Fact Checked
Overview Of Neck Pain
- Neck pain can happen anywhere in your neck, including the base of your head to the upper part of your shoulders.
- It can restrict your ability to move your head and neck.
- Neck pain is usually experienced in individuals older than 50.
Causes Of Neck Pain
- Usually neck pain is caused by actions that place tension on the neck and muscles.
- Slumping, painting your walls, or sleeping with your neck bent are some things that can lead to neck pain.
- These types of activities can result in neck tension, a sprain, or a contraction to the muscles in the neck.
An injury can also be the cause of neck pain. Falling from a high distance or the impact from a car accident can lead to neck pain. Some less frequent medical complications can also result in neck pain, such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Constricting of the spinal canal in the neck.
- A neck infection.
Symptoms Of Neck Pain
- You might feel a lump, stiffness, or serious pain in your neck.
- The pain might branch out to your arms, upper back, or shoulders. This could lead to a headache. You might not be able to turn your neck or head easily.
- If there is strain on a spinal nerve, you may have pain that moves down your arm.
- You might also have lack of feeling, stinging, or weakness in your arm.
- If your neck pain is on-going (chronic), you might have trouble handling daily life. Expected side effects of chronic pain include exhaustion, depression, and nervousness.
Treatment Of Neck Pain
For neck pain that happens unexpectedly:
- Anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen can also help alleviate pain.
- Avoid further injury to your neck by varying activities and routines, like changing your sitting or sleeping position.