Common Neck Injuries

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Article featured on TriHealth

We usually don’t give much thought to our neck until it becomes tight, sore or difficult to turn. When this happens, we realize all the muscles, tendons and bones in the neck (cervical spine) allow us to move freely.

Common Neck Injuries

When your neck is sore – whether it’s from a poor night’s sleep or sudden injury – it can make simple tasks a challenge. Turning your head when driving, lifting objects or just playing a favorite sport can become painful and uncomfortable. Discover the most common neck injuries and how you can find relief.

Types and Causes of Common Neck Injuries

The most common neck injuries include:

  • Neck sprain or strain – A sprain can happen when ligaments in the neck are torn. A strain refers to a torn muscle or tendon. This can occur as a result of a sudden injury during physical activity or even a minor car accident.
  • Stiff muscles and tendons – Often called a crick in the neck, stiffness can be caused moving awkwardly or keeping the neck in the same position for a long period of time (like sleeping overnight).
  • Herniated disc – A herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc becomes torn and the soft jellylike interior leaks or bulges out of the disc. Most commonly a result of wear and tear, herniated discs can also be caused by a sudden injury, including a fall.
  • Pinched nerve – Bone, tissue or tendons can push against surrounding nerves, which causes pain. This can happen as a result of a muscle sprain or strain.
  • Fractured cervical spine – Though rare, a fractured cervical spine (or broken neck) is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Common neck injury symptoms

Your symptoms will depend on the type and severity of your injury, but most common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty turning the neck
  • Headaches
  • Muscle spasms in neck and shoulders
  • Neck pain
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Weakness in the legs, arms, hands or fingers

Common neck injury treatment

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your neck injury. Treatment may include:

  • Physical therapy – A certified physical therapist will teach you exercises to reduce pain, improve flexibility and strengthen muscles in the neck.
  • Medicine – Over-the-counter and prescription medicine can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and help you find comfort.
  • Injections – Corticosteroid injections, medial branch blocks and other injections can help reduce inflammation and help relieve pain caused by several different injuries to the neck.
  • Acupuncture – Thin needles are inserted into specific spots along the spine to trigger the release of certain chemicals into the body, helping reduce pain. Acupuncture, used with traditional treatment, like pain management or physical therapy can help.
  • Massage – Medical massage therapy can help reduce inflammation, ease pain and provide relief from certain back conditions. Your doctor may recommend massage therapy along with other treatments.
  • Anti-inflammatory Diet – A diet that helps boost your body’s natural ability to fight inflammation may help reduce symptoms when combined with other treatment plans.

Our team will work closely with you to manage your pain before recommending surgery. If you continue to experience pain and loss of motion, cervical spine surgery may be recommended. These include:

  • Mazor X – A robotic-guided spine surgery, Mazor X uses 3D imaging to allow your surgeon to customize the surgery to your specific anatomy and needs. This leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.
  • Cervical discectomy and fusion – A damaged cervical disc can be removed and replaced with an artificial disc. You may also need a fusion surgery, which helps fuse two or more discs with hardware to stabilize and support the cervical spine (neck).
  • Laminectomy – A laminectomy removes part or all of the back of vertebrae and thickened tissue around the vertebrae to allow more room for the spinal cord. This helps relieve pressure on the affected nerve.

Common neck injury risk factors

Several common risk factors contribute to a neck injury. These include:

  • Genetics – A family history of neck pain or neck arthritis
  • Tobacco use – If you are a smoker
  • Repetitive neck movement – If you have a job that requires repetitive neck movement or overhead work
  • Trauma or injury to the neck – Either through an accident, sports or even sleeping wrong

Common neck injury prevention

It may be impossible to completely prevent an injury to the neck, but you can take steps to reduce your risk and protect your spine health:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Strengthen back and core muscles
  • Eat healthy
  • Look for ergonomic pillows, chairs and other materials to help properly position your spine
  • Use good posture when standing and sitting
  • Use caution when lifting, twisting and turning

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What is Tech Neck? Simple Strategies to Prevent It

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Article featured on Raleigh Orthopedic

In our increasingly digital world, spending hours on smartphones, tablets, and computers has become the norm. While this technology connects us and makes our lives more convenient, it also brings about new health concerns—one of the most common being “Tech Neck.”

Understanding Tech Neck

Tech Neck, also known as Text Neck, is the strain and discomfort caused by looking down at your electronic devices for extended periods. The human head weighs about 10-12 pounds, but as you tilt it forward, the pressure on your neck increases significantly. At a 45-degree angle, the head exerts nearly 50 pounds of force on the neck muscles, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes even more severe issues like herniated discs or pinched nerves.

Symptoms of Tech Neck

Tech Neck can manifest in several ways:

  • Neck and Shoulder Pain: This is the most common symptom, often described as a dull ache or sharp pain.
  • Headaches: Strain on the neck muscles can lead to tension headaches.
  • Reduced Mobility: Stiffness in the neck and shoulders can make it difficult to turn your head or raise your arms.
  • Postural Changes: Over time, constantly looking down can lead to a hunched posture, which can exacerbate back pain and other musculoskeletal issues.

Simple Strategies to Prevent Tech Neck

The good news is that Tech Neck is largely preventable with a few mindful habits and ergonomic adjustments. Here are some strategies to help you maintain a healthy posture:

  1. Adjust Your Screen Height: Ensure that your computer screen is at eye level so you’re not looking down for extended periods. For smartphones and tablets, try to hold them at eye level or use a stand.
  2. Take Frequent Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This simple habit can reduce eye strain and help you maintain a neutral posture.
  3. Practice Good Posture: Sit with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the floor. Your ears should be aligned with your shoulders to avoid tilting your head forward.
  4. Strengthen Your Neck and Back Muscles: Incorporate exercises that strengthen your neck, shoulders, and back into your routine. Simple stretches like neck rotations, shoulder shrugs, and chest openers can make a big difference.
  5. Stay Mindful of Your Posture: Make a conscious effort to check your posture throughout the day. Consider setting reminders on your phone or computer to help you stay aware.
  6. Use Supportive Accessories: Ergonomic chairs, standing desks, and lumbar cushions can all help you maintain proper alignment while working.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain, headaches, or reduced mobility, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

By taking proactive steps today, you can protect your neck from the strain of modern technology. Remember, your posture matters—not just for your appearance, but for your overall health and well-being.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Arthritis of the Neck

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Article featured on TriHealth

Arthritis of the Neck

Natural wear and tear of the cervical spine causing arthritis of the neck. As you age, the discs that serve as cushions between vertebrae begin to bulge, shrink or weaken. This allows the vertebrae to start collapsing on one another. This causes pain, stiffness and loss of range of motion. Your body responds to these changes by growing new bone (bone spurs), which can narrow the area around the spine.

Arthritis of the neck causes

Arthritis of the neck (cervical spondylosis) is most often a result of aging. It can also be caused by:

  • Family history
  • Injury
  • Smoking

Arthritis of the neck symptoms

Many people with arthritis of the neck (cervical spondylosis) don’t experience any symptoms. However, some symptoms may include:

  • Grinding noise when turning the neck
  • Headaches
  • Loss of balance
  • Muscle spasms in neck and shoulders
  • Neck pain
  • Popping noise when turning the neck
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Trouble walking
  • Weakness in the legs, arms, hands or fingers

Arthritis of the neck treatment

Your treatment will depend on the cause of the pinched nerve. Treatment may include:

  • Physical therapy –A certified physical therapist will teach you exercises to reduce pain, improve flexibility and strengthen muscles in the neck.
  • Medicine – Over-the-counter and prescription medicine can help relieve chronic pain, reduce inflammation and help you find comfort.
  • Injections – Corticosteroid injections, medial branch blocks and other injections can help reduce inflammation and help relieve pain caused by arthritis in the neck.
  • Acupuncture – Thin needles are inserted into specific spots along the spine to trigger the release of certain chemicals into the body, helping reduce pain. Acupuncture, along with traditional treatment, like pain management or physical therapy helps with pain.
  • Massage – Medical massage therapy can help reduce inflammation, ease pain and provide relief from certain back conditions. Your doctor may recommend massage therapy along with other treatments.
  • Anti-inflammatory Diet – A diet that helps boost your body’s natural ability to fight inflammation may help reduce symptoms, when combined with other treatment plans.

Generally, surgery is not needed to treat arthritis. Your provider may recommend surgery if your arthritis is causing another cervical spine condition, like a pinched nerve.

Arthritis of the neck risk factors

You may be at higher risk of developing arthritis in the neck if you:

  • Experienced trauma or injury to the neck
  • Have a family history of neck pain or neck arthritis
  • Have a job that requires repetitive neck movement or overhead work
  • Smoke

Arthritis of the neck prevention

Nearly everyone over age 60 will develop cervical spondylosis. But, you can take steps to reduce your risk and minimize your pain:

  • Eat healthy
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Strengthen back and core muscles

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What Causes Neck Pain in Seniors?

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Article featured on MedicineNet

Understanding the anatomy of the neck

Most people will have neck pain at some point. Injuries and certain illnesses can cause neck pain, but the most common cause is holding your neck in the same position for a long time. More serious symptoms can come from changes in the upper spine that come with aging. These changes often cause neck pain in seniors.

The neck contains seven bones called vertebrae that enclose the spinal cord. Other nerves branch out from the spinal cord. Disks between the bones act as shock absorbers. They have a tough outer coating and a jellylike interior. Muscles and ligaments bind the vertebrae together, providing both flexibility and support. Injury to any of these parts can cause neck pain.

Pressure on the spinal cord in the neck can be serious because most of the nerves that serve the body pass through the neck. Problems in the neck can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms, chest, abdomen, or legs. Many organs rely on the nerves that pass through the neck for proper function.

What are the effects of neck pain?

Neck pain can affect your employment, social life, and personal relationships. When neck pain causes you to avoid certain activities, both your physical and mental health can suffer. Sometimes, it may seem that doctors and family members don’t believe that you are having real neck pain as you age. You may become angry, anxious, or depressed.

Neck pain can get worse through the pain cycle:

  • Pain causes you to reduce movement.
  • Reduced movement causes the muscles to get weaker.
  • Weaker muscles get tired faster.
  • Tired muscles result in increased pain.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

A muscle spasm or sprain can cause neck pain. Doctors can often diagnose this type of neck pain with a physical examination. Doctors use X-rays to diagnose neck pain caused by arthritis. If your symptoms suggest nerve problems, doctors will often use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) to diagnose it.

What causes muscle pain in the neck?

Poor posture that results in muscle strain is a common cause of neck pain. You can prevent this type of neck pain by taking these steps:

  • Keep your neck in alignment by not using too many pillows when you sleep.
  • During the day, don’t stay in the same position for too long. A fitness tracker can remind you to get up and move.
  • Be aware of your position, especially when using electronics. Avoid text neck. Change your computer setup to make it more ergonomic.
  • If you wear glasses, be sure your prescription is correct so that you’re not craning your neck to see over your glasses or through a certain section of your lens.
  • Don’t take on more than you can handle. Get help for big jobs that involve the arms, shoulders, and neck.

You can treat muscular pain in the neck with over-the-counter pain relievers and with heat and cold. You may have to modify your activities for a while, but you should try to stay active.

What are the other causes of neck pain?

Many older people have osteoarthritis, which can cause neck pain. The joints of the neck are subject to wear and tear just like other joints in the body. In conjunction with this, aging can cause these three conditions:

Cervical spondylosis. This term covers the changes that occur in the neck with aging. Cartilage may wear away. Disks can become thin and dry so they don’t cushion the bones. Your body may try to compensate by growing extra bone in the form of bone spurs. These changes in the neck may cause pain from pinched nerves.

Cervical spinal stenosis. Changes in the neck cause the spinal canal to narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and other nerves. Besides neck pain, people with spinal stenosis often have symptoms in their extremities. They may have numbness, weakness, or poor coordination in the arms, legs, feet, and hands.

Disk problems. Changes in the disks between the vertebrae can cause neck pain. Disks that are squeezed between two of the bones in the neck can rupture. The disk may bulge out through the tear, a condition called herniated disk. Damaged disks can press on the nerves and even compress the spinal cord.

How is neck pain treated?

Treatments for neck pain can be nonsurgical or surgical.

Nonsurgical treatments include:

  • Steroids
  • Injections of various types
  • Physical therapy
  • Manipulation of the neck
  • Acupuncture
  • Cervical collar
  • Cervical traction

Doctors may suggest surgery, though, if more conservative treatments don’t help or if symptoms get worse. To be a candidate for surgery, you must be in good health.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

How to tell if you have Whiplash

How to tell if you have Whiplash

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Article Featured on Mayo Clinic

Overview

Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Whiplash most often occurs during a rear-end auto accident, but the injury can also result from a sports accident, physical abuse or other trauma.

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