Anatomy
The neck is also known as the cervical spine and is composed of seven stacked bones called vertebrae. The first vertebrae is located at the base of the skull and is responsible for holding your head upright. The second vertebrae, located right underneath the first vertrable, is responsible for allowing your head to move side to side. In total, the seven vertebrates are connected at the back of the bone by facet joints. Together, they allow for your neck to move forwards and backwards, as well as twist. The cervical spine is located along the spinal cord and directly in the center of the spine, which is responsible for sending and receiving messages from your brain to the rest of the body.
Common Causes of Pain
Neck pain can affect anyone and everyone. It is believed that 1 in 3 people experience neck pain at least once a year. However, the chance of experiencing neck pain increases in females and becomes more common as people age. Neck pain is defined as pain located in or around the area directly beneath your head, along the cervical spine. Neck pain can be acute or chronic and can be felt directly within the neck as well as surrounding areas. If left untreated, it can disrupt one’s quality of life. Symptoms of neck pain have been described as an aching sensation, a stabbing or burning pain, increased sensitivity to pressure applied to the area, and tension within the muscles surrounding the neck. Neck pain has also been associated with causing headaches.
Neck pain can be potentially caused by:
Aging
Degenerative conditions can lead to neck pain over time. Osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis are common ailments associated with aging that leads to neck pain. Osteoarthritis is the wearing down joint cartilage. Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of spacing within the spine. Lastly, daily stress and spinal motion can lead to the degeneration of the spinal disc, causing herniated discs or pinched nerves.
Injury
A common injury associated with neck pain is known as Whiplash. Whiplash is caused by a sudden forced movement of the neck, followed by an immediate forceful movement in the opposite direction. Although Whiplash causes trauma to the neck, there are a variety of trauma related injuries that can affect your cervical spine. If you suspect you have an injury to your cervical spine, please talk to your healthcare provider.
Mental Stress
Tension can develop within the muscles of the neck when one experiences mental stress, fatigue, or experiences something that causes mental hardship.
Physical Strain
The overuse of the muscles within the neck can cause strain by repetitive strenuous activities that lead to stiffness and pain.
Conditions that affect spinal balance
Certain lifestyle factors can lead to neck strain and pain such as poor posture, being overweight, and abdominal muscles that have been weakened affect spinal posture. Factors such as sitting at desks for long periods of time, and looking down at computers can also affect whether or not you will experience neck pain. **
Growths
Although rare, masses that grow along the cervical spine can cause pain. Masses that can grow along the neck include tumors, cysts, and bone spurs.
Other common causes of neck pain include cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and meningitis. Please consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis.
Starts working in 15 minutes and lasts for up to 24 hours
