Shooting Pain in Neck

Improper posture while sitting or sleeping is one of the most common causes of neck and back pain in people. Similarly, straining and twisting the neck can also cause neck pain. However, if the pain is sudden, severe or shooting type, then it is definitely a cause of concern. Acute neck pain is the pain that occurs suddenly and is very severe. On the other hand, chronic neck pain appear at regular intervals, and is of dull aching types. As mentioned above, excruciating pain in the neck is a symptom of a serious underlying condition. Let us take a look at the potential causes in brief.

Causes of Sharp Neck Pain

One should remember that shooting and sharp pain in neck, which may or may not be accompanied with other symptoms, is a serious condition. The following are the causes of it.

➡ Injury
Injury or trauma is the most common, but prominent cause of shooting pain in neck. Whiplash injury, improper strenuous exercise and sports injury can lead to sharp pain in neck. On the other hand, trauma caused due to accident, fracture, etc., is also one of the major reasons for sharp and sudden neck pain.

➡ Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa (tiny fluid filled sacs) present in the shoulder. It can be caused due to injury or infection. Rheumatoid arthritis is also one of the most significant cause of bursitis. Swelling of the bursa, accompanied with pain in neck and shoulders are the symptoms of bursitis.

➡ Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that occurs due to wear and tear of the joints. The symptoms include inflammation of the joints, swelling, pain, stiffness. Osteoarthritis in the shoulder or the neck joint can cause sharp pain in the neck. Secondly, ruptured or herniated disc in the neck is also a significant cause of excruciating pain in neck.

➡ Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles present in the shoulder that enable the arm to move. An injury to these muscles can be caused due to sports activity or repetitive use of it. Sudden sharp shooting pain in neck and shoulders that passes through the arm and ache are the symptoms of rotator cuff injury.

➡ Cervical Spondylosis
Wear and tear or degeneration of the discs present in the neck causes cervical spondylosis. This condition is commonly found in older people (above 55 years of age). Stiffness in neck, shoulders, arm; severe pain, tingling and numbness in arms are the symptoms of this condition. Cervical spondylosis is usually succeeded by cervical osteoarthritis.

Treatment of Sharp Neck Pain

If you experience sharp neck pain, you should consult the doctor immediately. Rest and massage can help get rid of the pain in case of minor injury. In severe cases, hospitalization, use of traction, or surgery, may be required. Bursitis can be treated through several methods like medications, aspiration of the bursa fluid or even surgical removal of the fluid. Treatment for rotator cuff injury includes using anti-inflammatory medications and surgery. Physiotherapy and exercises are also advised for retaining normal functioning of the neck muscles.

On the other hand, although there is no permanent cure to osteoarthritis, certain medications and therapies help in alleviating the symptoms and pain. Cervical spondylosis can also be treated using pain killers, traction, surgery, etc. If looking for home remedies, note that using ice pack, gentle massage, etc. can help relieve pain to certain extent.

One should remember that sharp pain in neck should not be ignored as there can be severe underlying causes for it. In order to prevent it, you should follow proper exercise techniques and have a good posture. With proper and timely treatment, it is possible to get rid of the neck pain and prevent it from being chronic. Lastly, note that this write-up is meant for informational purposes and is not to be used as an alternative for proper medical advice. Take care!