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Pain Management Oklahoma City Clinic

Neck Pain: Common Causes

Common causes of neck pain include athritis, posture and trauma while injury can include whiplash, fracture, dislocated shoulder and tendonitis.

It is also possible to experience neck pain if you have slept the wrong way or you do not have sufficient support from your pillow, if your work area is not set up ergonomically and if you have lifted something that has caused you to strain.

Because the neck supports the head and is one of the most moveable areas of the human body and largely unsupported itself, it is prone to strain, stiffness and occasionally the vertebrae becoming out of line.

The following explains the most common forms of neck pain and the symptoms that can affect the patient:

  • Posture Problems – If you have poor posture, sit slouching, don't stand up straight, work with your head facing down for prolonged periods or sleep with your face down, you will be more prone to neck pain. It is important to maintain a straight posture at all times so as not to place pressure on the neck and its' muscles and tendons. To help reduce the risk of pain and problems with your neck you can do several things; use a pillow that is designed to support the neck when lying down, do not sleep on your stomach with your face down as this over-extends your neck, stretch and change position often when working, exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles in the neck.
  • Osteoarthritis of the neck – This is something that can affect anyone of any age however, is usually found in mature aged patients and often those who are past 50 years old. It affects the bones and cartilage in the neck and is characterised by stiffness of the neck, muscle weakness and a breakdown of the cartilage. There is no cure for the condition however, it can be managed with regular exercise and physiotherapy.
  • Whiplash – This is a result of a sudden thrust of the neck and results in the muscles and tendons becoming inflamed and causing pain and stiffness. It is important to treat whiplash immediately it occurs so as to reduce the effects and possible serious damage. You should immediately seek medical attention for a correct diagnose and treatment plan. Usually, treatment will include phsyiotherapy to get the range of motion restored and then regular exercise can help to minimize the risk of a reoccurance of the symptoms.

As with most injuries, there are many options available for the management of neck pain and its associated conditions, it is always best practice to seek medical advice before undergoing any treatment at all. Depending on the severity of your pain and how you respond to treatment such as physiotherapy, your GP may then refer you to a specialist for further testing and treatment options. Patients who are diagnosed with Osteoarthritis, for example, will require ongoing physiotherapy and possibly medication to control the pain.

The Brooks Clinic specializes in treating whiplash injuries. We are located in Midtown, downtown, Oklahoma City. Call us today and we’ll give you a free consultation with absolutely no strings attached.

Call Us at 1-405-943-0303