Neck pain is frustrating. Whether you slept in an awkward position one night or you spent a few hours hunched over your laptop on the couch, the discomfort can interfere with your daily life. And if that pain keeps coming back, it might leave you wondering why — and wondering if there’s anything you can do about it.
Chronic neck pain is often tied to specific underlying causes, and understanding these causes is the first step to finding relief. Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics can help you identify why your neck pain keeps coming back and recommend a personalized treatment plan that makes a difference for your quality of life.
Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common causes of recurrent neck pain and how we can help prevent its return.
Your neck is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, nerves, and ligaments that support your head and allow it to move. It houses vital structures like your spinal cord, blood vessels, and your airway — and when your neck hurts, you notice.
The following are among the most common causes of chronic neck pain:
These days, poor posture is one of the top causes of recurrent neck pain. Sitting hunched over a computer, looking down at your phone for long periods, or maintaining other awkward positions can strain your neck muscles and lead to chronic pain. This type of neck pain has earned the nickname, "tech neck," and it’s increasingly common among people of all ages.
Aging can contribute to issues like cervical osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease, which cause the cushioning discs in your neck to wear down. These conditions can lead to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility in your neck.
A past injury, like whiplash from a car accident, can cause lingering discomfort and pain that keeps coming back. Even if the injury initially healed, it might have resulted in weakened structures or inflammation that predisposes you to recurrent pain.
Everyday activities like sleeping in an awkward position or lifting something incorrectly can strain your neck muscles. When not properly addressed, these small strains can lead to persistent discomfort.
Conditions like herniated discs or bone spurs can compress the nerves in your cervical spine, causing radiating pain, tingling, or numbness. These symptoms may be persistent, or they might flare up periodically then disappear for a while before coming back.
If your neck pain lasts more than a few weeks, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, it’s time to consult an orthopedic specialist. Persistent neck pain can sometimes signal a more serious condition, and neck pain that keeps coming back typically requires medical intervention for lasting relief.
At Manhattan Orthopedics, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of neck pain. We take a personalized approach to identify the root cause of your discomfort and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Our goal is to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of your recurrent neck pain. Conservative options like physical therapy and posture education can go a long way toward helping alleviate discomfort and preventing recurrence. For more complex cases, we may recommend more advanced options like epidural injections or minimally invasive surgery.
Neck pain that keeps coming back is frustrating, but you don’t have to live with it. Let us help you pinpoint the cause to break the cycle of pain and regain control over your life. Call our offices in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York, or request an appointment online to get started.
