The neck has an unusually important job -- supporting the weight of your head! When there's pain in the neck, it can stem from a soft tissue injury, or an abnormality in the joints and bones at the top of the spine.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons mentions these possible causes of neck pain:
- A problem, such as rheumatoid arthritis, caused by inflamed joints.
- Injuries due to prolonged wear and tear.
- Cervical disk degeneration (spondylosis), in which the padding inside the disks of the neck deteriorates.
- An injury to the neck, stemming from factors such as an automobile accident, a fall or sports injury.
- Rare tumors, infections or congenital defects of the vertebrae.
Health Tip: You May Have Sprained Your Neck
If you tear a ligament that joins the seven spinal bones in your neck to each other, it's considered a neck sprain. It often occurs when the neck is stretched to an extreme position during a motor vehicle accident or fall.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says possible signs of this injury include:
- Pain, particularly the back of the neck, that worsens when you move.
- Pain that gets worse a day or two after the initial injury.
- Pain and muscle spasms in the upper area of the shoulder.
- Pain in the back part of the head.
- Sore throat, trouble sleeping, feeling fatigued and irritable, and having trouble concentrating.
- Numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation in the hand or arm.
- Stiffness and difficulty moving the neck.
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