Neck Pain Specialist

What are the different types of neck pain?

Neck pain doesn’t have a single definition, and as a result, it comes in many different forms, from the nonspecific to the more severe. Types of neck pain include:

Nonspecific neck pain

Nonspecific neck pain is perhaps the most common kind of pain. It stems from minor strains or sprains to the muscle in your neck, such as those relating to poor posture or sudden movements.

Torticollis

Torticollis occurs when twisting your head to the opposite side or straightening it is extremely painful. In most cases, torticollis arises after sleeping in an awkward position or exposing your neck to cold for too long.

Whiplash

Also called cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) syndrome, whiplash generally occurs as a result of a car accident. In these cases, your neck jerks backward and forward, causing potentially long-lasting neck pain.

Degeneration (cervical spondylosis)

Men and women over 50 are likely to develop neck pain because the discs between their vertebrae are much more easily damaged.

Nerve damage

Any damage to the nerves coming out of your spinal cord can lead to neck pain. This generally causes numbness, pins-and-needles sensations, and shooting pain down your arm.

Other rare causes

A few conditions can lead to neck pain, such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Various infections
• Cancer
• Bone disorders

The team at Corvallis Pain Management diagnoses the type of neck pain you have during your initial consultation.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

The symptoms of neck pain vary according to the type of neck pain you’re experiencing. However, in most cases, you’ll feel your neck stiffen and become sore. You might also experience pain in your arms, fingers, and shoulders, as well as headaches and sharp, localized pain.  

In more extreme cases of neck pain, you might feel slight and/or severe tingling or numbness. You might also have difficulty gripping objects and lose control of your bladder and bowels.

When should I see a doctor for neck pain?

Although neck pain can disappear after a few days, the team at Corvallis Pain Management recommends that you make an appointment to make sure the pain hasn’t left any after effects.

You should contact the team at Corvallis Pain Management if your neck pain:

• Persists despite your best efforts
• Travels to other parts of the body
• Provokes continued numbness and tingling

Your practitioner can also give your advice on to how to avoid a relapse in the future.

What treatments are available for neck pain?

The team at Corvallis Pain Management create a personalized plan based both on the cause of your neck pain and your medical history. They may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Posture-strengthening exercises

If you’ve been experiencing neck pain and want it to stop, call Corvallis Pain Management or schedule an appointment online today.