February 2, 2024 · Dr. Peter Ray, D.C., C. Ac.
The short answer
Most neck pain comes from three sources: the spinal joints, muscle tension and spasms, and irritated or compressed nerves. In most cases all three happen at once, so you have spasms and lost range of motion along with pain, and sometimes numbness or tingling in an arm.
Spinal joints
The neck has 7 vertebrae and should have complete flexibility to move. When inflammation or muscle tension restricts them, the joints get irritated and flare up, and the swelling makes the nerves feel pain.
Spinal joint pain is very common. It often feels deep, achy and stiff, with sharp, stabbing pain that sometimes shoots into the shoulder or head.
Muscle tension and spasms
Many muscles support your head and allow it to move. Postural strain, overuse, whiplash and a lack of stretching lead to muscle tension and pain. Muscle tension can create knots or spasms, also known as trigger points.
Nerves
Yes. Irritation or compression of nerves in the neck can cause pain. With cervical radiculopathy, a pinched nerve root, you may feel sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the arm, along with numbness or tingling.
When causes combine
In most cases of neck pain, all 3 causes show up at the same time. You will most likely have spasms and a lack of flexibility and range of motion, along with pain and possibly arm numbness and tingling.
Medications can help alleviate your symptoms temporarily, but they will not correct a pinched nerve or restore normal function and flexibility in your neck.
Diagnosis and treatment
A chiropractor finds the root cause with a good history and a thorough examination: range of motion testing, orthopedic testing and neurologic testing.
Because different structures may be causing your pain, various kinds of treatment can be used. Spinal manipulation, stretches and therapeutic massage are the normal course of action. Depending on your history, age, trauma and severity, treatment can take as little as 2 visits or more than a dozen.
FAQ
It is usually deep, achy and stiff, with sharp, stabbing pain that can shoot into the shoulder or head.
A pinched nerve root in the neck. It can cause sharp, shooting pain down the arm, with numbness or tingling.
Knots or spasms that form in tense muscles. They can cause pain where they are and refer pain to other areas.
Yes. Whiplash is one of the causes of neck muscle tension and pain. See common complaints after a car accident.
It depends on your history, age, trauma and severity. It can take as little as 2 visits or more than a dozen.
Talk to an expert
Dr. Peter Ray can examine you at our Westminster clinic and explain what is going on. Free consultation when you call (303) 438-1600.
