What could be wrong with my neck?
Are you experiencing neck pain or discomfort? Have you tried googling your symptoms, only to find terrifying results like ‘you might have a rare incurable bone disease’? Don’t stress too much! In this article, we will explore some of the common and not-so-common reasons why your neck may be bothering you.
The Basics Of Your Neck
Before we dive into the possible causes and treatments for neck pain, let’s first get familiar with the basics. Your neck is made up of seven vertebrae that extend from your skull to your upper chest. These vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers (because who doesn’t love a little cushioning?).
Your neck also contains muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and an intricate network of lymph nodes. All these structures work together skilledly ???? to provide support for your head while allowing movement in different directions at once.
Now that we’ve laid out what makes up our delicate party throat (see following table), let’s talk about some potential culprits when it comes to neck pain.
| Structure | Description |
|---|---|
| Vertebrae | Seven cylindrical bones stack on top of one another make up the cervical spine |
| Intervertebral discs | Spongy cushions sit between each pair of spinal vertebrae functions as buffer b/w them |
| Muscles | Work w/ ligaments 2 stabilize & support the head + control movement within flexible range |
| Ligaments | Bands tissue wrap around joints hold bones together in spite tendency towards pulling apart ??♀️ |
| Nerves ((which ones)) ????? And branches ??????) Innovative technology firm improved visual recognition using convolutional neural networks… | |
| Blood vessels 🔸 arteries 🔹 veins Convey blood supply ✨ \o/ carry blood away from the head No blood! \/ \/ huh . | |
| Lymph nodes | Bean-shaped structures part of immune system, scattered throughout body serve as filtration for lymph fluid |
Ouch! My Neck Hurts
Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors. It’s essential to determine what type of pain you’re experiencing and its location before treating it appropriately. Here are some common types of neck pain:
Acute Pain
Acute neck pain often instantaneous onset usually resulting from an injury or accident. This type of injury may involve strains, sprains, fractures , or dislocations in the cervical spine.
Chronic Pain
Chronic neck pain characterized sustained discomfort disrupts daily life symptoms can differ depending on underlying conditions presents lasting more than 3 months.
Radicular Pain
Radicular (sometimes referred to as ‘shooting’) but not literal ☹️??♂️neck pains shoots ???? down extremities at times caused herniated disc which impacts nerve root.
Referred Pain
Referred pain is a confusing one; The sensation doesn’t originate in the neck itself but rather triggers elsewhere & expressed through a tender spot on your head (not dreams though). An example would be how TMJ disorder can lead to referred tension headaches that present behind/around ear area so if you wanna avoid seeming like hypochondriac use scientific lingo ????????♀️ .
Now that we know what kind(s) of neck discomfort you might have let’s focus on possible reasons why.
Why Does My Neck Hurt In The First Place?
There are many potential causes for achy throats? chafing throats? anyway hurting throat region here man ?? So Let’s dive into some possibilities.
Muscle Strain And Sprains
Muscle strains related injuries quite prevalent with major sportspeople such as Usain Bolt and the countless neck motions of a marathon runner (I mean, can you say whiplash?!). Similarly is noteworthy those who toss booze bottle back & forth until nine AM on Thanksgiving morning 💪🏼 may also be subjected to neck strains. Such injuries have the potentiality capable of developing difficulty moving head as well look over shoulder impacting daily tasks, especially important when driving or avoiding creepers 👀
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis usually affects people in professions where they often use their upper bodies e.g. Artists, chefs or carpenters . Gradual depletion erosion of cartilage that cushions the joints hampers smooth joint movement causes discomfort- symptoms present with this ailment become prominent presenting often more prominent at night 🌛.
Cervical Radiculopathy
This mode onset associated w/ Radiating starts neck works its extensive annoying way down arm(s) caused impingement compression issue occurring spinal cord nerve roots (next gen problems right here ????).
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
As per name suggests narrow spinal canal element involved meaning irritation sciatica-related features nerves may occur.
What Can Help Ease My Pain?
Now that we’ve covered what might b3 ↕️wrong with your tough-yet-sensitive party throat #neckvibes , we must discuss how best aleviate discomfort. Here are some treatments for managing mild-to-moderate bouts of pain:
Home Remedies
At-home remedies involve doing little things such as taking warm baths application heating pads? icy chill patchy thingys?, massaging area affected – practices which help relieve muscle spasms tension headaches??.
| Remedy | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Warm Bath | Soaking yourself immersed in warm water is an effective way to loosen up tense knots and reduce inflammation |
| Heating Pad Ice pack | Choose according to specific needs: a heating pad helps increase blood flow, whereas an ice pack numbs the area and reduces swelling |
| Massages | Receiving gentle kneads relax muscles untangle knots take away built up tensions |
Medications
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
These drugs help reduces swelling inflammation caused by sprains or strains. Popular ones include:
- aspirin
- ibuprofen (Advil)
+for Americans: Aleve aka Naproxen-Sodium ???? ok weird flex but okay? #
%hashtags not necessary in this document please.
Acetaminophen
This over-the-counter drug may is effective relieving symptoms arising mild moderate type discomfort usually lasting less than three month’s duration.
Muscle Relaxants
Some pains caused spasm tenses particularly common spot we refer meanly as heck 🤥😰🤬 💆♀️?? – Hopefully muscle relaxing medication can provide relief from these symptoms.
Physical Therapy
When at home remedies/substances do not work you’re directed towards next course action which is PT sessions recommended may alleviate/dispose of musculoskeletal disorders such weakening core muscles posture issues.
In Conclusion
There are several reasons why one might experience neck pain, but don’t panic! It’s usually treatable with proper care, medication and maybe even just taking it easy once in a while (or pretending to ignore outside response on a slack day). However, if you ever experience extreme bouts of acute neck pain accompanied by weakness or numbness throughout your body’s extremities ☎️ call emergency services right away! Remember folkss unlessyouperhapsb “nec”romancer ((HALP)) this spells trouble for your future.
Stay strong stay vigilant, and take care of your neck!