Sterling VA
Neck Pain Doctor
Neck pain and neck stiffness are common problems of the spine, affecting millions of people right now in the US. Approximately 30% to 50% of adults will experience neck pain at some point in their lives.
If you are suffering from neck pain, neck stiffness, or trouble turning your neck from side to side, contact us here at Active Lifestyle Medical for a consultation and neck/spine checkup to uncover the underlying cause.
Have Neck Pain
and Stiffness?
Unfortunately (thanks in part to cell phones📲 and laptops💻) neck pain is an ever-increasing problem that is presented as pointed achiness, stiffness, or burning sensation in the neck area. It can be caused by a pulled muscle (strain), prolonged poor posture, bad sleeping habits, an injury, or by chronic conditions like arthritis and degenerative disc disease.
In several cases, neck pain may be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, or numbness in the arms, hands or fingers.
Your neck is prone to pain and injury due to its support of the 12-pound weight of your head and its wide range of motion.
Common Causes
of Neck Pain
Neck pain can show up in different ways, such as stiffness, soreness, or aching in the neck area. It might also cause headaches, shoulder pain, or trouble moving your head.
Some of the common causes of neck pain:
Muscle Strain: Overusing or straining the neck muscles can lead to pain. This can happen from things like bad posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or spending too much time hunched over a computer or phone.
Whiplash: A sudden jerking motion, like in a car accident, can cause the neck to whip back and forth. This can injure the muscles and ligaments, leading to neck pain.
Degenerative disc disease: As we age, the cushiony discs between our neck bones can wear down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of motion in the neck.
Herniated disc: Sometimes, a disc in the neck can push out of its normal spot and press on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms.
Arthritis: Neck pain can be caused by arthritis, which is when the joints in the neck become inflamed and worn down over time. This can lead to stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in the neck area.
Pinched nerve: When a nerve in the neck gets compressed or squeezed, it can cause pain. This might happen due to things like a herniated disc, bone spurs, or arthritis.
Poor posture: This is a narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on nerves.
Sleeping habits: Using a pillow that doesn’t properly support your neck, or sleeping in an awkward position (such as stomach sleeping), can cause neck pain.
Muscle spasms: Stress and tension can manifest in the neck muscles and lead to muscle spasms, causing pain and discomfort.
If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. At Active Lifestyle Medical, we can help you find relief from neck pain and get you back into action.
What are Neck Pain Treatment Options?
Treatment options for neck pain vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain.
Here at Active Lifestyle Medical, our holistic treatment programs apply a combination of non–drug and non–surgical protocols, each providing specific benefits to our patients:
Physical Modalities: Addresses the root cause of pain through hands–on techniques and therapeutic exercises.
Heat and Ice Therapy: Provides pain relief and reduces inflammation.
Massage & Manual Therapy: Relieves muscle tension, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation.
Rehabilitation Exercises: Restores strength, flexibility, and function to the affected area.
Ultrasound: Enhances the healing process and reduces inflammation.
Laser and Red Light Therapy: Stimulates cell regeneration and reduces pain.
Targeted Stretching: Improves flexibility and reduces muscle tightness.
Chiropractic Treatment: Corrects spinal alignment and promotes overall spinal health.
Strengthening Exercises: Stabilizes the back and prevents future injuries.
Shockwave Vibration Therapies: Accelerates the healing process and reduces pain.
Ultrasound Modalities: Enhances tissue repair and reduces inflammation.
Natural Therapies: Stimulates joint health, strength, healing, and reduces pain/inflammation.
At Active Lifestyle Medical, our healthcare team designs treatment protocols based on your individual history and symptoms, focusing on your body’s healing potential, rather than drug or surgical solutions.
Our providers are experienced in evaluating, treating, and managing neck pain. They diagnose the root cause of your discomfort and create a personalized plan that includes a variety of these manual treatments, therapeutic interventions, exercises, and education to prevent recurrence so you can stay active!
Office Hours
Monday 2PM – 6:30PM
Tuesday 10AM – 6:30PM
Wednesday 10AM – 6:30PM
Thursday 9AM – 6PM
Friday By appointment only
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed