What causes pain in your neck?
There are several causes of both acute as well as chronic neck pain. Different medical issues and injuries that can cause neck pain include:
- Aging – As we age, degenerative changes occur in the bones and cartilages of the body. This wearing and tearing of the bones with age is called osteoporosis. It can be a leading cause of neck pain as well as other musculoskeletal pains in the
If left untreated, It weakens the bones overtime and can lead to small fractures (in the hands and knees), and worsening of pain and stiffness in the neck.
- Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (the wearing down of joint cartilage) can lead to neck pain and Over time, these degenerative changes cause reduced range of motion. Stress and motion over joints with arthritis can lead to pinched nerves, spinal disc degeneration, or a herniated disc – all causes of chronic and debilitating neck pain.
- Injury – Injury is one of the most common causes of neck pain. Trauma from sudden and forceful movement of the head and neck (whiplash) constitutes for more than 10% of neck injuries around the Traumatic injuries can affect muscles, ligaments, vertebral joints, discs, and nerve roots in the neck and may cause severe pain and soreness in the neck.
- Physical strain – Strenuous activities and repetitive motions on the neck joints put physical strain on the neck muscles and cause chronic neck pain and
- Conditions that affect spinal balance – Weak abdominal muscles, being overweight, wrong posture (poor computer/keyboard/chair positioning), and sitting for long periods of time can all affect the posture of the cervical spine and contribute to neck
- Fibromyalgia – It is a medical condition that affects musculoskeletal system and causes pain in the neck and shoulder
- Cervical disc herniation – This can result from a trauma or A herniated disc may put pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord. Also known as a ruptured or slipped disc, cervical disc herniation is a common cause of neck pain and stiffness.
- Spinal stenosis – Stenosis or narrowing of the spinal column puts pressure on the spinal cord and contributes to neck This can develop secondary to arthritis or other forms of long-term inflammation in the cervical spine.
Muscle strain, poor posture, a medical condition, and trauma are some of the common causes of neck pain and soreness. In most of these cases, your neck pain should go away with rest, practicing good posture, home remedies, and over the counter painkillers. Make an appointment with your doctor, physiotherapist, or chiropractor if your neck pain is not improving despite these home treatments.
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