Causes of
Neck Pain
Some
causes of Neck Pain
Injury and accidents : Whiplash is a common injury sustained during an automobile accident. In this the head moves forcefully and rapidly backward and/or forward beyond the neck’s normal range of motion. This affects the muscles and ligaments in the neck which react by tightening and contracting, resulting in pain and stiffness in the neck.
Degenrative conditions (cervical spondylitis) : The degenerative process may begin in any of the joints in the cervical spine. When intervertebral disc is affected, the disc narrows and the normal movement of that part of the spine is altered. The adjacent joints are subjected to abnormal forces and pressures leading to degenerative arthritis like
spondylitis. There are several symptoms that may indicate the presence of spondylitis in the cervical spine, including neck pain, pain around the back of the shoulder blades arm complaints (pain, numbness or weakness), and rarely difficulty in using the hand.
Other factors : Poor posture, obesity, and weak abdominal muscles disrupt the spine’s balance, often causing the neck to bend forward. Stress and emotional tension can also cause muscles in tighten and contract resulting in pain and stiffness.
Other disease processes : Although neck pain is commonly caused by strain, prolonged pain and / or neurologic deficit may be an indication of something more serious. Spinal infection, spinal cord compression,
tumour, fracture, and other disorders can also produce neck pain.
Symptoms of Neck pain
1. Pain, especially in the back of the neck, that worsens with movement.
2. Pain that often increases a day or so after the injury, instead of
immediately.
3. Muscle spasms and pain in the upper regions of the shoulders.
4. Headache in the back part of the head.
5. Stiffness or decrease in the range of motion (side to side, up and
down, circular).
