With an aching neck being so distracting, it’s no wonder people use the phrase “pain in the neck” regularly. After all, no one enjoys a sore neck. If you are currently struggling with neck pain, then you are going to need some relief.
What is Neck Pain?
Neck pain stems from muscles, ligaments, joints, and tendons within the neck. Since your neck is made of cervical vertebrae, it can be susceptible to spinal issues as well. Any inflammation, injury, or abnormalities within the neck are going to be difficult to disregard, because your neck is needed to support your skull and help with twisting, turning, and seeing.
Most people will experience neck pain as a result of tense muscles or strain. In some cases, neck pain is caused by a serious medical condition and requires medical attention.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Finding relief for your neck pain begins with figuring out why you have it to begin with. Neck pain happens for a number of reasons, including:
Muscle Tension or Strain
The muscles within the neck can be strained by maintaining poor posture for long hours; sitting too long without changing position; sleeping in a poor position; swift movements or jerking during physical activity.
Heart Attack
Pain in the neck can also be indicative of a heart attack when partnered with symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Jaw or arm pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
Injury
The ligaments and muscles within the neck can be injured if the neck is moved beyond its normal range or motion or jerked too rapidly. An example would be whiplash from a car accident.
Spinal Issues
As a part of the spine, the neck can be affected by issues related to spinal health. Osteoporosis, for instance, can affect the hands, knees, and even the neck. Other spinal disorders like a spondylosis, or osteoarthritis in the neck, will affect the cervical joints. Then there are things like herniated cervical discs and spinal stenosis that can cause pressure and pain in the neck.
Other Causes
Although less common, medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia may affect the neck.
There are also some health concerns, like infections, tumors, abscesses, and cancers that can cause neck pain.
How Can I Remedy Neck Pain?
If you find that your neck pain has become unbearable, you will probably look for help. That may include visiting a doctor to see what is wrong. If your neck pain is caused by an injury, you may have to undergo tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans, and blood tests. Once the reason beyond your neck pain has been discovered, you will get advice on how to care for your neck pain.
At-home relief is possible. You may be given pain medication and neck collar and directed to do light stretching, exercise, and ice and heat therapy.
Another great way to remedy neck pain is to visit the chiropractor. A gentle manipulation of the muscles in the neck and spine can help relieve some of the pain that you are feeling. The chiropractor can also help you work on your posture, if that is the cause.
Final Thoughts
Neck pain is common but unwelcome, because it really makes everything hurt more. Though the pain is easy to manage, you may need to visit a doctor or chiropractor for more information if the pain does not subside with massage, ice and heat therapy, and light stretching.
