The neck supports the head and protects nerves, it can be at risk of injury, and conditions that can restrict motion. About 10 to 20 percent of adults experience neck discomfort and the likelihood, that someone may develop neck pain as they age.
Leaning over a computer or smartphone, bad posture, and chronic stress are common causes of neck pain. Although, In a small percentage, it may be the root of more severe issues like whiplash, osteoarthritis, and cervical spondylitis.
Causes
There are numerous causes of neck discomfort, and each one has unique symptoms that are covered below:
Neck Strain
A muscle pull or “pinched muscle” are other terms for neck strain. Nerve damage when pressure is applied to the neck’s surrounding nerves. There are other causes as well, including emotional stress, aging, injury, and numbness are some of its signs.
Whiplash
Neck tissue deteriorates due to the whip-like thrusts in the backward and forward motions. Car accidents are the primary cause of it. Whiplash is seen as a relatively minor condition, but if left untreated, it can result in chronic pain or discomfort. Its signs include soreness or pain, exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Disk Herniation
The disk in the cervical spine can lead, to degeneration or damage over time causing severe pain. This can compress nearby nerves and cause pain. It is a common cause of back pain. Disc herniation symptoms are tingling in arms, numbness, and pain while moving the neck or near the shoulder blade.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis-related pain can affect the joints of the neck and causes inflammation. It gets worse with age and is chronic. The main symptoms of arthritis are stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.
Degenerative Conditions
The conditions like degenerative discs can result in the gradual breakdown of structures in the neck causing stiffness.
i. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is wear and tear in the cervical spine that results in neck pain. Starting from middle age 30 the spine undergoes some wear and tear and causes neck pain. Symptoms are popping and grinding sounds in the neck, dizziness, and neck stiffness.
ii. Cervical Stenosis
When the neck area of the spine gets smaller this situation is called cervical stenosis. The tightness can pinch the spinal cord and cause pain or tingling in the arms. Its symptoms include stiffness, pain, and numbness.
Poor posture
Our spine is not only affected while standing or sitting; sleeping in awkward positions also affects the spine and leads to neck pain. Sleeping in one position for extended hours can put pressure on nerves and cause neck pain, the next morning.
Final thoughts
Neck pain is associated with age-related wear and tear or poor posture. To prevent this pain, you must keep your head centered over your spine and use good posture, keep yourself active, and take frequent breaks while using screens.
You must seek medical care if neck pain results from an accident or if you experience:
- Severe pain
- Pain persists for several days
- Spread down arms and legs
- Comes with headache, numbness, weakness, or tingling.
KKT Pakistan offers a revolutionary, non-invasive non-surgical treatment for your neck pain. With its advanced technology, we provide scar-free painless treatment.
Book an appointment with us today.