Everyone experiences neck pain at some point in their life. It could be due to poor posture or sleeping in an awkward position. Maybe you spend too many hours at your desk—the hunch is causing pain, too. It may be a mild inconvenience at this point, but sometimes, it may not go away and rear its head down the road.
This holds true for many individuals. Do you also experience pain that won’t go away quickly? You need to meet an experienced neck doctor. Something serious may be causing all this pain.
Now that you are here let us share how you can prevent and manage neck pain. Don’t forget to read till the end to find out what it takes. You may need a neck pain specialist doctor.
What Causes Neck Pain? Let’s Find Out!
Most neck pain falls under the “mechanical” pain category, which is caused by how we move, sit, sleep, or hold our bodies. Let’s take a look at some of the causes that you should know of:
- Your posture is incorrect: Sitting at a desk all day or hunching over a smartphone can strain the muscles in your neck. This is often called “tech neck” because it is common among people who spend hours on their phones, tablets, or computers.
- The sleeping position is faulty: If you wake up with a stiff neck, your sleeping position or pillow may be to blame. Sleeping on your stomach can twist your neck awkwardly, leading to discomfort. The wrong pillow can also leave your neck unsupported, causing strain.
- The stress in your mind: Emotional stress often manifests physically; neck pain is a common example. When stressed, we tend to tense our muscles, particularly around the neck and shoulders, leading to soreness or stiffness.
- Did you do a sudden movement?: Quick jerks or awkward movements, such as turning your head too fast or lifting something heavy incorrectly, can strain the muscles in your neck, leading to pain.
In most cases, this type of neck pain will go away independently with rest, over-the-counter pain relief, and gentle stretching. But what happens when it doesn’t?
When Should You Get Worried About Your Neck Pain?
Sometimes, neck pain isn’t just a result of muscle strain or poor posture. Persistent or severe neck pain could indicate something more serious going on. Here are a few red flags that should prompt you to seek medical advice:
- Persistent pain that causes a lot of discomfort: Your neck pain has been present for several days. It could be something more than a simple muscle strain. There may be an underlying issue that needs immediate attention.
- The pain is spreading all over your body: If neck pain spreads to your shoulders, arms, or even your back, it might be a pinched nerve or a herniated disc. This happens when the soft material between the bones in your spine pushes out and bothers the nearby nerves.
- The tingling sensation: Neck pain with tingling, severe weakness, or a numb feeling in your arms or hands should not be ignored. These are signs that nerves may be compressed or irritated, possibly due to a spinal issue.
- Vision Problems and Severe Headaches: If your neck pain is accompanied by frequent headaches, dizziness, or vision issues, it could be linked to nerve or blood flow problems in your neck. In a few cases, it might also signal a more serious condition, such as a concussion.
- Moving Has Become Painful: If turning your head becomes quite painful or discomforting, or if you notice any stiffness that limits your range of motion, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a healthcare professional. Make sure you do not put too much stress.
Is It Something Lethal?
Wait a minute! If you are experiencing persistent pain, it could be something serious or lethal. Let’s look at some potential health conditions that may be causing severe neck pain:
- Cervical Disc Issues: The discs in your cervical spine (the area of your spine in your neck) act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae). As we grow older, these discs can become worn out or damaged, leading to issues such as degenerative disc disease or herniated discs. These can cause long-lasting pain, muscle stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Neck Injury or Whiplash: A neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful head movement, often during car accidents or certain sports. Although symptoms may not appear immediately, whiplash can cause neck pain and stiffness.
- Infections/Tumors: Though rare, neck pain can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as tumors or infections in the spine. In case you are experiencing weight loss, which is rapid or fever and neck pain, it is a must to seek medical attention and advice from a professional.
Final Thoughts
Some think their neck pain will disappear after a few minutes, hours, or weeks. However, it is important to watch out for the signs, whether you have a few or many. Even one or two signs will warn that something might be wrong with your neck. Maybe there is a serious or lethal condition. Don’t let the neck pain become a big issue later on!
