Common Causes of Neck Pain

Causes of Neck Pain: When it comes to the movement of your body, everyone wants fluidity and ease. Common conditions like neck pain can interfere with your ability to move and function.

Many patients of those that visit a clinic suffer from neck pain, but their causes can be a little different. It’s essential to understand the main reasons for neck pain if you want to unlock the secret to healing from this common complaint.

As Lester Liao put it, medicine is a practice of science. For you to understand the pain you are experiencing, it is crucial to understand the underlying cause. Find out if one of these common complaints might apply to your neck pain.

Muscle Strain

In today’s modern world, hunching over a computer is commonplace. Unfortunately, poor posture like this can be one of the leading causes of neck pain. Cleveland Clinic recommends that you pay careful attention when setting up your workspace. They suggest placing your computer at eye-level to help prevent unnecessary strain on your neck.

Without intervention, you can develop what has been referred to as “tech neck.” It could result in cervical spine surgery and full reconstruction of the neck.

In a similar vein, a wrong sleeping position can also contribute to your neck pain. Any number of things can cause this pain, including:

• The number of pillows used and the support they offer the neck
• The support offered by your mattress
• Your body position in the bed during your sleeping hours

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is another common cause of neck pain for many individuals. Over time, the cartilage between the bones of your neck and spine can begin to deteriorate. This cartilage loss can be particularly painful as it affects how the entire joint functions. It can lead to inflammation of the tendons, ligaments, and joint lining of the bones located in the neck.

Many people refer to osteoarthritis as the natural progression of wear and tear on your joints. Naturally, this means that this particular condition is more often found in those who are middle-aged or elderly.

Stress

Have you ever felt the strain on your muscles after a particularly long day at the office? Stress is one of the main reasons for neck pain among clients. According to one study, those who are exposed to higher levels of stress in the workplace are at a greater risk for neck and back pain compared to those who have lower levels of stress. Clearly, your mental health could have a direct correlation to your neck pain.

Whenever you begin to feel the first signs of anxiety, many people will tense their back and neck muscles. This could also result in the dreaded tension headache. Fortunately, neck pain caused by stress can be rather simple to treat. If you suffer from neck pain that is caused by stress, you can try a few of these easy solutions:

• Stretch out your neck during breaks at work.
• Try a yoga class or perform a few poses after work.
• Exercise to relieve some of your tension and anxiety.
• Let someone else give you a gentle neck and shoulder massage.

Whiplash

A sudden traumatic injury to the neck is the leading cause of neck pain. It is the result of a sudden movement where the head is pushed forward and then realigned extremely quickly. It can jolt the bones of the neck and cause inflammation of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The result can be chronic pain that lasts well after your other injuries have faded.

This is most often seen in those involved in car accidents, but it can happen in other areas of life as well. A recent study demonstrated that whiplash may contribute to long-term chronic pain in the neck or the neck and back. The most common cause of chronic neck pain was attributed to motor vehicle accidents compared to other causes like lifting or sports injuries.

Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve can occur for several reasons. It could be the sign of a more significant issue like neck arthritis or a herniated disc. However, it could also be the result of muscle and tendon strain caused by repetitive motions or holding a particular position for an extended period. Anything that can put pressure on your nerve can result in this pinched outcome.

You may know that you have a pinched nerve if you are experiencing other symptoms beyond just primary neck pain. When your neck has any of the following symptoms, you should be concerned about a pinched nerve:

• Radiating pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning sensation
• Weakness in the affected area

Rare Conditions

If none of these other situations apply to your neck pain, you may be suffering from one of several rare conditions. These are not unheard of, but they are slightly more unlikely compared to the other leading causes of neck pain:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cancer
• Bone disorders
• Meningitis
• Nerve damage

Understanding the Main Causes of Neck Pain

Understanding the main causes of neck pain is an important step to uncovering a cure. You may be able to identify the specific causes of your neck pain, or it could be the result of a more severe condition.

If you aren’t sure where your neck pain originates from, it is essential to consult with a professional. They can help you to pinpoint the cause and find a solution to your pain. It may be a simple lifestyle adjustment or a more serious intervention complete with chiropractic care. No matter what the cause is, it is imperative that you take all signs of neck pain seriously.