​What Can Cause Neck Pain?

  Neck pain can develop gradually or suddenly. Common contributing factors include:
Muscle tightness or spasm Joint stiffness or restricted movement Poor posture Prolonged computer or cellphone use Sleeping in an uncomfortable position Repetitive strain Muscle weakness or imbalance Sports injuries Whiplash and automobile accidents Disc-related conditions Nerve irritation Age-related changes in the cervical spine The World Health Organization’s information on musculoskeletal conditions recognizes neck pain as an important musculoskeletal condition that can affect mobility, function, work, and quality of life.

1. Muscle Spasm & Neck Pain Muscles are frequently involved in neck pain. Hours spent looking down at a phone, working at a computer, driving, sleeping awkwardly, or performing repetitive activities can place sustained demands on the muscles surrounding the cervical spine. When muscles become tight, irritated, fatigued, or go into spasm, you may experience: Aching or burning discomfort Stiffness Reduced range of motion Pain when turning your head Tender areas or trigger points Shoulder or upper-back tightness Headaches associated with neck dysfunction This is why treating neck pain should not necessarily focus on the vertebrae alone. Muscle function matters too. Research has found that appropriately selected exercise programs for neck pain can improve pain and disability in people with chronic nonspecific neck pain.

2. Joint Restriction & Cervical Spine Dysfunction The small joints of the cervical spine allow your neck to bend, rotate, and move throughout the day. When normal joint movement becomes restricted, surrounding muscles may tighten and movement may become uncomfortable. A chiropractic examination may therefore evaluate: Cervical range of motion Joint mobility Muscle tension Postural patterns Tenderness Neurological findings when appropriate Shoulder and upper-back mechanics Treatment should be based on the patient's examination findings rather than simply treating the location where pain is felt. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that spinal manipulation or mobilization may help some people with neck pain, although results vary and the quality of evidence differs among studies.

3. Neck Strain & Pulled Muscles A neck strain can occur when muscles or tendons are overloaded or injured. Possible causes include: Sudden movements Lifting Sports Repetitive activity Poor ergonomics Prolonged positioning Automobile accidents Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the injury. For appropriate patients, conservative care may include gentle joint treatment, soft-tissue techniques, therapeutic exercises, stretching, postural recommendations, and activity modification.
4. Whiplash & Car Accident Neck Pain Whiplash commonly occurs when the head and neck experience rapid acceleration, deceleration, rotation, or side-to-side movement. Although rear-end collisions are commonly associated with whiplash, neck injuries may also occur following: T-bone collisions Side-impact crashes Sports injuries Falls Other sudden traumatic movements Symptoms can include: Neck pain Neck stiffness Headaches Shoulder or upper-back discomfort Muscle spasms Reduced movement Dizziness Tingling or numbness Some symptoms after a motor vehicle collision may not be immediately obvious.

If you have been involved in an accident, learn more about our approach to car accident injuries. Severe headache, significant weakness, loss of coordination, progressive numbness, loss of consciousness, or other concerning neurological symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

5. Disc-Related Neck Pain An MRI may reveal disc degeneration, a disc bulge, or another structural change. However, an imaging finding should always be considered together with the patient's: Symptoms Physical examination Neurological findings Range of motion Strength Functional limitations Clinical history The goal should be to understand the whole clinical picture, rather than assuming that every abnormality seen on an MRI is automatically the source of someone's pain. For appropriate patients, conservative care may include gentle treatment, exercise, mobility work, and other rehabilitation strategies.

6. Pinched Nerve & Radiating Arm Symptoms Sometimes neck problems can irritate or compress a cervical nerve root. Symptoms may travel beyond the neck and include: Shoulder pain Arm pain Tingling Numbness Burning sensations Weakness These symptoms deserve a proper examination. Progressive muscle weakness, severe neurological symptoms, problems with balance or walking, or changes in bowel or bladder control require prompt medical evaluation.

7. Exercise Is an Important Part of Neck Care Treatment does not necessarily end when pain improves. Restoring strength, endurance, mobility, and normal movement may be important for longer-term function. A systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found moderate-certainty evidence that exercise may help reduce the risk of future neck-pain episodes in studied populations. Research has also examined specific cervical muscle exercises and home programs involving strengthening, endurance, and mobility. The appropriate exercise program depends on the individual patient.
For patients seeking chiropractic care in Porter Ranch, learn more about our personalized approach to neck and musculoskeletal care.
For patients looking for a chiropractor in Northridge, our office also provides personalized chiropractic care for neck pain, stiffness, and other musculoskeletal concerns.

Our Approach at Soft Touch Chiropractic
At Soft Touch Chiropractic
in Porter Ranch / Northridge,
Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh evaluates neck pain from a broader musculoskeletal perspective. Depending on the examination findings and individual patient's needs, conservative treatment may involve: Gentle chiropractic adjustment Instrument-assisted adjustment Joint mobilization Soft-tissue therapy Therapeutic exercise Stretching Postural correction Cervical traction when clinically appropriate Other conservative rehabilitation techniques Research supports considering a multi-modal approach combining manual therapy and exercise for some patients with nonspecific neck pain. Most importantly, not every patient needs the same treatment. The goal is to identify the factors contributing to the patient's symptoms and develop an individualized plan.
Neck Pain Chiropractor in Porter Ranch & Northridge If you are experiencing: Neck pain Stiff neck Muscle spasms Reduced neck movement Postural neck pain Headaches associated with neck problems Whiplash Neck pain after a car accident Shoulder or arm symptoms associated with the neck consider having the condition properly evaluated. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we provide conservative chiropractic and musculoskeletal care for patients throughout Porter Ranch, Northridge, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, Reseda, North Hills, and the San Fernando Valley. Learn more about Soft Touch Chiropractic and our approach to care. You can also review our neck pain and neck spasm treatment approach.
Schedule a Neck Pain Evaluation Don't simply assume that every case of neck pain has the same cause. Understanding whether your symptoms involve muscle tightness, joint restriction, posture, injury, disc-related changes, nerve irritation, or a combination of factors can help guide appropriate treatment. Soft Touch Chiropractic Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC
11145 Tampa Ave., Suite 14A
Northridge, CA 91326
Phone: 818-831-0100
​Contact Soft Touch Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation

Types of Neck Pains

Click here for more:
Neck pain due to misalgnment  sipne
Neck pain  due to muscle spasm
Neck pain due muscle atrophy
Neck pain due to bulged disc
Neck pain due to pinch nerve
Neck pain  due to refer pain from internal organs

rel=”author”>Masoud Shamaeizadeh