Neck Muscle Pain – Overview, Causes & Symptoms
Neck muscle pain can impede your daily activities and increase your risks of severe health issues. The sad news is that you are likely to experience neck pain at some point. Usually, the pain might go away on its own. However, it can lead to severe health issues and require immediate doctor’s care in some cases.
Here is your guide to neck muscle pain, including the causes and how to deal with it.
Neck Muscle Pain Overview
Your neck does a good job protecting nerves that transmit vital motor and sensory information. It also supports the weight of your head and allows it to move in different directions. The neck consists of vertebrae that run from the upper torso to the skull to perform these vital functions.
The neck also contains cervical discs that absorb shock between the bones. It also consists of ligaments and muscles that facilitate movement. Most times, neck muscle pain occurs due to abnormalities, injuries, or inflammation. Most individuals experience neck pain due to overuse, injury from sports or a fall, and poor posture.
Causes of Neck Muscle Pain
Unfortunately, your neck is susceptible to injuries, abnormalities, and inflammation. Here are the common causes of neck muscle pain.
Injuries
Your neck is susceptible to injuries due to falls, sports, and auto accidents. Injuries can force the ligaments and muscles in your neck to stretch beyond the normal range. Moreover, injuries can also fracture your neck bones and spinal cord. One of the prevalent neck injuries is whiplash, which occurs when your head is jerked forward and suddenly.
Muscle Strain and Tension
Muscle strain and tension due to poor posture, sudden jerking of the head, and placing the neck in a weird position while sleeping can also cause neck pain. Also, sitting in one position for too long can cause neck muscle pain.
Ailments
Diseases like meningitis, cancer, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis are also common causes of neck muscle pain.
Worn Joints
Your neck joints are also vulnerable to normal wear and tear. The cartilage will not offer adequate protection when this happens, causing pain and hindering movement. Worn Joints can also cause nerve compressions, leading to neck muscle pain.
Neck Muscle Pain Symptoms
Neck muscle pain symptoms vary from one individual to another. The symptoms can vary from nagging to extreme pain. Usually, turning your neck in a particular direction can cause severe pain. The amount of discomfort you are experiencing can impede your lifestyle.
When to Visit Your Doctor
It is best to see a certified doctor right away if the symptoms persist. It is also essential to visit your doctor if you experience:
- Headache
- Fever
- Severe pain
- Lump in the neck
- Nausea
- General weakness
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Swollen glands
- Numbness
- Trouble moving your arms
- Bowel dysfunction
- Tingling
- Car accident
- Fall
It is advisable to visit a premier injury care clinic for specialized treatment. An injury care clinic offers multidisciplinary care and strives to help each patient get back to their everyday lives.
You can count on our team at La Clínica for all your neck muscle pain care needs.