Anyone can develop neck pain regardless of age; if left untreated, it can impact your daily life. It can cause discomfort and limit mobility, making performing routine activities such as working, exercising, or even sleeping difficult. Memorial Area neck pain can also trigger headaches, shoulder pain, and arm numbness, making it difficult to focus on tasks and reducing your quality of life. In severe cases, chronic neck pain can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs due to the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your joints, resulting in bones rubbing against each other. This grinding can lead to bone spurs and inflammation in the affected joints. As the condition progresses, your neck joints can become stiff and painful, making it difficult to move the neck and perform daily activities. The pain may be more severe in the morning or after long periods of inactivity and can be exacerbated by certain movements or positions.
- Muscle strain or sprain
Muscle strain or sprain can occur due to overuse or injury of the neck muscles, often from repetitive strain. Muscle strain is often due to overstretching or tearing of the muscles, while a sprain is an injury involving the ligaments that connect bones. Your neck consists of a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your head and allow movement. When these structures are damaged or injured, they can cause pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion.
- Herniated disc
The cervical spine (neck) discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and absorb shock when the spine is in motion. When a disc herniates, it means that the soft inner material of the disc protrudes out through the outer layer and presses against a nerve, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in your neck. A herniated disc in the neck can occur due to wear and tear injury or degenerative disc disease. In severe cases, a herniated disc in the neck can cause difficulty with coordination, balance, or bladder control.
- Poor posture
Poor posture is one of the prevalent causes of neck pain, especially in today’s society, where people spend long hours hunched over their computers or mobile devices. It can lead to a forward head posture, where your head is positioned forward of your shoulders, causing strain on the neck muscles and joints. This position puts your neck muscles in a prolonged state of tension, leading to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and pain. Over time, poor posture can also cause degenerative changes in your neck joints, exacerbating neck pain.
- Trauma
Traumatic injuries to your neck can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and bones in the neck area. The severity of the injury can range from mild strains to severe fractures. Whiplash is one of the traumatic injuries that can result in neck pain. This sudden movement can cause damage to the soft tissues in your neck.
If you are looking for long-term relief from neck pain, call the Expert Pain office or book an appointment online.
