Neck pain is discomfort that originates in the neck, and it can radiate down into the arms. There are several potential causes for neck pain, including disorders affecting the tissues, ligaments, and nerves.
Individuals within the age group of 30-50 are at a higher risk of developing neck pain. Females and people with poor postural habits and those who maintain the same position for extended periods are at significant risk of developing neck pain. In some cases, neck pain may indicate serious health issues, such as a torn ligament, injury, or compressed nerve, which can result in chronic and persistent discomfort.
Neck pain is a common issue among adults, particularly office workers, gamers, and those who binge-watch television. This condition can lead to sleep disturbances, stress, and anxiety.
Anatomy of the Neck
The neck region of the spine consists of seven vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs. These discs enable the spine to move freely and act as shock absorbers during physical activities.
The spinal column contains two openings, one on the left and one on the right, called foramina. These openings allow nerve roots to exit the spinal column, providing sensation and movement to all body parts. The entire spinal area is protected by spinal fluid and bony vertebrae, supported by strong ligaments and muscles. This structure allows for safe movement.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Traumatic Causes: The neck is the most vulnerable part of the body when it comes to injuries, particularly from falls, accidents, or sports where the muscles and ligaments are forced to move beyond their normal range. If the neck bones are fractured, there is a risk of spinal cord damage as well. One common type of neck injury is whiplash, which occurs due to sudden jerking of the head, which can cause pain and limit the range of neck movement.
Neck arthritis is common among individuals aged over 60, affecting approximately 85% of this population. There are different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, which impacts the spinal joints. This type of arthritis causes wear and tear in these joints, leading to friction between bones and cartilage. As a result, individuals may experience stiffness and pain in the neck and lower back.
Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation.
Lifestyle-related causes: Neck pain can be caused by several lifestyle factors, such as prolonged sitting in poor posture, straining your neck by looking down at your devices (often referred to as “tech neck”), or hunching your shoulders while sitting or standing.
General Symptoms of Neck Pain
Neck pain, or cervicalgia, is a common symptom of injuries or various medical conditions. Individuals often describe neck pain as:
- Persistent ache
- Sharp stabbing pain
- Shooting pain that travels from neck to shoulders
- Stiffness in your neck
- Dizziness or numbness in your arms and shoulders
- Difficulty in moving your neck
- Headache
Localized Symptoms in the Neck
Localized neck pain can manifest as discomfort, swelling, or the presence of lumps. It may feel like a dull ache, a sharp pain, or a burning sensation. Additional symptoms may include stiffness, headaches, and difficulty moving the neck. When the injured area is touched or pressed, a person might experience tenderness or sensitivity. Swelling or inflammation indicates a localized injury.
Radiating Symptoms
Cervical radiculopathy, often known as a pinched nerve, occurs when a nerve in the cervical region is compressed. This condition can result in pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, and upper back. Additionally, it may cause numbness and weakness in the arms, shoulders, and hands. Symptoms may include:
- Pain extending to nearby areas, shoulders, arms, and upper back
- Tingling sensation in the fingers or hands
Headache-Related Symptoms
Cervicogenic headaches are characterized by pain that begins at the base of the skull and radiates towards the neck. This headache typically presents as a dull, aching sensation on one side of the head. Individuals may experience limited neck movement, and the headache may worsen with certain neck movements. The pain often starts at the back of the head and can extend behind the eyes.
Migraine is a type of neurological headache that can cause severe pain. Neck pain is a common symptom of migraine and they begin at the same time.
Stress, anxiety, and muscle strain often cause headaches that are accompanied by neck pain. These headaches typically result in throbbing pain on both sides of the head.
Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Neck pain is usually not caused by severe health conditions. But sometimes, neck pain can also be a red flag for several health issues, such as spinal structural problems, autoimmune disorders, and compressed nerves. For most neck pain, it is essential to try self-care. However, if your pain persists and is accompanied by specific symptoms, you must seek medical attention.
- Pain radiating down one arm.
- Numbness in arms and hands
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fever and chills
- Extreme instability: if you tilt your neck forward or backward and move farther than usual, it might indicate a fracture or torn ligaments.
Diagnosing Neck Pain
To diagnose neck pain, a doctor will ask questions about the symptoms experienced. They will then review the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination to assess the range of motion in the neck and identify the location of the pain.
The doctor may recommend additional imaging tests for further evaluation, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. Other diagnostic tools that may be used include electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests. This will help to analyze the patient’s condition, which is important in making a treatment plan.
Treatment Options Based on Symptoms
You can try the following treatment based on your symptoms of neck pain.
Heat & Cold Therapy
When you are suffering from neck pain, sometimes you want instant relief, and that’s where heat therapy comes in. A heat pack helps relieve constricted blood vessels and increases blood flow, which not only provides quick relief but also aids in the healing process.
Cold therapy is an effective method for managing pain. It helps reduce inflammation resulting from injury and is especially beneficial in the initial stages of an injury.
Medications
To alleviate back pain, you can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, or you may consider using acetaminophen (Tylenol). Be sure to take these medications only as directed by your physician. Overusing any of these medicines can lead to side effects. It is vital to seek expert help if you are experiencing chronic pain.
Non-invasive treatments
Physical therapy and exercises can help alleviate pain in the neck. There are several exercises designed explicitly for neck pain. A doctor may recommend specific exercises based on the cause of your pain. Physical therapy has been proven effective in relieving neck pain.
Chiropractic adjustments are a noninvasive treatment involving manual neck joint manipulation to improve flexibility and reduce pain.
Massage therapy is helpful is relieving stress-related neck pain.
KKT Treatment is a noninvasive treatment option for neck pain. Quantum Acoustic Waves do this treatment. It is the most sophisticated, revolutionized, safe, and harmless treatment method to alleviate neck pain.
To learn more about neck pain and its treatment, visit our experts at one of our centers, schedule an appointment, or dial 0800-00-558
Conclusion
Neck pain is a common issue that many of us experience at some point. Fortunately, it often improves with a bit of self-care. However, if the pain persists and does not improve, it’s important to seek professional help. It is likely due to poor postural habits for adults experiencing neck pain without any accompanying symptoms. To alleviate this pain, consider making some lifestyle changes. If you work in an office, invest in ergonomic furniture, limit your screen time, and avoid using your mobile phone in bed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve in your neck?
Numbness, worsening pain with neck movement, headaches, dizziness, and radiating pain toward the arms and shoulders.
What is a red flag for neck pain?
You must not ignore the red flags of neck pain: numbness, excruciating pain, dizziness, fever, chills, and headaches.
What are the symptoms of acute vs chronic neck pain?
Acute neck pain starts suddenly and usually heals within a few weeks. Chronic neck pain is pain that lasts longer than three months.
What are the psychological effects of chronic neck pain?
Chronic neck pain can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
How do I know if my neck pain is severe?
Your neck pain might be serious if it persists, severe, and accompanied by other symptoms of numbness, excruciating pain, dizziness, fever, chills, and headaches.
Are there specific sleeping positions to prevent neck pain?
Sleeping on your back or side can help alleviate neck pain.