Neck Pain

Pain, discomfort or stiffness in the neck is a common reason for patients to seek medical care. Most cases of neck pain lies in our modern lifestyle. A muscle spasm, brought on by poor posture, sleeping position or stress, is the most frequent causes of neck pain.

Your neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs absorb shock between the bones.

The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your neck support your head and allow for motion. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury can cause neck pain or stiffness.

But an aching neck can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Disc degeneration, narrowing of the spinal canal, arthritis and even cancer cause neck pain. For serious neck, problems a primary care physician and often a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon, should be consulted.

Some of the symptoms includes:

• Muscle tightness and spasms

• Headaches

• Decreased ability to move your head

• Stiff Neck

• Sharp Pain or "Stabbing Pain"

• Radiating Pain or Numbness

Common Causes

Whiplash

Whiplash injury occurs when there is a sudden jolt to the head and neck in any accident that may cause a forceful back-and-forth motion.

Motor vehicle accident is the most common cause behind the whiplash injury, but can also happen in sports or other trauma.

Stiff Neck

Difficulty moving the neck sideway without turning the entire body. It may also be accompanied by a headache, neck pain and shoulder pain or arm pain. In most cases, pain and stiffness go away naturally within a week.

Disc Injury

A disc works almost like a shock absorber, but over time they can become worn or damaged. Symptoms of a disc-related injury might include a loss of mobility in the neck, numbness into your shoulder or arm, and weakness in your neck.

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