Neck pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Some of the most common ones treated with physical therapy include:
Muscle Strain
Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain the neck muscles, leading to pain and stiffness.
Cervical Disc Herniation
When a disc in the neck bulges or ruptures, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, arms, or hands.
Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis)
Age-related wear and tear on the spine can lead to degenerative changes in the neck, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve compression.
Whiplash
Often caused by car accidents, whiplash involves sudden jerking movements of the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes muscle spasms.
Pinched Nerve
A compressed nerve in the cervical spine can lead to radiating pain, numbness, or tingling down the arm.
Tension Headaches
These can be caused by muscle tightness and poor posture in the neck and shoulders, resulting in pain that extends to the head.
Postural Issues
Prolonged poor posture (like slouching or forward head posture) can lead to chronic neck pain and discomfort.