Causes of Posterior Neck Pain
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Defining the Pain
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Posterior neck pain is described as pain at the base of the skull. Stiff neck muscles or pain that radiates down an arm or up into the head are common symptoms of neck pain. Muscles may be sore or feel hard to the touch. Some people experience weakness in the shoulders and arms, or even a tingling sensation in the fingers as a result of posterior neck pain. Symptoms may only be mild, however, in some cases, pain can be severe pain. Information published by the American Chiropractic Association, ACA, lists injury, spinal stenosis, poor posture, weak abdominal muscles, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and obesity as common causes of neck pain.
Posture
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Poor posture of the head and neck can cause neck pain leading to tension headaches. The muscles in the neck put pressure on certain sensory and motor nerves causing headaches. Positions such as leaning the head forward and rounding the back can cause muscles in the front of the neck to lengthen while shortening those in the back of the neck. This tightens muscles and puts strain on the occipital nerve. Any position that elevates the shoulder and tilts the head shortens and tightens the muscle that runs from your shoulder to your neck. This is the reason why looking at a monitor screen positioned to the side or holding a telephone between your neck and shoulder can cause neck pain. You can improve body posture by lying on your back and pulling your chin down and in. This stretch tightens muscles at the back of the neck while strengthening the muscles in the front of the neck. Strengthening the abdominal area is another way to ease neck pain caused by rounded shoulders and a curved spine. If the upper body, including the neck and head are not supported by strong abdominal muscles, the muscles in the neck become tense and strained. Obesity is another factor that can weaken abdominal muscles, as the added weight places additional strain on the back and neck causing pain.
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Injury
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Neck pain is often caused by injury from a motor vehicle accident. Even though most people recover with time, some individuals develop chronic neck pain as a result. In the case of whiplash, the head is suddenly moved in one direction, and then jerked back in the opposite direction. The neck is forced beyond its normal range of motion causing a neck sprain. This usually happens when a vehicle is struck from behind. Stiffness in the neck and the back of the head are common symptoms of whiplash. Many people complain of headaches as well. Pain is caused by injury to nerves, muscles in the neck, discs, and ligaments. While most people recover fully from whiplash, muscles in the back of the neck are strained and may take a few months to heal completely.
Arthritis
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Either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis of the neck can cause pain in the neck. As people get older, the joints in the neck become damaged from wear and tear. Symptoms may include neck stiffness, headaches, pain that radiates into the arms, and muscle spasms in the neck. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include rest and medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Cervical spondylosis, or osteoarthritis of the neck, can be treated with physical therapy, which may include heat and/or cold therapy, stretching and neck strengthening exercises, improving posture, and pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pain in the neck or back are also common symptoms of spinal stenosis, a curved or narrowed spine often caused by arthritis or other degenerative conditions affecting the spine.
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