That’s not to say neck pain didn’t exist before the rise of mobile devices – it certainly did, but it often had more to do with specific workplace habits, injuries or disease like arthritis than neck strain brought on largely by recreational activities.
If you’re experiencing neck pain, here’s a quick primer on what you should know:
The neck is composed of seven bones, or cervical vertebrae, that run from the base of your skull to the top of your back where they meet with the thoracic vertebrae. The bones are supported by muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues, and each bone is separated by a spongy disc that helps cushion the vertebrae during movement and protects them from impact. When an injury occurs, whether it’s the result of trauma or overuse (strain), any of these structures can become affected, causing symptoms like:
- chronic headache
- pain or numbness that radiates into the back or arms
- aching or sharp “shock-like” sensations in and around the neck, back, shoulders or arms
Understanding the full scope of symptoms as well as whether they began quickly or slowly over time are key factors in determining possible causes. Most neck pain issues can be treated conservatively with behavior changes, medication and stretching, but in a very few cases, surgery may be necessary to resolve serious symptoms that don’t respond to these more conservative approaches.
The most important thing you can do to get rid of neck pain is to have it evaluated. At the Microsurgical Spine Center, we perform comprehensive evaluations not just of the cervical vertebrae, but of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae as well to ensure your condition is accurately diagnosed and effectively treated. If you’re having neck or back pain, call today to schedule your consultation and make your pain a thing of the past. Be sure to schedule an appointment with us by calling 253-841-8939 to have it evaluated. At Microsurgical Spine Center you can be sure you’re getting the care you need to keep your neck at its best.
