Many people experience neck pain. In most cases, it is caused by poor posture, overuse or normal wear and tear. OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine®, serving patients in the Arlington, Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas area, discusses some of the most common neck pain causes.

What You Need to Know About Neck Pain

Your neck, or cervical spine, is made up of vertebras that extend from the skull to the upper torso. The cervical discs absorb shock between the bones as the neck and body moves. The bones, ligaments and muscles support your head and allow motion of your neck and head.

In the majority of cases, neck pain is not a serious condition and can be relieved at home within a few days. In some cases, the pain may be prolonged and a pain management specialist may be needed to help alleviate the pain.

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What You Need to Know About Common Neck Pain Causes

Most neck pain causes are related to repeated or prolonged neck movements such as holding the head in a forward or odd position while working, watching TV, driving or talking on the phone.

Neck pain can also be caused by:

  • Muscle tension and strain which occurs due to bad posture, working at a desk for a long period of time, sleeping in an odd position or jerking the neck during physical activity.
  • Minor injuries which occur from tripping or falling a short distance.
  • Major injuries which occur from whiplash in an automobile accident, falling from a tall height or a direct blow during a sports activity.

These neck pain causes often improve with time.

Neck pain can also be caused by specific health conditions and diseases such as:

  • Osteoporosis which weakens bones and leads to fractures and broken bones.
  • Cervical spinal stenosis which occurs from narrowing of the cervical canal.
  • Fibromyalgia which causes muscle pain throughout the entire body.
  • Arthritis which causes pain, swelling and inflammation of the neck joints.
  • Cervical herniated disc which occurs when the inner core of the disc leaks out and presses on a nerve root.
  • Meningitis which is an inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Risk factors for neck pain that can be controlled include not placing the neck in an awkward position, eliminating stress, increasing physical activity and not using tobacco or drugs.

If you would like to learn more about neck pain causes and general neck pain facts, please contact OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine® today.