Understanding Neck Pain

Understanding Neck Pain

Neck pain is any pain or discomfort felt in the bones (vertebrae), discs between vertebrae, muscles, joints or nerves of the neck. Some such discomfort, such as soreness, can be accompanied by stiffness, or difficulty moving your neck. Numbness, weakness or tingling in the hand or arm may accompany neck pain with compression of nerves.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Like any body pain, the root cause of neck pain can be as simple as muscle tension or muscle strain. However, there are neck pains rooted in disease or less common causes, some of which are:

How Can You Avoid Neck Pain?

For the typical neck pain causing muscle tension and muscle strain, one can likely look toward simple everyday activities. Monitoring your habits, both at home and at work, can help you identify the likely culprits for your neck pain. Keep an eye out:

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Your Neck Pain?

Some neck pain will go away on its own, but you should be aware that some neck pains combined with other symptoms should be treated as serious. You should seek medical attention immediately if you have:

Even if not an emergency, you should also be aware of when to contact a medical professional if your neck pain is still a concern. Contact your doctor if:

If your neck pain is not severe and does not meet the criteria for immediate or other medical attention, you can also try home care, which can include medicine, ice, heat and other methods.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Dealing with Neuropathic Pain in the Winter

Dealing with Neuropathic Pain in the Winter

Neuropathic pain, or neuropathy, can get much worse as the temperatures get colder. Because your blood flow slows down in your extremities due to cold exposure, you tend to experience more nerve pain. Your feet and hands will most typically be affected as
Neck Pain

Dealing with Unexpected Neck Pain

Neck pain can strike when we least expect it, disrupting our daily routines and limiting movement. From minor discomfort to intense muscle tightness, unexpected neck pain can arise from simple activities like sitting at a desk, sleeping in an awkward...

Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments for CRPS

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition typically affecting the limbs after an injury. While medications can be part of managing CRPS, non-pharmaceutical treatments offer promising ways to reduce symptoms and...
Woman With Neuropathic Pain

Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain to Look Out For

Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic condition caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. Unlike pain that results from an injury or inflammation, neuropathic pain originates from the nerves themselves. It is often misunderstood and...
physical therapy for CRPS

Stress Management and CRPS

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that can significantly disrupt the lives of those affected. It involves intense, prolonged pain, often following an injury or trauma, though its exact cause remains unclear.
woman using a foam roller

Stretches to Help with Strained Chest Muscles

Chest muscle strains are common, whether from intense workouts, poor posture, or sudden movements. When the pectoral muscles are strained, it can lead to discomfort and restrict your range of motion. Stretching is a simple yet effective way to alleviate...