Depending on “What are the reasons of neck pain,” neck pain might persist for days to years.
Neck stiffness, cervicalgia, whiplash, and stiff neck are alternative names for neck pain. Neck pain is a pain in or around the spine beneath your head, termed the cervical spine. Your neck is typically left unprotected and vulnerable to injury due to its location and range of motion. (1)
The cervical spine, which supports your head, is made up of seven vertebral bones and is positioned in your neck and upper back. These bones are divided by vertebral discs and are supported by a network of muscles and ligaments (connective tissue). Neck tissues, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles can all be affected by a variety of illnesses or diseases, which can cause neck pain.
Neck pain can be axial (confined primarily to the neck) or radicular (extending towards shoulders or arms). A headache, as well as tingling or numbness in one or both arms, may follow it. (2)
What are the reasons of neck pain
There are numerous potential reasons for neck pain. These consist of:
- Habitually incorrect or poor posture: This includes sleeping in an uncomfortable position, hunching over a desk for long periods of time, watching TV or reading while hunched over, and the keyboard or computer monitor placed incorrectly in relation to the body. All of these activities can lead to pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder regions, as well as occasional headaches.
- Ageing: Neck pain can develop as you become older as a result of degenerative disorders including osteoarthritis (the wearing down of joint cartilage) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the gaps in the spine).
- Osteochondrosis: Small bone growths (spurs) may occur along the borders of the vertebral bodies (the front part of the bones in the spine), and the spinal discs may flatten out. This condition is known as osteochondrosis.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a violent, quick back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the cracking of a whip. The neck moves quickly and unnaturally, which causes the muscles and ligaments to constrict and tighten. As a result, there will be pain and stiffness from muscle fatigue. Whiplash is most frequently brought on by car accidents, although it can also be brought on by traumas like falls or sports accidents.
- Cervical disc herniation: A cervical spine disc that bulges or leaks from the disc space, and may irritate or inflame the nearby joints, muscles, or nerve roots. Neurological pain in the shoulders and arms, as well as mild to moderate pain and stiffness in the neck, are typical effects of cervical disc herniation.
- Mental stress: Tension usually tightens the muscles in the neck, resulting in stiffness and pain in the neck.
- Physical strain: Using your neck muscles excessively while doing repetitive motions or physically demanding activities, carrying a bulky handbag or shoulder bag, twisting and turning your neck in an unnatural way while doing a workout, moving objects too rapidly, or raising them with bad posture can all cause stiffness and pain.
- Genetic and Congenital Conditions: Spina bifida is an illustration of a congenital spine disorder. Another example of a genetic spinal disorder is Scheuermann’s kyphosis, a deformity that certain teenagers have.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the fragile tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord is known as meningitis. Individuals with meningitis may experience neck stiffness, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and fever.
Other Reasons include:
- Fibromyalgia: Muscle soreness all over the body, particularly in the neck and shoulder area, are symptoms of fibromyalgia.
- Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases the risk of minor fractures or collapsed vertebrae, both of which can result in neck pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Bone spurs, joint swelling, and pain are all symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Neck pain can result if they occur in the neck area.
Preventive measures:
- When talking on the phone, wear an earpiece. Stop placing the phone between your shoulder and ear.
- Avoid spending too much time staring down at a phone or tablet. When feasible, hold the device at eye level, and take frequent pauses.
- Employ good ergonomics at work. Keep the screen at eye level, feet flat on the floor, and arms supported. Keep your head level with your neck and avoid cocking it forward.
- Be cautious when transporting baggage. The shoulder and neck muscles might become strained when carrying a large handbag or briefcase. When possible, use rolling bags or backpacks.
- Rest intervals. Long durations of sitting or driving can strain the neck. At least once per hour, stand up, take a walk, and stretch.
- Make an investment in a pillow and mattress of superior quality that offers the right level of support.
- Participate regularly in stress-relieving activities. For instance, you could unwind by taking a bath, listening to soothing music, meditating, or breathing deeply, or participating in a class or a hobby you enjoy.
Treatment:
- After a mild strain, applying an ice pack can help reduce inflammation and swelling since a cold can temporarily decrease pain. During the first 48 hours after an injury, when swelling is most noticeable, this treatment is typically at its most effective. To avoid frostbite, use a first-aid ice pack or wrap a bag of ice or frozen peas with a napkin. With 20 to 30-minute breaks, apply the ice for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Exercise regularly. Muscle tension and tightness can be relieved by moving the body. Exercise is another effective way to reduce stress.
- Walking, swimming, riding, or yoga are examples of low-impact exercises that may be beneficial.
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