There are more than just a few causes of neck related pain, and depending on the diagnosis, a number of different treatments available. Neck pain – also referred to as cervical pain – is a common medical condition and is characterised by a number of symptoms. These include stiffness, spasms, headaches and other discomfort that is isolated between the shoulders and chin. Increasing your awareness of the causes of neck pain will allow you to avoid activities or behaviours that put you at risk. To that end, here are the most common causes of neck pain.
Whiplash from Motor Accidents
Whiplash can cause mild to severe neck pain and CCI and is most often the result of a motor vehicle accident. The sudden movement in a collision can cause the muscles and tissue in the neck to move beyond their normal capabilities, leading to prolonged neck pain and sensitivity. While most people recover with time, it whiplash injuries can often have long lasting implications. If you suffer from whiplash due to a motor vehicle accident, the legal specialist at a firm like Sinnamon Lawyers (see this URL) can assist victims and provide advice on the best course of action to take.
Muscle Strain and Prolonged Postures
Many experience discomfort in the neck resulting from muscle strain during day-to-day activities. Incorrect or overuse of neck muscles, strains from work related activities, poor ergonomics, and uncomfortable sleeping or sitting postures – all of these situations can cause straining of the neck muscles and result in pain. These muscle strains are often accompanied by stiffness, headaches and even nerve pain, but they can usually be treated by a neck pain treatment.
Cervical spondylosis (Neck Arthritis)
Similar to other forms of arthritis, cervical spondylosis is caused as result of general wear and tear of the cartilage and bones in the upper spine. Over time this can result in bone spurs – the degeneration of protective cartilage causes bones to come into contact with each other, painfully pinching the nerves. Sufferers of cervical osteoarthritis may be recommended physical therapy, pain medications, and occasionally surgery.
Viral Infections and Illnesses
Common viral infections of the throat can also result in neck pain. The cause is often swelling of the lymph nodes. Most swollen lymph nodes can be treated with medications and rest. In rare cases, the infections causing swollen lymph nodes will also produce other serious symptoms like vomiting, fever and headache. If you have these symptoms, a doctor should examine you.
Other Considerations
These are the major causes of neck pain. There may be other conditions that can cause mild, medium or chronic neck pain. Other causes that may be worth investigating for those suffering from consistent neck pain include spinal degeneration, fibromyalgia or herniated or bulging discs.
Treatment will vary based on the recommendations of medical professionals and the exact site of the pain but may involve joint mobilisation exercises, chiropractic and physiotherapy, pain relief medications, and in some cases surgery. You may also need to make lifestyle changes – for example, a doctor may recommend you upgrade your current mattress to the Best Mattress Australia (or wherever you are) that will encourage you to sleep in a way that minimizes the pressure and pain on your neck.
Have you or someone close to you suffered from severe neck pain? What caused the pain in your circumstance? Was there any treatment that was helpful? Share your experiences with others below.
