Neck pain is one of the most common complaints among many individuals. Neck muscles can be strained as a result of poor posture regardless of whether you are leaning over your computer or stooping over your work desk. The most common cause of neck pain is osteoarthritis.
The neck consists of vertebrae which stretch from the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs absorb shocks between the bones. The bones, ligaments, and muscles of the neck play a supportive role by giving the head the needed support thereby allowing easy movement. Neck pain and or stiffness can occur due to abnormalities, inflammations or injuries. In some people, the occurrence of neck pain is occasional. While in some cases, it occurs as a result of poor posture or excessive use. Many people sometimes experience neck pain or stiffness. Sometimes neck can also occur as a result of injury from a fall, sports that involve contact, and or whiplash. Most of the times, neck pain is not serious and can be alleviated in a few days. However, in some cases, neck pain may be an indication of serious injury or illness.
What are the Causes of Neck Pain?
Here are the most common causes of neck pain:
1. Whiplash. Whiplash usually occurs after a car accident in which the car of an individual is hit from behind when it is stationary or slowing down. The head of the person is first thrown back and when the body stops moving, the head is pushed forward. This type of injury can strain the muscles of the neck and result in stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the neck.
The pains that occur as a result of whiplash are usually worse during movement and it may take time before the pains surface. Pain and stiffness in the neck can be followed by muscle spasms, dizziness, headache, nerve pain, and shoulder pain.
2. Muscle strain. Excessive use of the neck muscles which can occur as a result of poor neck position amid daily activities, most especially computer work, this can increase neck muscle strain resulting in neck pain and stiffness. Pain often gets worse with movement and can be accompanied by headaches, muscle spasms, and limited neck movements.
3. Degenerative disc disease. As we age, the soft gelatinous center of the shock-absorbing discs which are found in the spines dries out. This results in narrowing of the discs and reducing the distance between the vertebrae.
4. Herniated disc. In case the tough outer layer of one of the cervical discs tears, this can make the soft gelatinous center to bulge outwards; this is referred to as a herniated disc. Herniated discs can exert pressure on the nerve roots as they leave the spinal cord, this leads to neck pain and also pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms.
Other causes of neck pain include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia among others.
What are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?
The symptoms of neck pain include:
• Pain that is often worsened when you hold your head in one place for a long time, this is common during driving or working on a computer.
• Muscle tightness and spasms.
• Reduced ability to move the head.
• A headache.
Neck Pain Treatment
Treatment for Neck Pain requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your neck. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your neck to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
