Neck pain affects anyone one way or another. The reason behind neck pain differs for every person. Though you feel it in the neck, the problem's origin can be anywhere within the spine. 

Vertebrae make up the neck, and they extend from the head to the upper torso. Together with the muscles and bones, they hold up the head and allow its movements. When the neck suffers from an injury or swells for some reason, the unpleasant outcome is neck pain or stiffness. 

Neck pain is rarely life-threatening and goes away after some self-care or rest. However, some cases are serious and may need medical attention. These cases last longer than a week and are joined by other alarming symptoms. 

List of Neck Pain Causes 

Neck pain may be an indication of an underlying medical condition. Numerous health problems and condition can result in chronic neck pain, including:

• Muscle tension and strain

Some habits and activities we do can lead to muscle strain.

1. 1. Sitting for too long without moving or stretching
   2. Jerking your neck during an exercise
   3. Sleeping in the wrong way
   4. Bad posture 

• Injury

Since the neck is flexible, it is very susceptible to injury or damage. A neck injury may result from sporting accidents, car collisions, trip and falls, or any trauma to the head or neck. If you damage your neck, there is a high chance your spinal cord may suffer as a result.

• Herniated cervical disc

Age-related wear and tear or trauma may cause the spinal discs to slip, placing pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord. 

• Infections

Neck pain that stems from infection may be caused by viral diseases such as mononucleosis and strep throat. Infections of the brain, spinal cord, or any other central nervous system structures may also cause neck pain. 

• Congenital abnormalities

Birth defects, for example, congenital torticollis, can result in neck pain as the head becomes bent soon after birth. 

• Abscesses

Deep neck infections, or neck abscesses, are the buildup of pus in spaces between parts of the neck due to infection. 

• Spondylosis

In simple terms, spinal degeneration. It brings on pain in the neck and low back. Another name for it is spinal arthritis.

• Osteoporosis

This pertains to the deterioration of the bones in the neck, causing small cracks. 

• Rheumatoid arthritis

It is an inflammatory condition that can harm the joints and cause bone spurs in the neck region. This disease is extremely painful.

• Spinal stenosis

This is the narrowing of the spinal column, which leads to pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord.

• Fibromyalgia

It is a chronic pain illness that causes muscle tenderness and pain throughout the body, such as the neck. 

• Meningitis

This illness is due to inflammation of the thin tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Stiff neck and fever are some of its symptoms. This is considered a critical illness that needs medical attention straight away. 

• Heart attack

Neck pain can be a sign of a heart attack. However, it is not the only symptom. It should involve these signs as well:

1. 1. Shortness of breath
   2. Sweating
   3. Nausea
   4. Vomiting
   5. Jaw or arm pain

• Spinal cancer

Due to the tumor existing in the spinal column and pressing against the sensitive nerve endings, cancer of the spin causes severe pain. The pain affects the back and may extend to the neck, legs, and arms.

• Tumors

Cells grow abnormally in various areas of the body, such as in the neck. Neck pain and lumps are signs of tumors.

Self-Care for Neck Pain

Neck pain can be very inconvenient and should be taken care of. Some of the methods to ease your neck stiffness or pain are easy to do, even just at home. Here’s a quick list of what to do if your neck pain is bugging you more than it should:

• • Massage your neck to reduce the pain.
  • Rest for a couple of days, and stop activities that can make the pain even worse, such as heavy lifting and sports.
  • Apply some ice on the affected area of your neck for the first three days. On the fourth day, apply a hot compress. 
  • Exercise your neck gradually. One way to do it is by stretching your head to one side, then the other, or move it up and down.
  • Maintain good posture all the time.
  • Use a pillow that supports your neck while sleeping.
  • Don’t sit for an extended period. Take breaks, move, and switch positions regularly. 

• Never use a neck brace without a doctor’s approval. It can do more harm than good for your neck.
• Don’t cradle your phone between your ear and shoulder.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Lasting Neck Pain Relief

Chronic neck pain can originate from a misalignment of the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine. If the C1 and C2 bones misalign from their position due to an accident or injury, they can cause neck pain.

Upper cervical misalignment puts the brainstem under stress, which brings on an undesirable outcome. Miscommunication between the brain and body may begin to happen. Over time, it can lead to neck pain and more severe conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, etc. 

We utilize upper cervical chiropractic, a form of care that locates misalignments and correct them. The bones can return to proper alignment through this very gentle approach, leading to lasting neck pain relief. Browse for an upper cervical chiropractor in your city to help with your neck pain.

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