THIS POST IS PART OF THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BACK PAIN RELIEF
Your neck is exposed to injury and disorders that cause significant pain because it not only supports the weight of your head but also goes through a significant amount of motion each day.
Read on to learn the common causes of neck pain and how to get the relief you need.
Anatomy
Your neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin in the upper torso and end at the base of your skull. The vertebrae, ligaments and muscles provide stability to the spine.
What is the cause of neck pain?
Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues, such as the muscles, ligaments and nerves; however, the bones and discs of the spine can also cause pain.
Most commonly, it is caused by soft-tissue abnormalities due to injury such as a neck sprain or from prolonged wear and tear. In rare cases, infection or tumors may cause neck pain. Additionally neck pain may also be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders or arms.
Because the neck is so flexible it is prone to injuries in car accidents, contact sports and sudden falls. These accidents can cause neck hyperextension (a backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits) or hyperflexion (a forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits) which both cause neck pain.
A neck sprain or tear can also occur in one or more of the soft tissues in the neck.
Cervical disc degeneration, also called spondylosis, can also be a source of neck pain. This happens when the normal gelatin-like center of the disc degenerates and the space between the vertebrae narrows. This causes further wear and degenerative disease.
The cervical disc may also put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots when the rim of the disc weakens, called herniated cervical disc. Severe neck injuries with a fracture or dislocation may damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
- Pain in the neck that worsens with movement
- Muscle spasms and pain in the shoulder
- Headaches
- Numbness in the arm or hand
- Neck stiffness and decreased range of motion
- Tingling or weakness in the arms
How do you get relief from neck pain?
If severe neck pain occurs after an accident a trained professional should immediately immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury. Immediate care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ORTHOINDY SPINE SURGEON
For many people, pain is a temporary condition that disappears with time. If you have not experienced an extreme injury, you should seek neck pain relief when pain is:
- Severe
- Persistent
- Accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling or weakness
To determine why you are experiencing pain, your physician will ask you for a complete medical history, have you describe symptoms, and conduct a physical examination. An X-ray or MRI is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis
Learn more about treatment options for neck and back pain at OrthoIndy.
Schedule an appointment
Your well-being is important to us. Schedule online or call us to set up an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists.
If your injury or condition is recent, you can walk right into one of our OrthoIndy Urgent Care locations for immediate care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists.
Get the Ultimate Guide to Back Pain Relief
Our comprehensive guide will help you understand back pain and its different causes, like sciatica, herniated disk, scoliosis, pinched nerves and more.
