What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common problem for people of all ages in Henderson. If you experience it, there may be multiple explanations. In most cases, it can be treated with medication or home remedies. However, neck pain in Henderson may require the attention of a doctor. Do not hesitate to seek help if it is severe or does not respond to home remedies. The following are some common causes of neck pain.

1.      Degeneration

The gradual wear and tear of your discs and vertebrae may cause neck pain. It may be a common problem for older adults. Conditions that may cause degeneration include arthritis, cervical disc degeneration, and cervical fractures. They may result in chronic neck pain.

2.      Tumors or Cysts

Tumors and cysts may be rare problems, but they are real. If your cyst or tumor has grown to a certain size, it may start pressing on your nerves, leading to immense pain. Your doctor may rule out the possibility of cysts and tumors using imaging scans.

3.      A Poor Sleeping Position

While it is common to experience some stiffness around your neck when you wake up, you shouldn’t feel any pain. If you do, you may need to change your sleeping position and mattress. Ensure that you have enough head and neck support and use a firm mattress to reduce the likelihood of having a sore neck.

4.      Acute Torticollis

Torticollis is a condition that causes your head to twist to your side. You may have lots of pain when you try to straighten it. The main cause of this condition is unclear. However, doctors suspect that it may be a result of muscle sprains. You may also have torticollis after exposing your neck to cold temperatures for too long. For most people, it occurs suddenly, and the pain may go away in a few days. It may be an indication of infections or tumors.

5.      Stress and Anxiety

If you are stressed, your neck muscles may tighten. After some time, you may have neck pain.

6.      Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common causes of neck pain. It describes injuries where your neck is pushed forward and then back in place very quickly. Even though it is mostly common after car accidents, you may also get whiplash if you take part in sporting activities.

7.      Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is also known as a pinched nerve. You get it when your spinal cord nerves are irritated, leading to pain that goes down to your arm. It may also cause neck pain and other symptoms. They include:

• Numb arms
• Pain and sudden weakness in some parts of your arm
• A feeling of pain and needles in your arms

Even though neck pain is a common problem, you should not ignore it. If the pain persists for long or does not respond to over-the-counter medication, it may be an indication of severe underlying conditions. There are plenty of treatment options for neck pain, and you don’t need to live with the problem.

A wide range of injuries and conditions contribute to neck pain. For example, poor posture is a common cause of neck pain. Your poor posture may be a significant structural spinal deformity issue.

The average American spends more than five hours a day with their head tilted down to look at their phone.

The whole weight of your head pulls on the muscles and connective tissue on the back of your neck, leading to muscle strain and pain. If you have neck pain that lasts for more than 2-4 weeks, or intensifies instead of subsiding, call McNulty Spine for an expert diagnosis.