break up the stiffness and loosen tightened muscles.