5 Common Causes of Chronic Neck Pain

Does your neck hurt? You’re not alone. Some 203 million people worldwide experience neck pain each year, and it has the power to seriously impact your daily life — from making it difficult to drive a car to keeping you from falling asleep at night.

The good news is you don’t have to live with it. Understanding the common causes of chronic neck pain is the first step to uncovering the source of your discomfort and finding relief.

David A. Wiles, MD, and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating neck pain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and we help people from Chattanooga, Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City find neck pain treatment that works. Here are five of the most common causes we see:

1. Poor posture

In today's digital age, poor posture is a top cause of chronic neck pain. Many people spend long hours hunched over computers, smartphones, or tablets, which puts undue strain on their neck muscles and cervical spine. This position, nicknamed tech neck, is an increasingly common cause of neck pain.

When you slouch or maintain an awkward position for extended periods, it can lead to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and pain — and those symptoms can become chronic without the right care. Proper ergonomic adjustments and regular breaks can help mitigate this issue.

2. Muscle strain

Muscle strain is another common cause of chronic neck pain, often resulting from overuse or injury. Activities that involve repetitive motions, like sports or heavy lifting, can strain your neck muscles. Even sleeping in an awkward position can strain your neck muscles and leave you with lingering discomfort.

Sudden movements, like whiplash from a car accident, can also cause muscle strain and chronic neck pain. Treatment for muscle strain typically includes rest, physical therapy, and pain relief medications.

3. Herniated disc

A herniated disc happens when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tough exterior, which can put pressure on nearby nerves — and if a disc in your cervical spine is affected, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in your neck and arms.

Herniated discs are often the result of injury, heavy lifting, or degenerative changes in your spine. Treatment can include physical therapy, medications, or, in severe cases, surgery.

4. Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is a common condition that affects the discs between the vertebrae in your spine. As you age, these discs naturally wear down — and while this degeneration isn’t always painful, it can be a source of pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility for some.

This condition can cause chronic neck pain if the degeneration affects your cervical spine. While aging is the primary cause, factors like genetics, smoking, and repetitive stress can accelerate disc degeneration.

5. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that makes cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wear down. It causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and can affect the joints in your neck. 

Also known as cervical spondylosis, osteoarthritis in the neck is common in older adults. Over time, it can cause bone spur formation, which can compress nerves in your spine and cause additional pain.

When to see a specialist for neck pain

You can manage occasional neck pain with self-care, but persistent or severe pain warrants professional attention. Here are some signs that it's time to see a neck pain specialist:

Pain that persists for more than a few weeks

Acute pain typically resolves in days to weeks. If your neck pain doesn't improve with rest and over-the-counter treatments, it may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

Radiating pain

If you experience pain that radiates down your arms or legs, it could indicate nerve compression or other serious issues that need prompt attention.

Numbness or tingling

Like radiating pain, numbness or tingling can signal nerve compression. A specialist should evaluate persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands; it could be a sign of nerve damage requiring professional care.

Pain following an injury

Don’t ignore your symptoms if you've recently been injured or involved in a fall or car accident. Neck pain following an injury could be a sign of whiplash or another serious condition, so it’s critical to seek medical help as soon as possible.

When your neck pain is severe or doesn’t seem to be going away, it’s time to seek the expertise of a specialist. Dr. Wiles and our team can uncover the root cause of your chronic neck pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 423-459-9800 to provide a consultation about your neck pain today.