MayoClinic.com states that neck pain is a common complaint, and that most causes of neck pain are benign. However, some people may experience chronic neck pain, which may signify the presence of a more serious underlying condition. Chronic neck pain can be caused by numerous factors, but some of the most common causes of chronic neck pain include whiplash-related injuries, faulty posture and cervical foraminal stenosis or a narrowing of the opening through which a nerve root exits the spine.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common cause of chronic neck pain. According to the Spine Care website, whiplash injuries due to motor vehicle accidents cause pain in the neck, shoulders, head and base of the skull and. although most whiplash patients experience pain resolution within a few weeks to several months after their accident, 15 to 20 percent of people develop chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain associated with whiplash may be caused by significant damage to the neck ligaments, intervertebral discs and joints, even if the neck flexion and extension experienced during the motor vehicle accident was not excessive and the impact velocity relatively low. Most people involved in a motor vehicle accident, especially a rear-end accident, are unprepared for the impact and do not have sufficient time to guard or protect their neck before impact. At impact, the neck muscles are relaxed, which allows the force of the collision to cause maximal damage to the ligaments, discs and joints.
Poor Posture
Poor posture is another common cause of chronic neck pain, and is particularly prevalent among office workers and those who spend a considerable amount of time working with computers. According to the Mayfield Clinic--one of the world's largest neurosurgical practices--chronic neck pain is neck pain that persists for three or more months, and poor spinal alignment and posture, in many cases, is a significant contributing factor. Performing postural exercises can help develop the supporting or stabilizing muscles required to help keep the spine in optimal alignment, speed healing following a neck injury and alleviate chronic neck pain symptoms. The Mayfield Clinic notes that most neck problems resolve with consistently performed self-care measures, including rest, ice or heat, massage, over-the-counter pain medication or gentle stretches. Postural exercises to develop optimal spinal alignment should be performed on a regular basis to help alleviate chronic neck pain.
Cervical Foraminal Stenosis
Cervical foraminal stenosis, or narrowing of the intervetebral foramen, is a relatively common cause of chronic neck pain. According to the Spine Health website, neck pain that develops slowly, sometimes over many years, during certain activities or while maintaining certain neck positions may be caused by cervical foraminal stenosis. The condition occurs when osteophytes or bone spurs protrude into the intervertebral foramen--the exit point of nerve roots from the spine. Osteophyte impingement on a spinal nerve root may cause neck pain and radiating pain and symptoms into one of the arms. The Spine Health website states that cervical foraminal stenosis results from uneven joint wearing, which causes osteophyte formation in the neck's facet joints. Cervical foraminal stenosis can be clearly seen on most cervical spine MRIs or CT scans. Numerous conservative care options exist for the condition, although in some cases, if neck pain is severe and prolonged, surgery may be required to create more space for the nerve root.
