Advanced Bone & Joint

Common Causes of Neck Pain and When to See a Doctor

Neck pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain in patients – and it’s no surprise. The neck is the structure that supports the weight of the headand, while it is strong, the muscles in the neck can strain or injure fairly easily.

Many people are unsure what’s causing their neck pain and when they should see a doctor. Let’s go over some of the most common causes of neck pain and signs you should look out for to know when it’s time to seek help from an orthopedic doctor.

What Causes Neck Pain?

The main cause of neck pain is not always cut and dry – meaning, there could be a variety of reasons why a patient feels pain or discomfort in their neck and shoulders. That said, there are quite a few common reasons why patients develop neck pain. Four common causes of neck pain include:

  1. Injuries

Have you been in a car accident recently and think you got whiplash? Or, have you been playing contact sports and got a jolt to the head suddenly during a game? A sudden jerking motion of the neck during an injury can cause neck pain.

  1. Muscle Strain

Nowadays, it’s common for patients to feel severe neck pain due to overuse and strained muscles. This can be the result of sitting hunched over at a computer or looking down at a cell phone for too long. Muscle strain can also be caused by other leisurely activities, such as reading a book in bed.

  1. Nerve Compression

Although herniated discs and compressed nerves may be located in the spine, these compressions can also take place up towards the base of the neck and cause a great deal of pain or discomfort. Bone spurs around the spine and shoulders may also contribute to nerve compression and neck pain.

  1. Old Age

Unfortunately, as we get older, our bodies begin to get worn down. Worn out joints within the neck and shoulders due to aging and continuous use is one of the leading causes of neck pain in older patients.

It’s important to note that the list above is by no means comprehensive and that there may be other contributing factors to your neck pain that we have not covered in this blog. The best way to find the root cause of your neck pain is by seeing an orthopedic professional, like the orthopedic doctors at Advanced Bone & Joint.

During your private consultation with an orthopedic doctor, you will receive an accurate diagnosis for what’s causing your neck pain. From there, your doctor can provide you with a tailored treatment plan to help you get back to feeling like yourself again.

When to See a Doctor for Neck Pain

Now that you know what causes neck pain and how a doctor can help, it’s time to talk about when you should begin seeking out a doctor for neck pain treatment. A good rule of thumb is to consider seeing a doctor when:

  • Your neck pain becomes too severe to bear throughout the day/night.
  • Your neck pain persists for several days without relief.
  • Pain begins to spread to your shoulders, down your arms, or down to your legs.
  • Your neck pain begins to be accompanied by lightheadedness, headaches, tingling, or fatigue.

Neck Pain Doctor Near Me

Don’t let neck pain get in the way of you living your life to the fullest. Instead, consider seeing the expert orthopedic doctors at Advanced Bone & Joint. With three convenient locations across the state of Missouri, the friendly physicians and staff at Advanced Bone and Joint are eager to provide you with the highest quality care for your orthopedic condition. Whether you need treatment for neck pain, a sports injury, or any other type of orthopedic condition, our doctors are happy to provide you with tailored care utilizing cutting-edge treatments and advanced techniques.

If you have any questions about our pain management services or how our orthopedic professionals can best benefit you, we encourage you to give us a call today at (636) 229-4222. One of our dedicated staff members will be happy to assist you. To schedule an appointment at your convenience, please use our online appointment scheduler.