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.

Illustration of the molecules that make up biologics

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Medications for Neck Pain Caused by Ankylosing Spondylitis

NSAIDs, biologics, and corticosteroids are common medications used to treat ankylosing spondylitis.

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Mind-Body Therapy for Neck Pain

Mind-body therapy addresses thoughts and emotions, which play an important role in the experience of chronic pain.

Medical illustration of the gas bubbles within the cervical facet joints that lead to crepitus

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Neck Cracking and Grinding: What Does It Mean?

Neck crepitus, which refers to any cracking, popping, snapping, or grinding noise heard during joint movements, is fairly common in the general population and is not usually a cause for concern.

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Neck Exercises for Neck Pain

Neck pain can be relieved by stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning with these neck exercises.

Illustration showing the swath of pain caused by a cervicogenic headache

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Neck Pain and Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache that occurs when pain from an underlying source in the neck is felt in the head.

Illustration showing the swath of pain caused by a migraine headache

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Neck Pain and Migraine Headache

A migraine headache is an episodic headache characterized by throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head, commonly accompanied by neck pain.

Illustration showing the swath of pain across the forehead caused by a tension headache

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Neck Pain and Tension Headache

Tension headache causes constricting or tightening pain in the forehead and temple area, with tenderness in the scalp and neck muscles. Neck pain in tension headache typically feels achy, tender, and/or tight.

Medical illustration of the upper shoulders, neck and head. Muscles in the neck are highlighted.

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Neck Pain Causes

There are many potential causes and risk factors for neck pain. Knowing the likely cause of a particular neck pain can help when learning to manage and treat it, as well as to prevent it from returning.

Medical illustration comparing a healthy disc to enthesitis

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Neck Pain from Ankylosing Spondylitis

While neck pain is not often the primary symptom of ankylosing spondylitis, it can develop as the disease progresses.

Medical illustration of crowned dens syndrome

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Neck Pain from Crowned Dens Syndrome

Crowned dens syndrome occurs when too many calcium deposits form on the bone’s surrounding ligaments, which can look like a “crown” and cause excruciating neck pain.