Neck Pain

Is a pain that occurs by holding the head in one place for a long time, like driving or working on a computer. Neck pain is generally not a symptom of a serious problem. Seek medical attention if neck pain is added with numbness or loss of strength in arms or hands, or have a shooting pain in your shoulder or down your arms.
Muscle strain: If the neck is hunched over, for a long time, like reading from a laptop or phone.
Worn joints: Like all other joints, the neck also tends to wear with age.
Nerve compression: Herniated discs in the vertebrae, can press the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.
Injuries: When the head is jerked backward and forward, which strains the neck’s soft tissues.
Diseases: Certain neck diseases can also cause neck pain.

Symptoms

 Symptoms include:

  • Pain that’s often worsened by holding the head in one place for long periods, such as when driving or working at a computer
  • Muscle tightness and spasms
  • Decreased ability to move the head
  • Headache

When to see a doctor

 If significant neck discomfort develops as a consequence of an injury, such as a fall, diving mishap, or automobile accident, get medical attention right once.

 Contact a health care provider if neck pain:

  • Is severe
  • Persists for several days without relief
  • Spreads down arms or legs
  • Comes with headache, numbness, weakness or tingling

Causes

 The neck is susceptible to injuries and illnesses that cause discomfort and limit mobility because it bears the weight of the head. causes of neck discomfort include: damaged joints Neck joints deteriorate with age, much as other joints in the body. The body frequently develops bone spurs as a result of this wear and tear, which can impair joint mobility and be painful.

  • Muscle strains. Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over a computer or a smartphone, often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things, such as reading in bed, can strain neck muscles.
  • Worn joints. As with other joints in the body, neck joints tend to wear with age. In response to this wear and tear, the body often forms bone spurs that can affect joint motion and cause pain.
  • Nerve compression. Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of the neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.
  • Rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash injury. This occurs when the head jerks backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.
  • Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer, can cause neck pain.