Neck pain is common, affecting millions of people worldwide. It may range from mild stiffness to sharp, debilitating pain that significantly impacts one’s quality of life. However, understanding the various causes of neck pain can help with prevention and treatment.
Muscle Tension and Strain
Muscle strain or tension is one of the most frequent causes of neck pain. When these muscles are overused, improperly used, or under a lot of unnecessary stress, they can easily begin to feel the head's weight.
Poor posture can strain the neck muscles. Spending hours in front of a screen, whether a computer, tablet, or phone, means holding your head forward. The result? Added stress on the neck and upper back, which leads to pain and stiffness. In the same way, overusing your neck muscles, especially with repetitive motions, can lead to muscle strain.
Finally, carrying around emotional stress can cause physical pain in the muscles and shoulders. It is chronic tension and it can be painful.
Accidents and Injuries
Car accidents can often lead to whiplash. This occurs when the head is suddenly forced forward and backward, leading to strain on the neck’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Falls and sports injuries can also lead to pain and suffering due to a compromised neck. The pain and symptoms will vary based on the specifics of the situation.
Disc Degeneration and Nerve Compression
Intervertebral discs can degenerate as you get older. This can lead to a herniated disc in which the soft disc pokes through the outer layer. When this happens, it can compress the nerves in the neck leading to pain, numbness, or tingling that makes its way down the arm.
Pinched nerves can come from a herniated disc, but that’s not all. They can also stem from bone spurs or the narrowing of the spinal canal. If you are experiencing pain, numbness, and tingling in the neck, shoulders, and arms, this could be the culprit.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a type of degeneration that can impact joints and other areas throughout the body— including the neck. Known more specifically as osteoarthritis, this leads to a deterioration in the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck.
Stiffness, reduced range of motion, and pain are often the most common symptoms of this type.
Additional Causes of Neck Pain
There are so many different potential causes of neck pain. Some may be temporary while others may be signs of an underlying condition. For instance, neck pain can appear due to fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or even tumors.
Working with a professional to uncover the root cause of your neck pain is essential to ensure the proper treatment.
Get Relief From Your Neck Pain at the American Pain Institute
Find relief from your neck pain at the American Pain Institute.
Under the direction of Joshua Greenspan, MD, there are many treatment options available— including the perfect one to help you overcome the neck pain you have been carrying around. Contact us at 603-766-8500 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I seek medical attention for my neck pain?
Some aches and pains of the neck are minor and will disappear on their own after a few days. However, you should see a doctor if you have severe neck pain that isn’t improving, pain that occurs after an accident or injury, neck pain accompanied by a fever or nausea/vomiting, or swollen glands.
How is neck pain diagnosed?
A physical exam to assess muscle tenderness, range of motion, and posture will be done, followed by a review of medical history and symptoms. If necessary, imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans may be used to rule out serious issues.