This article is one of a series covering neck pain — causes, symptoms, and the treatments we use at Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
→ Neck Pain Treatment in New York City — The Complete Guide
Neck pain is a common problem that shouldn’t be neglected. Wondering what causes it and how you can relieve the symptoms?
The neck supports the head and is made up of vertebrae (seven bones). Muscles offer additional support. The neck is always moving — that’s why it’s prone to injuries.
If the pain doesn’t stop and develops serious symptoms such as numbness or pain down the arm, seek medical help!
Here are usual causes and some relief tips:
The Causes
The causes of this common discomfort are usually worn neck joints. Of course, this is often the issue when you get older. When you’re young, your joints have not experienced that much usage.
The following are muscle strains. Exactly this happens when you experience pain that comes out of a blue. Also, it comes when you’re not taking care of your posture while walking or sitting long hours at the computer desk. Sleeping in a wrong position can also trigger it.
Sudden neck pain also happens during nerve compression. When vertebrae or disk decline, here comes the pain.
In case of some neck injury, seek medical care immediately. Neck pain can develop days after.
Other causes of neck pain are:
- psychological issues (e.g., anxiety and panic attacks)
- being over-weight
- some diseases, like arthritis.
Relief Methods
There are a few methods you should apply when having neck pain:
- May your muscles experience the warmth of a hot bath. The heat makes tension in your muscles to decrease.
- Do some exercise! Try to gently move your neck or do some yoga for neck pain. Jogging can also help a lot. In stressful times, muscles are less tense when exercising regularly.
- Massage is the best way to find relief. You can do it yourself, but we recommend finding a trained professional. We at Back & Body Medical can help in this way!
- Take a painkiller, such as ibuprofen.
- Use some ice or heat pads for relief.
- Chiropractic for neck pain can yield wonderful results.
Contact us
As we said, it’s important to treat your pain. Contact us at Back & Body Medical. With the assistance of our highly trained staff composed of doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists, you will be a new person!
Dr Shan Sivendra MD is the founder and medical director of Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. A board-certified medical doctor, certified acupuncturist, and Director of House Physicians at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Dr Sivendra has been practicing in New York since 1995.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (affiliated with Mount Sinai School of Medicine) and received the Resident Research Award for three consecutive years.
Dr Sivendra has a background spanning internal medicine, pain management, and conservative spine rehabilitation, and was licensed in both the US and the UK.
At Back and Body Medical, he leads a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists dedicated to helping patients recover from pain without surgery or unnecessary medication.