Neck Pain

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neck pain is a significant musculoskeletal condition that affects millions worldwide, contributing to disability and limitations in mobility. In particular, the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data shows that neck pain affects approximately 222 million people globally[1]. 

From muscle tension to nerve pain, the symptoms of neck pain can affect your daily life in several ways. Understanding these symptoms and their possible causes can help you determine the right treatment.

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain refers to discomfort in the cervical spine, which can occur at rest, during movement, or with specific head motions. This pain arises when any component of the neck—bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or nerves—is damaged, inflamed, or under stress.

Pain can occur in the vertebrae due to degeneration, fractures, or conditions like cervical spondylosis. The neck also contains muscles, ligaments, and tendons that facilitate movement and stability. Neck muscle pain can lead to localized pain, tightness, and limited movement. Ligaments and tendons, which connect the bones and muscles, can also become inflamed or strained, causing pain, particularly with movement.

Additionally, nerve compression can cause radicular pain that radiates from the neck to the shoulders, arms, or hands, accompanied by symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness. Back of the neck pain is a common issue that can result from poor posture, injury, or prolonged strain, while front of the neck pain may be linked to muscle tension, inflammation, or even underlying medical conditions.

Common Neck Pain Symptoms

Neck pain symptoms can cause a range of discomforts, affecting the neck and other areas of the body:

• Localized Pain: Pain or discomfort in the neck, often dull or sharp, which may worsen with movement.
• Muscle Stiffness: Tightness or difficulty moving the neck, especially after long periods of sitting or poor posture.
• Radiating Pain: Pain that extends into the shoulders, arms, or hands, often caused by nerve compression or herniated discs.
• Headaches: Pain in the neck that leads to tension headaches or cervical neck pain.
• Numbness/Tingling: Sensations like “pins and needles” in the arms or hands, commonly due to nerve involvement.
• Weakness: Decreased strength in the arms or hands when nerves are compressed.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty turning or tilting the head due to pain or stiffness.
• Tenderness: Sensitivity to touch in the neck area, worsening with pressure.
• Neck Pain After Sleeping: Discomfort or stiffness upon waking, often due to poor sleep posture.

These symptoms can vary in intensity and are essential for diagnosing the underlying causes of neck and shoulder pain, especially when discomfort is localized to specific areas such as neck pain on the left side or neck pain on the right side.

Types of Neck Pain

Neck pain symptoms can be categorized based on their source and nature. Here are the main types of neck pain:

• Muscular Neck Pain

Neck and shoulder pain is commonly caused by muscle strain, tension, or overuse. It is often described as a dull ache, stiffness, or tightness in the neck. Muscle spasms may also occur, causing sharp, intense pain. 

• Radicular Pain (Nerve Pain)

Radicular pain occurs when a nerve in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated, leading to pain that radiates along the nerve path. This type of pain is often sharp, shooting, or burning and may extend from the neck down to the shoulder, arm, or hand. Along with pain, you may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected arm or hand.

• Cervical Spine Pain

Cervical spine pain is pain that originates directly from the vertebrae or discs in the cervical spine. The pain is typically described as a deep ache or even sharp pain, particularly when moving the neck or during activities that strain the neck. 

• Headache-Induced Neck Pain

Neck pain causing headaches can occur as a secondary symptom of tension headaches or cervicogenic headaches. This type of pain starts in the neck and can radiate to the head. People with headache-induced neck pain symptoms often experience discomfort in the upper neck, shoulders, and head. The pain may be dull or throbbing and is often relieved with physical therapy or addressing posture and alignment issues.

Neck Pain Causes

Neck pain symptoms can stem from various factors, including poor posture, injury, or degenerative conditions. Below are the most common causes:

1. Poor Posture: Sitting or standing in improper positions for long periods can strain neck muscles and ligaments, leading to pain and stiffness.
2. Muscle Strain: Overuse, sudden movements, or poor sleep positions can cause neck muscles to become strained, resulting in localized pain and tightness.
3. Whiplash or Trauma: A sudden jerking motion, such as in a car accident, can damage muscles, ligaments, and the cervical spine, causing neck injury symptoms like pain and stiffness. Side of neck pain can also occur, particularly when one side of the neck is strained or injured more than the other.
4. Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, intervertebral discs lose flexibility, which can lead to pain and nerve compression in the neck.
5. Herniated Disc: When a disc in the cervical spine bulges or ruptures, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates into the arms or hands.
6. Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to neck pain and neurological symptoms.
7. Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on the cervical joints can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, often accompanied by nerve compression.
8. Nerve Compression (Radiculopathy): A pinched nerve in the cervical spine, often from a herniated disc or bone spurs, can lead to radiating pain, numbness, and weakness.
9. Stress and Tension: Chronic stress can cause muscle tightness in the neck, leading to pain and discomfort.
10. Infections and Inflammatory Conditions: Infections like meningitis or inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause neck pain and stiffness.
11. Tumors or Growths: Rarely, tumors or abnormal growths in or near the cervical spine can cause neck pain and pressure on nerves.
12. Sleep Disorders: Poor sleep posture or using an unsupportive pillow can strain the neck muscles, leading to pain upon waking.
13. Neck pain in women: Hormonal changes or specific lifestyle factors can also contribute to discomfort in the neck area.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Neck Pain

Neck pain is often a temporary issue that resolves with rest and treatment. However, you should seek medical attention if:

• The pain is severe or persistent, lasting more than a few days.
• You experience neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain radiating to the arms or legs.
• Difficulty moving the neck or severe stiffness occurs suddenly.
• Neck pain is accompanied by fever, chills, or a stiff neck, particularly with headache, which may indicate an infection.

Risk Factors for Neck Pain

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing neck pain: 

• Age is a significant risk factor, as the discs and joints in the cervical spine naturally degenerate over time, making the neck more susceptible to discomfort and stiffness. 
• Poor posture, especially from prolonged sitting or using electronic devices, places additional strain on the neck muscles and ligaments, leading to pain. 
• Occupations or activities that involve repetitive movements, heavy lifting, or looking down for extended periods can also contribute to neck strain.

Other risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, which weakens the muscles that support the neck, and a history of neck injuries, such as whiplash, which can increase the likelihood of recurring pain. 

Additionally, conditions like osteoarthritis, herniated discs, and stress-related muscle tension can further exacerbate neck discomfort. Being proactive about posture, staying active, and managing stress can help reduce the impact of these risk factors.

Neck Pain Prevention

Preventing neck pain symptoms starts with maintaining good posture and strengthening the muscles that support the neck. Proper posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping with a supportive pillow helps reduce strain.

Regular exercise, including neck and upper back stretches, improves flexibility and reduces injury risk. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or repetitive neck movements to protect the cervical spine.

For persistent or severe pain, especially with neck pain symptoms like numbness or weakness, seek medical advice. At Moore MyoWorx, our treatments target the root cause of neck pain to bring lasting relief. Consult with Moore MyoWorx to address the root causes of neck pain and learn how to take control of your health and live pain-free.