Neck Pain

Injury and Accidents: A sudden forced movement of the head or neck in any direction and the resulting "rebound" of the head or neck in the opposite direction is known as whiplash. The sudden "whipping" motion causes injury to the surrounding and supporting tissues of the neck and head. Muscles react by tightening and contracting, creating muscle fatigue that results in pain and stiffness. Severe whiplash can also be associated with injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerve roots. Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash.

Growing Older: Degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease directly affect the spine.

• Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder that causes progressive deterioration of cartilage. The body reacts by forming bone spurs that impact joint motion.
• Spinal stenosis causes the small nerve passageways in the vertebrae to narrow, which compresses and traps nerve roots. Stenosis may cause neck, shoulder, and arm pain and numbness when these nerves are unable to function normally.
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD) can cause the intervertebral discs to become less hydrated, resulting in decreased disc elasticity and height. Over time, a disc may bulge or herniate, causing pain that runs into the arm, tingling, and numbness.

Daily Life: Poor posture, obesity, and weak abdominal muscles often disrupt the spine's balance, causing the neck to bend forward to compensate. Stress and emotional tension can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness.

Other Disease Processes: Although neck pain is usually caused by strain or everyday life, prolonged pain and/or neurologic deficit may be an indication of something more serious. These symptoms should not be ignored. They may indicate spinal infection, spinal cord compression, tumor, fracture, and other disorders. If there's been a head injury, more than likely the neck has been affected, too. It is wise to seek medical attention immediately.