Do you often feel pain in the neck muscles?
Chances are that it’s not something that you can just forget about. Neck pain is never something to take lightly, especially if it becomes an ongoing problem.
If you want to get to the bottom of the problem, you need to examine what might be causing your neck muscle pain. There are many things that can cause tension in your neck, but the good news is that you can often do something about it.
Look at our guide to learn about the causes of neck muscle pain and how you can fix it.
Bone Spurs (Cervical Osteophytes)
These bony outgrowths can form a result of age- or wear-related wear and tear on the neck joints. Bone spurs can irritate or pinch nearby nerves, causing pain in the neck muscles.
Other causes of neck muscle pain include poor posture and abnormal body mechanics, straining the muscles of the neck through activities such as repetitive motion, and injury or strain due to whiplash, trauma, or falls. In some cases, neck muscle pain may be caused by impingement of the spinal nerve roots or inflammation of the joint structures in the neck.
It is important to see a doctor for a proper assessment of neck muscle pain to decide the exact cause, whether it is related to bone spurs or other causes, and the proper treatment.
Aging
This can be due to a variety of causes, such as muscle tension from poor posture, arthritis and degenerative changes in the spine, and strained neck muscles from activities such as work or exercise. It’s also important to remember that the aging process can lead to pain in the neck muscles, as the muscles naturally have less elasticity, strength, and stability as one gets older.
The combination of weakened muscles and poor posture can cause poor spine, neck muscles, and joint alignment, causing inflammation and neck pain. Additionally, changes to the tissues in a body as it ages can lead to nerve impingement and further neck pain. The best way to prevent neck pain due to aging is to stay mindful of one’s posture, take breaks at work, take part in low-impact exercises that don’t strain the neck, and use proper supports when needed, such as braces or cushions.
Cervical Osteoarthritis
Cervical osteoarthritis can cause pain in the neck muscles due to the degeneration of the cartilage in the joint. This can cause the bones in the spine to rub against each other, resulting in painful nerve and muscle irritation. Additionally, the cartilage in the joint can also become frayed with age, which can also cause issues with mobility.
Both of these issues can also lead to inflammation, placing pressure on the muscles around the joint, which can also cause pain. In some cases, cervical osteoarthritis can also cause the narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, pinching the nerves and leading to extreme pain. Treatment options for this include physical therapy, medication, or even surgery.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective covering of the brain and spine and can cause pain and stiffness in the neck muscles. Symptoms may include severe headache, mental confusion, nausea, and pain in the neck, shoulders, or arms muscles. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms arise, as meningitis is a serious, life-threatening condition.
In some cases, neck pain caused by meningitis is associated with inflammation of the lining of the brain, stiff neck, joint swelling, and muscular fatigue. Additionally, as meningitis can spread quickly, individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs if the infection reaches large areas of the body.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc in the neck could be a cause of neck muscle pain. The discs help cushion the vertebrae and together allow the neck to move; a herniated disc occurs when the inner material of the disc bulges or leaks out through the outer layer and can press on nearby nerves or muscles in the neck and cause pain. Symptoms may include shoulder pain, arm pain, muscle tightness, headaches, tingling, or even numbness in the neck.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce the pain and prevent further complications. Seeking medical attention and having a thorough evaluation, including physical and imaging tests, is necessary in order to determine the cause of the neck pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a severe autoimmune disorder that can be debilitating and cause pain in neck muscles. It mainly affects the joints and muscles, but the neck can suffer too. Pain in the neck can be caused by the inflammation and swelling of the joints, muscles, and ligaments in and around the neck. This swelling increases pressure and discomfort in the neck.
Stiffness, range of motion limitation, tightness, muscle spasms, tenderness, and pain can be experienced, along with other unpleasant symptoms. Treatment usually involves controlling inflammation with anti-inflammatory medications and steroids, however, physical therapy is also essential, keeping the neck in motion with regular stretching and exercises.
Spinal Stenosis
Pain in the neck muscles can be caused by spinal stenosis, which is when the spinal canal of the neck becomes narrowed due to degenerative changes in the spine. As the space gets smaller, the nerves in the cervical spine (the area of the spine in your neck) can become compressed, leading to pain and other symptoms. This can occur due to a variety of causes, such as a herniated disc, arthritis, fractures, or a growth in the vertebrae.
As the nerves are compressed, the muscles of the neck can become tense, leading to sensations of stiffness, tightness, and pain. Additionally, the loss of flexibility in the joints can further lead to neck pain and tension. Neck pain caused by spinal stenosis can be managed and treated with anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, injections, and possibly even surgery.
For further information, visit https://drhorine.com/back-neck-pain/, where the best steps to take can be found.
Finding The Causes Of Your Pain In The Neck
Pain in the neck can be caused by mechanical factors such as posture, carrying too much weight, physical strain, and stress. It is important to take preventive steps to reduce neck muscle pain. If you are currently experiencing neck pain, seeking medical advice sooner may help mitigate its impact. Don’t let neck pain affect your quality of life, visit a medical professional today for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you want to learn more about how you can improve your health and well-being, then be sure to check out the lifestyle section of our blog.
