Neck Pain

Neck pain may be sharp and located in one spot, or it might feel less intense but spread across a broader region. Sometimes the pain gets referred up to the head or accompanies a headache.

Common Neck Pain Signs and Symptoms

Stiff neck. Soreness and difficulty moving the neck, especially when trying to turn the head from side to side.

Sharp pain. This pain may be localized to one spot and might feel like it is stabbing or stinging.

General soreness. This discomfort is typically felt in a broader area or region of the neck.

Radicular pain. This pain can radiate along a nerve from the neck into the shoulder and arm. 

The Cervical radiculopathy. Neurological deficit which may be experienced in the arm due to nerve root compression.

Headaches. Sometimes an irritation in the neck can affect muscles and nerves connected to the head. Some examples include tension headache, cervicogenic headache, and occipital neuralgia.

Common Acute Neck Pain Causes

The most common causes of neck pain—muscle/tendon strains and ligament sprains—heal within a few days or weeks. Many cases of strains and sprains result from overuse or overextension, such as from:

Poor posture. Long periods of time spent over a computer screen can lead to forward head posture, which places extra stress on the neck. Repeatedly looking straight down at a phone or tablet may also cause pain.

Sleeping in a bad position. If the head is held at a bad angle or twists wrong during the night, a stiff neck might be present in the morning.

Repetitive motions. Turning the head in a repetitive manner, such as side to side while dancing or swimming, may lead to overuse of the neck’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Trauma. Examples include any type of fall or impact, such as a sports collision or whiplash from an auto accident.

Common Chronic Neck Pain Causes

When neck pain lasts or keeps coming back over a period of several months, it is typically due to spinal degeneration from wear-and-tear over time

Cervical degenerative disc disease. All discs gradually lose hydration and the ability to cushion the spine’s vertebrae over time, which can cause the pain.

Cervical osteoarthritis. When the cartilage in a cervical facet joint wears down enough, it can lead to cervical osteoarthritis. Cervical osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic neck pain.

Cervical herniated disc.

 

Other Neck Pain Causes

Emotional stress. Stress, anxiety, and low social support have all been linked as potential causes or contributors to neck pain.

Infection. If part of the neck area or cervical spine becomes infected, inflammation could cause neck pain.

Myofascial pain syndrome. This chronic condition has trigger points, which result from achy muscles and surrounding connective tissues, typically in the upper back or neck. 

Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is hard to diagnose, but it typically involves pain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in several areas of the body, including in the neck.

Spinal tumor.

Spondylolisthesis. This condition occurs when one vertebra slips over the one below it. 

Risk Factors for Developing Neck Pain

●        Reduced neck strength

●        Previous neck problems

●        Poor posture

●        Smoking

●        Job related injuries

Self-Care for Neck Pain

Short period of rest. While strenuous activities and movements that worsen pain are to be avoided for a few days, some movement is typically encouraged to prevent the neck from becoming weaker and/or stiffer.

Ice and/or heat. Applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain. Applying heat may help relax muscles and bring more blood flow and healing nutrients to the injured area. 

Gentle stretches. Some forms of neck pain or muscle tightness are alleviated with gentle range-of-motion stretches. If a particular movement or stretch exacerbates pain, stop and try another movement instead. 

Professional Therapy

Medications

Physical Therapy

Osteopathy

Chiropractic

Massage therapy

Acupuncture

Injection

Surgery

Seeking Medical Care if:

●        It occurs after an injury

●        There is a headache and fever

●        Stiff neck prevents the patient from touching chin to chest

●        There is a referral pain to hands and arms

●        There is tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or hands

●        There is leg weakness or loss of coordination in arms or legs

●        The pain does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication

●        Pain does not improve after a week