You might take your neck for granted — until it starts to hurt. Unfortunately, a high-tech modern lifestyle creates circumstances that can make it much easier for the neck to experience strain and injuries. What exactly causes neck pain, and what steps should you take to deal with it? This blog post aims to provide helpful guidance.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain is incredibly common, and it may arise due to a variety of factors, such as:

• Whiplash or sudden trauma from car accidents.
• Muscle strains from overuse or athletic activities.
• Degenerative conditions like arthritis or herniated discs.
• Pinched nerves caused by swelling or misalignment.
• Fractures or instability in the cervical spine.
• Disc injuries or bulging discs pressing on nerves.
• Soft tissue inflammation linked to repetitive strain.

Lifestyle factors can also contribute significantly to neck pain. For example, you might have poor posture if you spend a lot of time looking at your phone, computer, or other electronic devices. Even something as simple as sleeping in the wrong position can cause significant discomfort!

Relieving Neck Pain Through Self-Care

In many cases, neck pain can be greatly reduce through self-care measures. Here are some things you might try:

• Apply ice packs or heat therapy applied to your neck for short intervals.
• Use stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
• Use supportive neck pillows to align the spine during sleep.
• Make adjustments to your workstation ergonomics, such as raising your computer monitors to eye level.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation.

Also, keep in mind that physical activity can do much to ease neck pain. Avoid fast movements or heavy lifting. Instead, focus on gentle motions, such as those involved in yoga or tai chi. Even just regularly walking may be beneficial.

Professional Care for Neck Pain

If your neck pain is severe or ongoing, do not think you have to endure it alone! Seek professional care if:

• The pain does not improve after several weeks of self-care.
• Your symptoms include numbness, weakness, or tingling.
• The pain is the result of a recent injury or trauma.
• Headaches or dizziness accompany the pain.

There are a variety of treatments that might relieve neck pain. In addition to measures like chiropractic or physical therapy, you might also benefit from regenerative medicine, which uses special injections to stimulate your body’s own healing processes. Here are some examples of regenerative medicine options:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP utilizes concentrated platelets from your blood to enhance tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
• Stem cell therapy: Stem cells, harvested from your own body, encourage tissue regeneration and repair by signaling for healing and growth factors to work on damaged areas.
• Prolotherapy: This injection-based therapy stimulates natural repair processes by introducing mild irritants to the affected ligaments or tendons.
• Prolozone therapy: Prolozone combines ozone gas and nutrients, aiming to reinvigorate injured tissues and reduce chronic neck pain.

Neck pain can seem unbearable at times! The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your discomfort and get on the road to recovery.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, is a board-certified specialist in regenerative medicine. Along with Dr. Tad DeWald, he offers a variety of treatments for neck pain and other musculoskeletal complaints. If you are struggling to deal with ongoing pain and discomfort, our Glastonbury team can evaluate the situation and provide expert advice on your next steps. Contact us at 860-430-2821.