Neck pain can be a very common condition, and for most people, a temporary one. Most people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to have neck pain. People most commonly experience neck pain in their 50’s, but there has been a sharp rise in neck pain among children and teens due to what is known as “texting neck.”
Muscle tension and strain are the most common causes of neck pain, usually as a result of poor posture and sitting or sleeping in awkward or improper positions. An instance of this is “texting neck,” the result of looking down at your smartphone or other device too often and for long periods of time.
Neck pain can also be due to injury, such as whiplash, or illness, such as meningitis. Disc degeneration and arthritis can contribute to neck pain as well. In some cases, more serious issues, such as cancer or tumors, are at play.
Neck pain can be aggravated by certain postures, exercises, or activities, and can radiate into the upper back, shoulders, arms, and head. It may be accompanied by stiffness in the neck and muscle spasms that can lead to a decreased ability to turn the head. When due to degenerative changes, there can be neurological symptoms, such as sensory deficits and weakness in related muscles.
While most neck pain will improve with at-home care, treatment will vary based on its cause. For many people exercise, stretches, over-the-counter medication, and hot/cold therapy will provide relief from their neck pain. In other cases, physical therapy, prescription medication, or corticosteroid injections may be required. If illness or infection is the cause of the pain, hospital treatment may be necessary. In rare cases, some patients require surgery to address the underlying condition causing the pain.
Are you ready to take control of your neck pain? Contact the pain experts at Spine Pain Diagnostics Associates to help get you relief.