Journal of Pain & Relief
Open Access

The vertebrae in your neck run from the top of your head to the bottom of your body. Spondylitis, or neck osteoarthritis, is the medical term for this. As a result, the space between the vertebrae may get narrower. It also adds to the wear and tear on your joints. The cervical discs act as shock absorbers between the bones of the neck.

Your neck's bones, ligaments, and muscles support and move your head. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury to the neck could cause discomfort or stiffness [1].

Many people experience neck stiffness or soreness on a regular basis. Poor posture, overuse, or sleeping in an awkward position is all common causes. A fall, contact sports, or whiplash can all result in neck pain.

Neck pain, for the most part, isn't a major problem that can be resolved in a matter of days.

Neck pain, on the other hand, can sometimes signify a serious injury or sickness that necessitates medical attention.

Seek medical help right away if you experience neck pain that lasts more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms [2].

Symptoms of neck pain

The symptoms of neck discomfort can be severe and continue for a long period. Neck discomfort is frequently severe and only lasts a few days or weeks. It can also become chronic at times. Your neck pain could be minor and not interfere with your regular activities, or it could be severe and cause impairment.

The following symptoms may occur as a result of neck pain:

Neck stiffness: People with neck pain frequently describe their neck as "stiff " or "stuck." Neck pain can result in a reduction in range of motion.

Sharp or "stabbing" pain in one region: Neck discomfort can feel sharp or "stabbing" in one area.

Pain when moving: Moving, twisting, or extending your cervical spine from side to side or up and down might aggravate neck pain.

Numbness or radiating pain: Your neck pain may spread to your head, trunk, shoulder, and arms. If a nerve in your neck is compressed, you may have numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms or hands. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause a burning or severe pain in the arm that starts at the neck and goes down the arm. Consult a doctor if you're experiencing this symptom [3].

Headache: A cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by pain that originates in the neck. Neck pain accompanied by a headache could be a sign of a migraine.

When your cervical spine is palpated, your neck pain may become worse (physically examined).

Neck pain has a variety of causes.

Neck stiffness or pain can be caused by a variety of factors.

Tension and strain in the muscles

Poor posture, working at a desk for too long without changing positions, sleeping with your neck in a bad position, and jerking your neck during exercise are all common causes.

Injury

The neck is particularly prone to damage, especially when the muscles and ligaments of the neck are forced to move outside of their typical range, as they do in falls, vehicle accidents, and sports.

The spinal cord may be injured if the neck bones (cervical vertebrae) are shattered. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by an abrupt jerking of the head [4].

Heart attack

Neck pain can potentially be a sign that you're having a heart attack. It is frequently accompanied by additional heart attack symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath

• sweating

• Nausea

• vomiting

• Arm or jaw pain

If your neck hurts and you're experiencing other heart attack symptoms, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right once.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a condition in which the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord becomes inflamed. Meningitis patients may suffer the following symptoms:

• Stiff neck

• Headache

• Nausea

• vomiting

• Sensitivity to light

• Fever

Meningitis is a medical issue that can be lethal. If you develop signs of meningitis, visit a doctor very once [5].

Conclusion

• Neck pain can also be caused by the following factors:

• Swelling of the joints, bone spurs, and discomfort are all symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. When they arise in the neck area, they might cause neck discomfort.

• Osteoporosis causes bone thinning and might result in minor fractures. This ailment most commonly affects the hands and knees, although it can also affect the neck.

• Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle discomfort all over the body, particularly in the neck and shoulders.

• The cervical discs might degenerate as you become older. Spondylitis, or neck osteoarthritis, is the medical term for this. As a result, the space between the vertebrae may get narrower. It also adds to the wear and tear on your joints [6].

• When a disc protrudes due to trauma or injury, it can put additional pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. A herniated cervical disc, also known as a ruptured or slipped disc is the result of this.

• Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots as it exits the vertebrae. This can be caused by arthritis or other illnesses that generate long-term inflammation.

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