What You Need to Know About Neck Pain

Everyone will experience neck pain once in a lifetime. The neck is composed of many structures which may have brought about neck discomfort whether it is the muscles, neural fibers, back bone, or the disks amidst the vertebrae.

Acute pains in the neck can also be sensed in other areas of the body aside from the neck itself. Whenever muscle contractions are touching a nerve within the neck, manifestations such as tingling, hooks and needles, or listlessness can also be sensed in the upper extremities such as the fingers and arms. Other ailments may cause these manifestations as well; therefore, it is very important to seek attention from a doctor if such symptoms still persist.

Neck pain is caused by a variety of symptoms extending from whiplash injury to illnesses like meningitis or rheumatoid arthritis. Muscle spasms are characterized by an abrupt muscular contraction wherein the muscles feel stiff, entangled, and painful. At times, an individual cannot even move their neck which is often known as a crick in the neck. But in medical terms, this is known as acute torticollis.

Injuries can also affect the neck. Rear-end bumps and blows can often lead to whiplash. This injury is usually the result of unexpected stretching of the spinal cord, mainly a ligament called anterior longitudinal that is being ripped or extended beyond its limitations. Muscle strains often occur when the same sort of muscles are used frequently in a short period of time and eventually become strained. When muscles are used over and over again, it may also lead to chronic pain. Even minor activities like grinding your teeth can also strain the muscles in the neck.

Compression of the nerves in the next is a slightly more serious issue and can lead to various conditions within the neck that narrow the space intended for the nerves to extend out of the vertebral column. This can occur in several instances such as:

- Disks Herniated. This is brought about if the inner gel-like component of the disk sticks out of the disk's outermost covering.
- Disks Stiffened. As the body becomes older, the cushion disk amidst the vertebrae turns dry and inflexible constricting the spaces within the vertebral column where the nerves nestled.
Bone spurs. Whenever the arthritic joints in the neck have developed some bony growths, these may cause pressure onto the nerves.

Besides neck injuries, neck pain is also brought about by some diseases such as malignant tumors on the spinal column. The cancer may have made its way to the spine originating from other parts of the body. Meningitis is a contagious disease which generates swelling on the brain linings and spine. One most basic symptom in meningitis is stiffness and pain in the neck.

Just like any other joints that can be found in the body, the joints that exist in the neck wear away with age which can eventually lead to neck osteoarthritis.

In developing a plan to treat neck pain, a patient can choose from a variety of treatment options. Some doctors may recommend alternative remedies like yoga, acupuncture, herbal administration, and massage if conventional medicines fail to cure the problem.

However, if someone does get any neck pain, it is necessary to get it treated as soon as possible so that any damage can be found and neutralized before it has any long-term effect on the body.