Neck Pain

Most episodes of neck pain are due to muscle strain or soft tissue sprain (ligaments, tendons), but it can also be caused by a sudden force (whiplash). These types of neck pain often improve with time and non-surgical care such as medication and chiropractic manipulation. But if neck pain continues or worsens, there is often a specific condition that requires treatment, such as cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical herniated disc, cervical stenosis, or cervical arthritis.

Medical illustration showing the impact of a skull on the back of a head rest in a car as the result of a car accident

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Diagnosing Whiplash

Whiplash diagnosis will require patient history, a physical exam, and diagnostic imaging.

Patient talking to her doctor about neck pain

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Diagnosis of Cervicogenic Headache

The diagnosis of cervicogenic headache (CGH) is based on medical history, manual examination, and/or other advanced diagnostic techniques.

Two male physicians reviewing a series of x-rays

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Diagnosis of Neck Pain from Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed by following a process of gathering evidence that increasingly points to ankylosing spondylitis while ruling out other conditions.

MRI-like illustration of Cervical Myelopathy with Spondylosis

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Diagnosis of Spondylosis with Cervical Myelopathy

The diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy depends on the patient's history and findings during a physical examination, both of which may then be confirmed by radiologic imaging.

Illustration of the effect of forward head posture on the neck muscles

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Forward Head Posture’s Effect on Neck Muscles

Over time, forward head posture can cause some of the muscles that hold the spine to become elongated and weakened and others to become shorter and tighter.

Medical illustration of the cervical spine

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Forward Head Posture’s Effect on the Cervical Spine

Forward head posture places additional stress on the cervical spine's intervertebral discs, vertebrae, and facet joints. Find out how this stress can exacerbate or accelerate spinal degeneration.

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Home Remedies for Neck Pain and Dizziness

Learn how to tell when dizziness may require a visit to the doctor and some quick tips can help to alleviate symptoms of neck pain and dizziness at home.

Medical illustration of a degenerating cervical disc

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How Cervical Disc Degeneration Occurs

As cervical discs naturally lose water over time, they become susceptible to tearing, which leads to additional dehydration. This cycle is known as cervical degeneration disc disease.

Medical illustration of cervical facet joints

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How Cervical Facet Joint Degeneration Occurs

Two facet joints are located at the back of each vertebral level. Degeneration of these facet joints can lead to the development of bone spurs and other structural problems.