Many health problems are associated with neck pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, the most common cause of neck pain is soft tissue abnormalities from traumatic injury or excessive wear and tear. In some cases, however, neck pain can be caused by certain medical conditions.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a problem associated with neck pain. According to the National Cancer Institute, laryngeal cancer is a condition in which malignant or aggressive cancer cells develop in the tissues of the larynx. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a neck organ that protects the trachea or windpipe and assists with sound production. Common signs and symptoms associated with laryngeal cancer include a sore throat or neck, a cough, voice hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, ear pain and unexplained weight loss. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing laryngeal cancer, including the use of tobacco products and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. The National Cancer Institute states that most laryngeal cancers manifest in squamous cells -- flat, thin cells that line the inside of the larynx. The prognosis or outlook for a person with laryngeal cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor and the state of the person's health.
Cervical Spine Fracture
A cervical spine fracture is a problem associated with neck pain. The Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation, or HSMF -- a Columbus, Georgia-based sports medicine facility -- states the most common cause of cervical vertebrae or spinal bone fractures, also known as a broken neck, is a violent collision or force that compresses a person's cervical spine or neck against his shoulders. In some cases, the force of injury can be significant enough to cause the vertebra or vertebrae to burst into small pieces or fragments. Possible signs and symptoms associated with a cervical spine fracture include severe neck pain; pain, numbness or tingling that radiates down one or both arms; and bruising or swelling at the back of the neck. According to the HSMF, cervical spine fractures are serious injuries that can damage the spinal cord and lead to partial or total paralysis. In some cases, cervical spine fractures can cause death.
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is a problem associated with neck pain. According to the MedlinePlus website, pharyngitis in inflammation of the pharynx -- a neck structure that's located at the back of the throat near the tonsils and larynx. The most common cause of pharyngitis is viral infection, although certain bacteria -- such as Group A streptococcus, which leads to strep throat -- can also cause pharyngitis. Common signs and symptoms associated with pharyngitis include a sore throat or neck, fever, headaches, joint pain, muscle aches and swollen neck lymph nodes or glands. In some cases, pharyngitis can cause serious health complications, such as blockages of the airway and abscess or sore formation near the tonsils or behind the pharynx itself. In most cases, however, the MedlinePlus website states, pharyngitis is self-resolving and does not cause health complications.
