With over 20% of people experiencing neck pain at any given moment, it's an unfortunately common occurrence.

The issue is, there are many different causes of neck pain. This one symptom alone makes it difficult to tell exactly what's wrong, which can make it difficult to treat the root cause.

However, there are some issues that pop up time and time again when people are experiencing neck pain, usually pinpointed as the reason. Here are the most common culprits of neck pain.

1. Muscle Strains

One of the common causes of neck pain that happens to people all the time is a muscle strain (also called 'pulling a muscle'). This can happen if you move suddenly or sleep awkwardly, and wake up to sudden pain.

Although it can be jarring and even frightening if you aren't sure what has caused this pain, it usually isn't serious at all. It's a very minor injury that will solve itself.

Just be careful when moving around and try not to aggravate the muscle for a few days. They happen to everyone, but it's best not to push it when it does.

2. Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve happens when there is too much pressure from the surrounding tissues.

It's important to remember that pinched nerves in your back can cause pain in different places. If you have neck pain, it actually could be because of something that's happened in your back.

When it comes to neck pain treatment for this, the root cause will have to be treated. A doctor can relieve the pressure, and this means there should be no lasting damage.

Pinched nerves often solve themselves but if you have pain from one for more than a few days, it's advisable to see a medical professional.

3. Age

Sadly, joints do get worn down by age. This includes the joints in the neck.

There are a few things that can help this, but ultimately, there's no cause except the body is getting older. This can cause pain all over the body, including the neck.

The best thing to do is take over-the-counter pain pills when the pain is particularly bad, or you can contact your doctor if you feel you need more help with managing it.

4. Poor Posture

We hear it all the time — poor posture can cause health issues. Whether you walk with your spine hunched or sit at your computer chair in the same way, if you do this for a period of time, you're bound to cause yourself some problems.

Prevention is the best solution to this. Make sure you get up and walk around if you have a job that requires you to be sedentary. Regular breaks will be your biggest asset.

If you already have problems due to poor posture, you should have the damage assessed and practice good posture from here on in to make sure it doesn't happen again.

5. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage around the edge of the bones wears down. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness in the area
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Loss of flexibility

Although the arms, legs, and spine are the most commonly affected by osteoarthritis, the neck can also feel its effects. Risk factors include age, being a woman, obesity, injuries, and even genetics.

The pain can often become chronic if unattended, so make sure you get this seen to. Physical therapy and medication is the best way of treating mild to moderate osteoarthritis, but surgery is also a possibility.

6. Repetitive Motion

Certain repetitive motions can hurt your neck over time. There's nothing really to do about this but stop those motions and wait it out until the neck gets better.

For example, some people in active jobs may be putting the same strain on their necks over and over.

If it is your job causing this, try to take breaks as often as you're allowed. If you do experience pain, take a break from work until feeling better, or you could make the pain that much worse.

7. Serious Illness

There's always the chance that your neck pain is down to a serious illness, though this is far less common than the minor causes. For example, there's meningitis, which has neck pain as a common symptom.

Don't panic. As there are only 600-1000 cases of meningitis in the US every year, it's unlikely any pain doctor would jump to this conclusion quickly. Still, it's important to be aware of the possibility.

Certain kinds of cancer can also cause neck pain over time.

This is why it's important to see a neck pain specialist or doctor if you're having pain that you can't quite pinpoint. Although a couple of days of neck pain may not be anything notable, persistent, intermittent, or chronic pain could be down to something serious.

There's always the chance, so getting it ruled out will put your mind at ease.

It's Important To Treat Neck Pain

If you have neck pain from a pulled muscle that goes away in a few days, there's no need to worry about it.

However, if your neck pain is worse than that, feels different, or persists longer than it would for a pulled muscle, you should make an appointment with someone as soon as possible.

If you're looking for pain management services in Arizona, schedule an appointment with AZ Pain Doctors. We're a top-rated pain management clinic that will actually listen and do our best to help you.

We won't just stop the pain, but we'll find the cause.

Have you heard the new saying that 'sitting is the new smoking'? It's true! Humans weren't meant to sit for the amount of time that modern life requires.

Of course, some of the effects can be counteracted by leading an active lifestyle. Exercise can extend your life, improve your mood, and keep you agile well into old age.

But nothing can truly counteract the effects of leading a lifestyle the human body was never intended for. Humans were meant for an active hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and it can feel like your joints are calcifying in an office setting.

That's why so many people are experiencing back pain from sitting. If you can't ditch your office job to go hike the Pacific Crest Trail or wild it through Alaska, what can you do?

We've assembled a guide to help you engage in back pain management. That way, you can live a happier, pain-free life!

Take A Break

Everyone is talking about a new normal, and what emerging into the world post-pandemic will look like. But when it comes to this new world, it's impossible to avoid reckoning with the consequences of over a year in quarantine.

Often, trauma doesn't fully surface until there's a break. The body and mind are so focused on survival that there's no time for appropriate processing.

The same is true for physical damage. If you led a relatively active life pre-pandemic, you might not have experienced aches and pains. Now, your social life, recreational activities, family events, and professional life all occur from a sitting position.

This takes a toll and is one of the major causes of back pain. Now that we're collectively adjusting to the real world again, take advantage of it!

Experts suggest that you break up sitting sessions into ten to fifteen-minute increments. For some people, that isn't feasible, especially during those ever-present Zoom meetings.

The point stands: get out of your chair as often as possible! Take a short walk, do some conscious stretching, or simply switch to a different position and keep working. That's where ergonomic office equipment comes in.

What Equipment Are You Using?

If you used to work in a traditional office environment, then you know that many offices prioritize ergonomic equipment. With carefully engineered office chairs and mouses designed at the perfect tilt, it reduces strain on the body.

However, if you're working from home, you might not have any of this equipment. If you're hunched over your kitchen table or slumped on your couch, that could be the source of your back pain right there.

Start by sitting in your normal position and check-in with yourself. Do you have lumbar support? Are your knees slightly higher than your hips, and is your neck straining?

The answer to these questions dictates what equipment you need. Some experts recommend investing in a medicine ball.

Sitting on this can help correct posture issues and build core strength. However, this may be something that you need to work up to. Removing all back support might not be the way to go.

If that's the case for you, try a hybrid desk. That way, you can alternate between sitting and standing options. There's also the option of a treadmill desk.

With this option, you can get some low-grade exercise while still being able to work. Many people report increased focus and mental clarity with this option.

When it comes to back pain management, though, you may need some more direct options. That's why holistic physical treatment is important, too.

Back Pain Management

Back pain from sitting can come from many different problems, and you should always see a doctor if it gets serious. Many doctors and chiropractors are seeing a spike in chronic back pain, and can often help you get a plan in place to combat it.

But if it's low-grade chronic back pain that's directly correlated to the number of hours spent sitting, then you can try tackling it yourself. Start by strengthening your abs.

Your core muscles serve as a support system that keeps you upright when sitting. When you target the core, you're strengthening and healing yourself from the inside out.

However, if you don't pay sufficient attention to your back muscles, the imbalance between core and back can produce pain too. Take the time to do exercises like walking, swimming, and similar activities to build back strength.

Tight hamstrings can lead to low back pain too. Wearing heels and sitting for long hours directly contribute to tight hamstrings, which is why yoga and active stretching practices are so important.

When it comes to yoga, make sure to work with a pain management doctor or licensed professional. The wrong pain management service can hurt you far more than it actually helps you.

When incorporating yoga into your daily life, consider your options. If you work from home, incorporating mini five-minute sessions can make a huge difference in the overall quality of your workday.

Working With Professionals

If you still experience back pain from sitting, finding the right back pain management doctor is the logical next step. This will help ensure your overall health and mobility in the future while helping improve your quality of life today.

When it comes to back pain management, resist the urge to look for a professional that will just prescribe pain meds and let you go. Instead, work with your doctor to create a holistic plan that heals you from the inside out.

Combating Back Pain From Sitting

If you're experiencing back pain from sitting, one of the worst things you can do is just carry on, hoping it will get better. Age and reduced activity will combine and increase your pain while reducing your quality of life.

If you're looking for a great pain management service, we're here to help. Contact us today for professional, high-quality care!