If you are currently experiencing neck pain, it means an issue with your cervical spine is present. This part of the spine is located directly beneath your head, with inflammation in the muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerves accounting for discomfort. To help determine what is causing your neck issue, review common explanations for pain here. 

What Causes Neck Pain? 

1. Whiplash

Vehicular accidents can cause whiplash, or when the head is suddenly thrust forward and back. This causes neck ligaments to overextend, an issue most common with rear-end accidents. Whiplash symptoms can manifest hours or days after an accident. 

Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, shoulder and back pain, fatigue, dizziness, sleep issues, vision problems, and shoulder numbness or tingling. Whiplash usually goes away on its own, though treatment techniques like rest, OTC pain medications, and ice therapy help. If symptoms persist, physical therapy and chiropractic care may be necessary. 

2. Cervical Spine Disorder

Persistent neck pain can indicate an issue with the cervical spine, such as a herniated disc that leaks fluid or bulges. Herniated discs irritate nearby nerves to cause pain. Other cervical spine disorders include cervical osteoarthritis, where cartilage in the neck wears down, causing the vertebral bones to rub together and inflict pain. 

Cervical degenerative disc disease is another disorder where spinal discs leak fluid and allow vertebral bone-related friction to occur. Treatment depends on the specific issue and its severity, but can include manual chiropractic manipulations, heat therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) where electric pulses dampen bodily pain signals. 

3. “Wrong” Sleeping Position

A poor sleeping position can mean waking up with neck discomfort. For example, sleeping on the stomach strains the neck and upper back muscles. The pillow can also be to blame, such as using a thin pillow to snooze on your back or side. 

Thin pillows used for back or side sleep cause neck muscles and ligaments to bend down instead of remaining in neutral positions, resulting in strain and pain. Using the right pillow for your typical sleeping position avoids pain in the morning. Sleeping on the side or back is also recommended to maintain a neutral spine position. 

If you experience ongoing neck pain for these or other reasons, such as an overuse injury, make an appointment with Farrell Chiropractic Clinic. Since 1954, this chiropractic care center has provided residents throughout Bureau County, IL, and the surrounding areas with dependable, flexible services that improve their health and wellness. Call (815) 875-4408 today to schedule your appointment or learn more about the practice online.