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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Growths: Masses like tumors, cysts, and bone spurs can exert pressure on nerves in the neck, leading to pain.
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
Website: https://drsmrutipainmanagement.com/index.php
Location: 2003/ Sorrento, High Street, Hiranandani gardens, Powai - 400076.
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