Neck Muscle Pain

The neck is one of the most sensitive joints of the human body as it joins the head to the rest of the body. Neck pain is a condition that can arise due to any minor or major condition. Those leading sedentary lifestyle or otherwise experience this condition in more than one occasions in the lifetime. Let us take a look at the possible causes in detail.

Causes of Neck Pain
As mentioned above, pain in neck muscle can be caused due to minor as well as severe causes. Sitting in stooping position for a long time, sleeping in improper posture, etc., are some of the minor causes of neck muscle pain. On the other hand, the following are the severe causes of this condition.

Whiplash Injury
This is one of the most significant causes of pain in neck muscles in children and adults. Whiplash injury occurs due to rapid acceleration or declaration of force, mostly during an accident. Neck pain, headache, dizziness, arm pain, anxiety, stress, insomnia, frustration, depression, etc. are the symptoms of whiplash injury.

Muscle Sprain
Muscle sprain is a painful condition that occurs due to lifting of heavy objects, sports activities or strenuous exercise, etc. Sometimes, sudden involuntary contraction of the neck muscles also lead to muscle spasms or neck spasms which can be painful.

Herniated Disc
Herniated disc or slipped disc arises due to herniation or rupture of the disc present between two consecutive vertebrae of the spinal cord. This condition can arise due to obesity, aging or injury. Sharp neck pain, pain and numbness in the arms and chest, etc. are the symptoms of herniated disc.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a degeneration diseases caused when the density of the bone tissue reduces and the bones become porous. Type I osteoporosis can occur in post menopausal women and type II is seen in aging men and women. Pain in neck muscle and severe back pain are the symptoms of this disease.

Apart from these, pain in neck muscle can also be observed in case of spondylitis, fibromyalgia, rotator cuff injury, bursitis, arthritis, etc. If one experiences neck pain that lasts for more than one day and is accompanied by other symptoms, he / she should consult the doctor immediately.

Treating Neck Pain
The doctor will undertake physical examination or may advise to undergo X-ray, MRI or CT scan in order to diagnose the condition. The treatment of whiplash injury depends completely on the severity of the condition and the symptoms. As mentioned above, one observes physical as well as psychological symptoms in this conditions and hence, they need to be treated accordingly. The physical symptoms can be treated with the help of anti-inflammatory medications or pain killers or physical therapy; while on the other hand, the psychological symptoms need to be treated with the help of counseling and psychotherapy. Muscle sprains can be relieved by taking complete rest. On the other hand, pain killers, cool compress, etc. are the other effective methods of treating neck muscle pain caused due to sprain. Herniated disc can be treated with the help of physical therapy and medications. In case there is severe herniation or dislocation, a surgery may even be required. Similarly, osteoporosis is also treated with the help of medications and physical therapy. The doctor may also advise exercises for back and neck pain relief.

All the above mentioned conditions can be treated effectively when timely treatment is undertaken. However, one should remember regular exercise to the neck, rest and avoiding improper exercises and sports can prevent the occurrence of these conditions substantially. Remember an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure! Take care!