Have you been experiencing persistent neck pain? Did you know 75% of the world’s population is affected by neck pain? However, all neck pain is not the same. Understanding the type of pain, you have, and its causes can be the first important step towards freedom from neck pain.

Muscle Spasm

If you woke up with neck stiffness, unable even to turn your head, then this neck pain is likely caused by sudden tightening of the neck muscles, also known as muscle spasm. In most cases, such neck pain is the result of a muscle injury. In most cases, this pain will subside on its own. However, if it persists, a muscle spasm may be the sign of an underlying nerve or intervertebral disc problem. In such cases, it is important to have it diagnosed and treated by an experienced pain specialist.

Muscle Pain

An aching neck or tenderness in the neck region is probably due to muscle pain. Muscle pain may result from prolonged emotional or physical stress.

Referred Neck Pain

You may even experience neck pain due to a condition in a different part of the body. If you feel neck pain only in a particular action, or when you exert pressure on a specific part of your body, it may be referred pain. In this case, you must have it examined by a pain doctor right away.

Headaches

A headache can also lead to neck pain. A headache-related neck pain is usually felt between the back of your head and the upper part of your neck. It may appear as a dull ache, accompanied by either tenderness or stiffness.

Causes of Neck Pain

Common causes of neck pain include the following –

Whiplash

Whiplash is an injury that is caused when the head is jerked abruptly in one direction and then back suddenly, for example, in a car collision. This can strain your neck, and even cause some ligaments to tear. This results in a sharp pain that worsens on movement.

Neck Pain causing Conditions

Several conditions may give rise to neck pain. For example, if the cushioning discs in between the neck vertebrae wear out, the bones may rub against each other and cause pain. Some such conditions are –

• Degenerative disc disease
• Muscle tension or strain
• Nerve compression
• Herniated disc
• Cervical facet syndrome
• Cervical radiculopathy

The neck is a complex structure. In addition to supporting the head and aiding movement, it has nerves that connect the brain and the body. Regardless of the cause of your neck pain, you should seek professional help from a well-established facility immediately.

If you are looking for knee or other pain doctor or specialist, call one of the leading pain management centers in Illinois, Illinois Pain Institute at 800-340-PAIN Today!