For some people, neck pain can be frustrating to live with and difficult to diagnose. While its origins may be obvious in certain circumstances, for other sufferers, it seems to emerge out of nowhere. Determining the source of your discomfort shouldn’t be a pain in the neck in and of itself. Luckily, the team from O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates in O’Fallon, MO, is here with some helpful information.

Below are some of the most common neck pain culprits:

• Arthritis: If your pain is chronic, it could be a result of osteoarthritis in the spine. Sufferers may also experience swelling. Genetics, age, and lifestyle all play a role in making someone more or less susceptible to developing arthritis. While there is currently no cure, our chiropractic and medical professionals can develop individualized pain management treatment plans to mitigate discomfort and control the pain.
• Muscle Strain or Spasm: The soft tissues in your neck can become strained from heavy lifting, sitting or sleeping in an awkward position, or even trauma. You may experience sharp, shooting pain, aches, or spasms. For mild cases, at-home treatments like applying ice packs and heating pads or taking an anti-inflammatory medication can help. If it persists after a couple of days, however, it’s a good idea to see one of our chiropractic and medical professionals.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: With this condition, the pad-like cushions separating vertebrae (called discs) degenerate and cause local or radiating pain. Like arthritis, there is no cure for the condition, but chiropractic care, physical therapies, and prescription medications can help sufferers manage pain.
• Injury: Trauma, especially when it causes whiplash, can lead to severe or mild neck pain. It can occur as a result of a fall, car accident, or similar injury. Even if you feel fine directly after an accident, it’s imperative to seek chiropractic attention to rule out serious injuries and to come up with a treatment plan, if needed, to prevent future problems.
• Herniated Disc: Just as the discs of the spine can degenerate, they can also bulge out, or “herniate, causing discomfort or numbness in the neck. In certain cases, radiating pain, weakness, or numbness may also occur in the upper extremities, which consist of your arms, hands, and fingers. While some patients experiencing acute, recurrent pain may opt for surgery, many find natural solutions like chiropractic adjustments and physical therapies can provide relief.

If you’re suffering from any of the types of neck pain listed above, you can turn to O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates for targeted treatments. Call (636) 978-3000 to schedule an appointment, or visit the practice online to learn more about their services. You can also like them on Facebook for news and updates!