Neck Pain : Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Most people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Neck pain can be acute, meaning it lasts a few hours to a few weeks, or it can be chronic. Neck pain that lasts several weeks or longer is considered chronic neck pain.

The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull. The bony vertebrae along with the ligaments (which are comparable to thick rubber bands) provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and motion.

Causes of Neck Pain

Muscle strains usually related to sustained physical activity such as sitting at computer terminals for prolonged periods of time. Acute strain may occur after sleeping in an awkward position.

Osteoarthritis resulting from the narrowing of the intervertebral discs located between the vertebrae of the spine.

Spinal stenosis which is a narrowing of the spinal canal that causes compression of the spinal cord (cervical myelopathy). The narrowing is caused by disc bulging, bony spurs and thickening of spinal ligaments.

Cervical spondylosis

With everyday use over many years the discs and the facet joints become worn. This wear varies from person to person. The discs become thinner and this causes the spaces between the vertebrae to become narrower. Also, 'spurs' of bone, known as osteophytes, form at the edges of the vertebrae and the facet joints.

Tension

Most muscles of the body relax completely when they are not being used but some muscles (known as 'anti-gravity muscles') have to work all the time in order to keep your body upright. Muscles at the back of your neck must always be tensed, otherwise your head would fall forwards when you are sitting or standing.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

Noisy joints

You may hear or feel clicking or grating (called 'crepitus') as you move your head. This is caused by roughened bony surfaces moving against each other or by ligaments rubbing against bone.

Neck pain is commonly associated with dull aching. Sometimes pain in the neck is worsened with movement of the neck. Other symptoms associated with some forms of neck pain include numbness, tingling, tenderness, sharp shooting pain, fullness, difficulty swallowing, pulsations, swishing sounds in the head, dizziness or lightheadedness, and gland swelling.

Computers

Stockbyte/Getty Images - computerSpending a lot of time in front of a computer screen can damage the muscles in your eyes. This can lead to eye strain or eye fatigue.

Smoky environments

Smoky environments can irritate the eye's delicate membranes. If you can't avoid smoke, make sure you keep your eyes moist with eyewash or eye drops.

Treatments of neck pain

Applying ice massages for 5 to 10 minutes at a time to a painful area within the first 48 hours of pain onset can help relieve pain as can heat, which relaxes the muscles. Heat should be applied for pains lasting greater than 48 hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers.

Rest. Lie down from time to time during the day to give your neck a rest from holding up your head. Avoid prolonged rest, since too much inactivity can cause increased stiffness in your neck muscles.

Neck exercises and stretching. Your doctor may recommend that you work with a physical therapist to learn neck exercises and stretches. A physical therapist can guide you through these exercises and stretches.

Medical Treatment

Pain medications: Usually in the form of acetaminophen (Tylenol) with or without an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). It may take several days to settle the pain down. Stronger narcotic-containing medicines are usually not necessary, but your doctor may provide these for the first few days.