Problems in the neck may be caused by injury or the presence of a particular disease or condition. According to MedlinePlus, activities that cause the neck to remain or move in unnatural positions, such as sleeping awkwardly or poor posture while driving, can cause problems in the neck. Other causes of neck problems may include meningitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Injury
Injuries, either through sports or an accident, may cause pain or problems with the neck. According to information found in the American Council on Exercises "Personal Trainers Manual," activities that necessitate quick or jerking motions--such as that in basketball, football or martial arts--can increase the risk of neck injury or problems. Sometimes a sudden or loud noise can cause a person to turn his head in an abrupt manner, causing a strain or pull in the neck. Strains occur when muscle or tendons become stretched or over extended. A strain can cause swelling, tenderness and even muscle spasms. Whiplash is another form off injury that can cause problems with the neck. When someone is involved in an accident that causes the neck and head to jerk in a forceful way, it can cause whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash commonly include neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision, according to MayoClinic.com.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes--or meninges--and cerebrospinal liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is typically caused by the spread of an infection that occurs with the presence of bacteria. One of the most common symptoms of meningitis is a stiff neck. In babies, meningitis can cause a stiff body or a stiff neck. Other symptoms that may accompany neck problems from meningitis include sensitivity to light, severe headaches, vomiting or nausea with headache and loss of appetite. Risk factors that can increase the likely hood of developing meningitis include age--the median age of people who may develop a bacterial infection is 25 years. Living in a community setting, such as a military base or college dorm, can increase the chances of developing this infection. The most common type of treatment for meningitis is bed rest, plenty of liquids and antibiotics.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the body's immune system begins to attack its own tissue. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect women more frequently than men and often begins to show signs in people ages 25 to 55. Typically, this attack primarily occurs around the smaller joints, but eventually it can spread up to the neck and cause problems such as morning stiffness, swelling and tenderness. In severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, joints can become deformed and begin to lose their mobility. The disease itself may last a short time or it may come and go randomly. Damage done to the joints by severe forms of the disease will last a lifetime. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis so becoming educated on prevention and treatment is the focus. Treatment relies on medication and therapy to lessen the severity of signs and symptoms. Doctors may prescribe immunosuppressants to control the actions of the immune system.
References
- American Council on Exercise Personal Trainers Manual, Cedric X. Bryant, 2003
- MedlinePlus: Neck Pain
- MayoClinic.com: Meningitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
