NECK PAIN SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

The neck is a remarkable region of the human body that performs a challenging task, supporting the weight of the head comparable in weight to a bowling ball throughout the day. Comprising of a series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the upper torso, the neck is cushioned by cervical discs that absorb shock between the bones.


The bones, ligaments, and muscles of the neck work collaboratively to provide support for the head, as well as enabling a wide range of motion. Moreover, the spinal column, which runs through the neck, safeguards the spinal cord and serves as the central structure linking the network of nerves throughout the body.

The nervous system runs through the neck, facilitating the transmission of messages to the brain and allowing for the perception of sensations like pain. However, abnormalities, inflammation, or injury in the neck region can cause pain or stiffness. Neck pain is a common concern that can arise from various sources, including muscle strain resulting from poor posture and lifestyle habits, such as spending prolonged periods leaning over a computer or mobile phone, or hunching over a workbench.

    Signs and Symptoms Include:

        • Pain That’s Often Worsened by Holding Your Head in One Place for Long Periods, Such as When Driving or Working at a Computer
        • Muscle Tightness and Spasms
        • Decreased Ability to Move Your Head
        • Headache
        • Numbness

CAUSES

Given that the neck is a highly flexible and weight-bearing part of the body, it can be vulnerable to injuries and medical conditions that result in pain and restricted motion. Some potential causes of neck pain are as follows:

    Injuries

        Contact Sports/Rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash injury, which occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.

    Nerve Compression

        Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.

    Muscle Strains

        Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over your computer or smartphone, often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things, such as reading in bed or gritting your teeth due to anxiety and stress, can strain neck muscles.

    Worn Joints

        Just like the other joints in your body, your neck joints tend to wear down with age. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then forms bone spurs that affect joint motion and cause pain.

    Diseases

        Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer, can cause neck pain.

    Pain and Stiffness

        • You may feel pain in the middle or on either side of your neck, but it may also extend to the shoulder or to the upper chest.
        • You may have pain or weakness in your arms.
        • You may have tension headaches, where the pain can travel to the back of your head and sometimes into your ear or behind your eye.
        • It may be painful to move your neck and your muscles may feel tight, especially if you’ve been sitting or sleeping in one position for a long time.
        • You may notice that your neck won’t turn as far as it normally does, for example when you try to look over your shoulder while reversing the car.

    Numbness or Tingling

        A nerve can become pinched when the muscles, bones or tissues surrounding it apply too much pressure. As a result, you may feel numbness, pins and needles or a tingling sensation that can be felt down your arm, sometimes right down to your fingers.

    Clicking and Grating Noises

        You may hear or feel clicking or grating as you move your head. This is called crepitus, and it can be caused by air bubbles popping, or tissues and bones moving over each other, in the joint. Other joints often do this too, but noises from your neck usually seem louder because they’re happening closer to your ears. You may also find they’re more noticeable at night.

    Muscle Spasms

        Muscle spasms are the sudden stiffening of a muscle or groups of muscles in your body. Often there is no known cause and they can be very unpleasant. When it occurs in the neck it usually causes pain and stiffness down one side, which can make it difficult to turn your head.

    Other Symptoms

        If you have long-lasting neck pain and stiffness, particularly if your sleep is disturbed, then you may feel very tired and, not surprisingly, you may start to feel rather down or low in mood.

PREVENTION

The majority of neck pain is linked to poor posture and the natural wear and tear that occurs with advancing age. To reduce the risk of developing neck pain, it is advisable to maintain proper alignment of the head over the spine. This can be achieved by implementing minor adjustments in one's daily routine, which would be beneficial in the long-run.

    Consider Trying To:

        • Use good posture. When standing and sitting, be sure your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips and your ears are directly over your shoulders.
        • Take frequent breaks. If you travel long distances or work long hours at your computer, get up, move around and stretch your neck and shoulders. Be mindful and aware of your lifestyle and habits that create repetitive motion.
        • Adjust your desk, chair and computer so that the monitor is at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair’s armrests.
        • Avoid tucking the neck out during exercises such as crunches and pull ups.
        • Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk. Use a headset or speakerphone instead.
        • Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder. The weight can strain your neck.
        • Sleep in a good position. Your head and neck should be aligned with your body. Use a small pillow under your neck. Try sleeping on your back with your thighs elevated on pillows, which will flatten your spinal muscles.

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