Top 5 Neck Pain Causes
Have you ever heard the phrase ‘You’re a pain in my neck?’ If so, and you find yourself saying it here and there, then you must know how frustrating neck pain can be. To call someone a ‘pain in your neck’ means to call them the worst muscle strain of all.
Neck pain occurs around the bones and muscles that support your head. Specifically, this pain is centered near your spine. One in three people will get neck pain, with most of them being women. Neck pain is so common that it is usually dismissed as a remedial muscle issue.
However, if you’re someone that cannot begin your day because of that nagging pain, then keep reading to learn more about your condition.
We’re here to help! Learn about the top 5 neck pain causes, as well as common neck strain exercises to help and when it can become more serious.
Top 5 Neck Pain Causes
Neck pain can range from being a simple muscle tension to signs of a serious condition. Luckily for you, most neck pain isn’t dire enough for an emergency.
1. Muscle Strain
Did you sleep oddly last night? Are you slouching at a desk as you read this? Or maybe you’re looking down at your phone instead, bending your neck in a way that can certainly cause neck pain.
The most common cause of neck pain is muscle strain. Tilting or bending your body in uncomfortable positions will leave you with neck tension. Sleeping, texting, or even gritting your teeth can result in neck pain.
Treat your body with care! Make sure you are giving your muscles space to stretch and breathe. You’ll be thankful for this advice in the long run.
2. Injury
Trauma to your neck can be another cause of neck pain. This isn’t as simple as muscle strain. Trauma usually means there is actual damage to your body, such as hurting your carotid or vertebral arteries.
Neck injuries usually come with headaches, dizziness, and numbness; this can lead to a general loss of consciousness. You will know right away if you have a neck injury over a neck strain. You can feel pain radiating throughout your body from a neck injury, while a neck strain may just be a nagging tension.
3. Age
The older you get, the older your body becomes. Degenerative conditions can lead to neck pain because your body is lacking support. This type of neck pain can be harder to treat; you can’t exactly reverse your age.
Thankfully, there are pain specialists who can help you figure out the best way to navigate chronic neck pain. By investigating the cause of your pain, we create innovative ways to treat it with the least amount of risk! We prioritize you living your life pain-free at all costs.
4. Stress
Stress is a hidden enemy that not many people pay attention to. But if you find yourself stressing for a few days and suddenly have jarring neck pain, your mental state may be the cause.
Stress can cause you to tighten your neck muscles without realizing it. This pressure results in stiffness; it’s often coupled with a stress headache. Keep reading to learn about some common neck exercises that will help destress you naturally.
5. Serious Conditions, such as Meningitis or Heart Attack
Though rare, it is important to know that your neck pain could be a sign of something more serious. Meningitis is an infection of the protective lining around your brain and spine. This will cause a pounding in your neck and a fever.
Pain usually radiates throughout your arms, legs, and neck during a heart attack. You will have a squeezing sensation coupled with intense pressure. This is more than just neck pain. Keep an eye out on where your pain is radiating from and whether it is affecting other parts of your body.
When Is Neck Pain an Emergency?
An emergency is needed when you aren’t just having neck pain. Neck pain is not supposed to go further than muscle tension. For example, if you’re dizzy, have a fever, or have pain in other body parts – then you may want to visit a doctor.
How To Prevent Muscle Strain?
Neck pain isn’t a fun experience. It’s in your best interest to learn these few tips to avoid muscle strain.
- Have good posture. Your spine correlates with your neck; straighten it to prevent future neck tension.
- Sleep in proper positions. Always make sure your neck isn’t bent awkwardly, or you’ll be waking up to a world of pain.
- Stretch. Take a break! Staying still will cause your neck to be stiff.
A Few Neck Strain Exercises to Help
If you’re suffering from neck tension, try out these small exercises. Most neck pain is from stiffness and strain; exercising your neck will loosen this tension and allow for healing to take place.
- Sit upright, turn to the right, and hold for 15 seconds. Repeat on the left side.
- Look straight, tilt your head to the right, and hold for 15 seconds. Repeat.
- Look straight, bend your head forward, and hold for 15 seconds.
Don’t feel like these exercises are helping? Take a look at the few treatments we offer. We can help you no matter what condition you are struggling with. Pain relief is our specialty.
Take Care of Yourself With Our Help Today!
The most common neck pain causes can still be a hassle to deal with. Muscle strain can have you on bed rest for days; it isn’t easy!
No one enjoys being a pain in the neck, so you shouldn’t enjoy having one either. When neck pain exercises start to fail, book an appointment so we can help you mend the pain.
