Causes of neck pain range from tense muscles to irritated nerves to habits like tipping your head forward to enjoy screen time. Because there are numerous potential causes of neck pain, identifying the underlying trigger(s) requires careful investigation.
That’s why double board-certified pain management specialist Leia Rispoli, MD, thoroughly assesses your symptoms, daily habits, and medical history in the initial evaluation.
You may also benefit from imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to help confirm the diagnosis. Dr. Rispoli then develops a customized treatment strategy tailored to your needs.
Here are some symptoms and daily habits Dr. Rispoli might consider when investigating neck pain.
Your neck is the shortest, most mobile portion of your spine, making it vulnerable to discomfort that may arise from:
Posture plays a significant role in cervical spine (neck) health. Incorrect posture pulls the bones, muscles, and ligaments that hold the spine in place out of alignment. This can lead to painful muscle strain and nerve impingement that may be felt in your shoulders, upper back, head, and arms.
Habits that cause posture-related discomfort range from looking down at your phone to slouching while standing to tilting your chin up while viewing your computer monitor. Dr. Rispoli focuses first on resolving your pain by treating the conditions resulting from poor posture.
To prevent future problems, she can also identify postural habits that can trigger discomfort and offer tips for achieving and maintaining healthy posture.
There are approximately 30 muscles that support the neck and head. Inappropriate lifting techniques, prolonged tension from stress, and even sleeping in an awkward position can lead to stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort in these muscles.
Whiplash injuries sustained during car accidents, sports injuries, or falls can cause sudden neck trauma, leading to pain and restricted movement. Symptoms may begin immediately or several days after the trauma and can involve muscles (strains), ligaments (sprains), joints, and nerves.
Overuse or wear-and-tear injuries related to sports training or work activities, such as overhead painting and construction, can also affect neck structures, leading to early degenerative issues and chronic neck pain.
Disc degeneration, herniated discs, or bone spurs can put pressure on spinal nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms and shoulders.
Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause inflammation and stiffness in the neck's facet joints, resulting in decreased mobility and chronic pain. The inflammation can also irritate nearby nerves, sometimes causing sharp, shooting, or burning discomfort in the shoulders and arms.
As a pain management physician, Dr. Rispoli specializes in diagnosing and treating various types of pain, including chronic and acute neck pain.
Based on your evaluation, she may recommend:
Dr. Rispoli will also recommend lifestyle modifications and preventive care focused on spine health, including ergonomic adjustments, stretching routines, and stress management techniques.
Don’t let neck pain interfere with your daily routine. Schedule a visit with Dr. Leia Rispoli in Newport Beach and Marina Del Rey, California. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.
