Pain in the neck is most commonly the result of four main causes: trauma, poor posture, muscle strain, or a degenerative disc disease.
In the event of a traumatic incident, whiplash can occur, which is when the neck is distorted or jerked by sudden force.
If you are experiencing a cramping or tightening of the lower neck muscles, your neck pain may be emanating from poor posture or a muscle strain.
Though not all sources of neck pain involve injuries, the severity of pain can gradually escalate with long-term diseases and conditions such as osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, a disease involving inflammation of the spinal joints.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of neck pain, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible before your injury or condition worsens:
- Persistent headaches
- Disruption of sleep due to pain
- Stiffness of the neck and shoulders, especially in the morning
- Sensory disturbance/sensitivity of the arms and legs
- Joint pain or swelling in the neck and shoulders
- Weakness, numbness, and dizziness
When left untreated, a neck condition or injury can cause further damage, and you could be left dealing with chronic pain. In some cases, pain in the neck can be a sign of a serious medical condition, and specialized treatment should be sought to ensure that a proper diagnosis is made.
At Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center, we understand that pain in the neck can make everyday activities difficult. Our neck experts understand that proper diagnosis is paramount in determining the most effective treatment plan for your individual condition.
To consult with one of our neck doctors at our Rapid City, Gillette, or a satellite location, please request an appointment online or call (605) 341-1414.
Why choose Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center?
Our fellowship-trained and board-certified neck doctors at Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center have completed additional training specifically in the back, neck, and spine. With this advanced training, Dr. Trevor Anderson, Dr. Christopher Dietrich, Dr. Christian Gaffney, Dr. Troy Gust, Dr. Joshua Kolz, and Dr. Robert Woodruff have the experience and expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat your neck injury or condition individually to your needs.
To consult with one of our neck doctors, please request an appointment online or call (605) 341-1414.
Specialized care for a stronger you is available at our main offices in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Gillette, Wyoming, and at our satellite locations in Hot Springs, Philip, Spearfish, and Mitchell, South Dakota, as well as in Chadron, Nebraska; Newcastle, Wyoming; Bowman, North Dakota; Williston, North Dakota; Dickinson, North Dakota; and Buffalo, Wyoming. Walk-in appointments are also available at our Orthopedic Urgent Care clinic, located at our main offices in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Gillette, Wyoming.
