For some people, neck pain appears suddenly after sleeping in an awkward position. For others, it develops slowly over time due to poor posture, stress, or wear-and-tear.
While short-term neck pain often resolves on its own, persistent pain can disrupt sleep, limit mobility, and affect your quality of life.
John S. Michels, MD, is an award-winning pain management specialist at ISP Health in Dallas, Texas. He treats a wide range of pain conditions. Dr. Michels focuses on understanding the cause of your discomfort and developing personalized nonsurgical treatment strategies that work.
Here’s a look at the common causes of chronic neck pain and the treatments that help.
Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:
Spending hours slouched over a computer or looking down at your phone can place strain on the muscles and joints in your neck (cervical spine). Over time, this “tech neck” posture can cause stiffness, tension, and ongoing discomfort in your neck, upper back, and head.
Everyday stress, repetitive movements, or a sudden awkward twist can lead to muscle strain and tightness. Tense muscles may not fully relax, leaving your neck feeling sore or stiff for extended periods.
As you age, the discs and joints in your spine naturally lose flexibility and hydration. This wear-and-tear can lead to inflammation and chronic neck pain.
Herniated discs or bone spurs in the cervical spine may press on nearby nerves, resulting in neck pain that sometimes radiates into your head, shoulders, or arms.
Car accidents, sports injuries, or falls can strain ligaments and muscles in your neck. In some cases, pain lingers long after the initial injury.
Fortunately, many people with chronic neck pain find relief with conservative, nonsurgical approaches. Dr. Michels tailors treatment plans to each patient’s specific condition and lifestyle.
He often takes a multifaceted approach that may include:
A structured physical therapy program can improve strength, flexibility, and posture. Gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, and guided movement help restore function while preventing future pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription anti-inflammatory medications may ease discomfort and reduce swelling. In some cases, Dr. Michels may recommend muscle relaxants to release tight muscles.
Targeted injections, such as trigger point injections, facet joint injections, or cervical epidural steroid injections, deliver medication directly to the source of pain. These treatments can provide longer-lasting relief when other measures are not enough.
If injection-based therapies offer relief but don’t last as expected, Dr. Michels may recommend more advanced treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (neurotomy).
During this procedure, Dr. Michels applies carefully controlled heat (radiofrequency energy) to the targeted nerve, disrupting pain signals traveling to the brain. This can offer significant relief for months to years.
Alternating heat and ice can reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and improve blood flow, offering short-term relief that supports recovery.
Adjusting your workstation ergonomics, practicing good posture, and taking regular breaks from screen time, along with other simple changes, can significantly reduce strain on your neck.
Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or yoga, can also help alleviate muscle tension.
Dr. Michels recommends scheduling a visit if your neck pain:
Don’t let neck pain control your life. Call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michels today.
