Why does my neck hurt?

Neck pain is the second most common problem that causes missed work in the U.S. (second to low back pain). This aggravating problem has consequences such as stiffness in your neck, inability to turn your head, headaches, and even pain and numbness which radiate into your arm. It is a complicated problem with many causes. The Good News: There is hope for you! Studies show that even in cases with degeneration and arthritis, it is possible to be pain-free!. In order to treat neck pain, it is extremely important to find out the true cause. Here are a few common causes of neck pain. Weakness: Your neck has a “core!” Low back pain is commonly associated with core weakness. It is pretty much common knowledge that when you have pain in your back, you should strengthen your core. Well, the same is true for your neck. In fact, your neck has very similar structure and musculature surrounding the joints. If you have been stretching your neck for a while with no change in tightness, it may need more strength and stability, instead. “Your neck bone is connected to your shoulder bone”. There are muscles that attach to both your shoulder blade and your neck. If you have stiffness or weakness in the muscles surrounding the shoulder, it can cause tightness or pain in your neck. Also, upper back stiffness can be related to neck pain. If your upper back is stiff, you are likely at increased risk for more wear and tear to your neck and shoulder over time. When finding the cause of neck pain, it is critical to rule out the upper back and shoulder as contributors to pain. Stiffness Neck stiffness can develop over time due to posture or habitual movements. If you have stiffness at one or more levels of your spine, the area and joints can become inflamed and cause pain. What if I have a “bad” MRI? Fun fact: Degeneration in your discs is very common starting in the third decade and almost universal by the time you are 60 years and older. It is also very common in people who have no neck pain. What does this mean? It means that even if you have had an MRI or x-ray that shows degeneration, you can still lessen your pain level by strengthening, stretching, or other physical therapy treatments. Click below for a FREE video with exercises to try out for your neck pain!