Skip to main content

Neck Pain Cause and Symptoms

Neck pain, medically referred to as cervicalgia, varies in duration, ranging from a few days to several years, contingent on its underlying cause. Typical culprits include physical exertion, improper posture, psychological stress, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, pinched nerves, tumors, and various other health conditions.



What is neck pain (cervicalgia)?

Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, refers to discomfort in or around the spine beneath your head. The cervical spine is another term for your neck. Neck pain is a prevalent symptom associated with various injuries and medical conditions.

Whether it's axial neck pain primarily felt in your neck or radicular neck pain radiating into other areas like your shoulders or arms, it can manifest as acute (lasting from days to six weeks) or chronic (lasting beyond three months).

If left untreated, neck pain can impede your daily activities and diminish your overall quality of life.

The good news is that most causes of neck pain are not typically serious and often respond well to conservative treatments such as pain medication, exercise, and stress management.


What does neck pain feel like?

Neck pain is often characterized by:

  • A persistent ache.
  • A stabbing or burning sensation.
  • A shooting pain that may radiate from the neck to the shoulders or arms.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Headaches.
  • Stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
  • Difficulty turning your neck or tilting your head.
  • Numbness or tingling (pins and needles) in the shoulders or arms.

Who is affected by neck pain?

Neck pain is a prevalent condition, impacting 10% to 20% of adults. It tends to be more common in women and individuals assigned to females at birth. The likelihood of experiencing neck pain increases with age.


Neck pain can stem from various factors, including:

  1. Aging: The natural wear and tear associated with aging can lead to the degeneration of parts of the cervical spine, causing pain. Conditions like osteoarthritis (the breakdown of joint cartilage) and spinal stenosis (the narrowing of spinal spaces) are common culprits. Over time, stress and repetitive movements may weaken spinal disks, resulting in issues like herniated disks or pinched nerves.


  2. Physical Strain: Overusing neck muscles in repetitive or strenuous activities can result in stiffness and pain. Poor posture, weak abdominal muscles, and increased body weight can impact spinal alignment, contributing to neck discomfort. For instance, extended periods of straining the neck to view a computer screen can commonly cause neck pain.


  3. Mental Stress: Tightening neck muscles due to stress can lead to pain and stiffness. Many individuals unconsciously tighten these muscles when stressed or agitated, only realizing it when neck pain occurs.


  4. Injury: Trauma and injuries can harm muscles, ligaments, disks, vertebral joints, and nerve roots in the spinal cord, resulting in neck pain. Whiplash from automobile accidents is a frequent cause of neck pain.


  5. Growths: Masses like tumors, cysts, and bone spurs can exert pressure on nerves in the neck, leading to pain.


  6. Other Health Conditions: Neck pain can serve as a symptom for various health conditions, including meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain types of cancer.

Thank you, 

Dr. Smruti Bhonsle's Pain Management Clinic.

For more information

Contact: +91 99300 56977

Websitehttps://drsmrutipainmanagement.com/index.php

Location:  2003/ Sorrento, High Street, Hiranandani gardens, Powai - 400076.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Psychosomatic Pain and Pain Management In Mumbai

Psychosomatic pain is a condition triggered by heightened stress or mental challenges. The pain begins in the psyche, stemming from issues like depression, anxiety, or varying levels of stress, and then extends to the musculoskeletal system. Despite the term "Psych" suggesting a mental origin, it's crucial to understand that psychosomatic pain is tangible and can be profoundly disabling. While the pain is physically felt, its roots lie in emotions that may be disconnected from conscious awareness. Psychosomatic pain can manifest in various forms, encompassing: Headaches Stomach aches Muscle pain Back pain Treatment of Psychosomatic Pain Treatment for psychosomatic pain typically involves a combination of traditional medical approaches and mental health interventions. Once diagnosed, conventional medical practices often employ a multifaceted treatment plan incorporating antidepressants, psychotherapy, painkillers, and relaxation techniques. Some pain specialists adopt a pr...

Hip Pain Relief at Dr. Smruti Bhonsle's Pain Management Clinic: Regain Mobility, Rediscover Comfort

             Dr. Smruti Bhonsle's Pain Management Clinic is your trusted destination for comprehensive hip pain management . We understand that hip pain can significantly impact your quality of life, and our dedicated team of pain management specialists is committed to helping you find relief and regain your mobility. Understanding Hip Pain Hip pain can arise from various causes, including injuries, arthritis, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Regardless of the cause, it can limit your ability to perform everyday activities and affect your overall well-being. Our Approach to Hip Pain Management Accurate Diagnosis : Our experienced team begins by conducting a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your hip pain . We use advanced diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the source of your discomfort. Personalized Treatment Plans : Once the cause is identified, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs an...

Managing Cancer Pain: A Comprehensive Approach at Dr. Smruti Bhonsle's Pain Management Clinic

Introduction: Cancer is not just a physical ailment—it can bring along a myriad of challenges, including pain that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. At Dr. Smruti Bhonsle's Pain Management Clinic , we recognize the importance of addressing cancer-related pain in a holistic and compassionate manner. In this blog, we shed light on the specialized approach we offer to manage cancer pain and improve the overall well-being of our patients. Understanding Cancer Pain: Cancer pain can result from the disease itself, its treatment, or related complications. The intensity and type of pain can vary, from acute to chronic, and can have a profound impact on a patient's physical, emotional, and social aspects of life. Effective pain management is crucial not only for enhancing the patient's comfort but also for ensuring a better treatment experience. Comprehensive Pain Management: Personalized Assessment:    - Every patient's pain experience is unique, necessita...