Neck pain is a fairly common ailment that affects nearly everyone at some point in their lifetime. Long hours at work, stress, diseases and injury are all common causes. Overuse is another common cause of neck pain. Pain or discomfort in the neck can start mild and move into the realm of unbearable if the proper treatment isn't administered in a timely manner.
Injury
A variety of injuries may occur to the neck area that eventually can cause chronic or acute pain. Those most susceptible to neck injury are athletes, people who have occupations that require sitting for extended periods of time, and people who work in blue collar or physically demanding jobs. Sprains, strains and damage to neck muscles can be caused by an abrupt or sudden jerking movement to the head and neck area. Typically, this type of movement is associated with a car accident or irregular impact from a sports activity. An article on neck pain by the Mayo Clinic cites that rear-end collisions often result in whiplash injuries, which occur when the head is jerked forward and then backward, stretching the soft tissues of the neck beyond their limits. Whiplash victims have been known to first experience symptoms of neck pain long after the time of the accident.
Wear and Tear
Over time, like any other muscle group, the neck area can begin to show signs of wear and tear. As part of the aging process, muscles and joints tend to lose their ability to repair themselves at the same speed they did during younger years. This slow recovery process can take its toll on the flexibility and elasticity of muscles responsible for spinal support and head movement. Slower regeneration of muscle and joint tissue can cause the neck muscles to work overtime, eventually causing stiffness and other related neck pain. According to the American Council on Exercise's "Personal Trainer Manual," stretching can greatly reduce the risk of wear and tear injuries in the neck by keeping the muscles limber, stronger and better able to handle overuse activities such as driving or sitting for long periods at a time.
Disease
Diseases can also cause neck pain, especially in older adults. The Mayo Clinic reports that diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis and even cancer can cause neck pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is more commonly known to affect the hands and feet, but on occasion can involve joints in the neck area. One of the most common symptoms of meningitis is neck pain and stiffness. Meningitis is a communicable disease that causes the lining of the brain and spinal cord to swell. Swelling of the spinal cord is thought to be the main reason sufferers experience neck pain. Although rare, cancer may be another cause of neck pain due to cancerous tumors traveling into the spine and multiplying erratically, putting pressure on nearby nerve endings and joints.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Neck Pain
- "American Council on Exercise Personal Trainers Manual"; Cedric X. Bryant; 2003
