The neck is one of the most mobile organs of the body. Excessive mobility in the neck, where many vital organs are located or passed between the head and chest, also increases susceptibility to trauma and diseases. The presence of 32 joints in addition to organs and tissues in the neck creates a complex situation for neck pain that can have many causes.
Acute neck pain
Acute neck pain is usually the result of a blow or trauma. If we list acute neck pain according to the most common causes:
- Strains of the cervical muscles
- Hernias of the cervical discs or compression of the cervical nerves
- Infections of bone structures such as osteomoyelitis
- Osteoporosis or collapses of the vertebrae
- Pathological fractures (usually caused by bone tumors)
- Meningitis (usually an infection with headache, neck stiffness, changes in consciousness and fever)
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Infections of the upper respiratory tract
Chronic neck pain
Chronic neck pain is neck pain that lasts longer and gets worse from time to time. The most common causes:
- Osteoarthritis
- Cervical disc hernias
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Chronic infection of the vertebrae or discs
- Metastatic tumors
- Fibrositis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Positional disorders (such as high pillows or occupational abnormal movements)
Vertebral artery compression situations, which sometimes progress with limitation of movement, dizziness, loss of balance or facial numbness without pain, are also rare disorders of the neck. This discomfort sometimes causes visual disturbances or falling attacks. It can also be seen with neck pain.
Extensions of discs or vertebrae in the neck, called osteophytes, that form over time, can press on the nerves in the neck and cause pain. In these cases, pain and other symptoms are exacerbated by the backward movement of the neck.
Back, shoulder and arm pain as well as neck pain are common in fibromyalgia patients.
If neck pain does not go away on its own within a week or two, if it recurs frequently or if it has become permanent, the cause must be determined by further examination and treatment should be applied accordingly.