Nothing ruins your morning more than waking up with a crick in your neck. The uncomfortable pain and lack of mobility make it hard to go about your day. Sometimes the pain goes away by itself, as your muscles wake up and adjust. However, other times, the pain may last for longer, leaving you wondering what the cause may be and how you can cure your neck pain.
So how can one recognise the difference between acute pain, which will resolve by itself, and a more serious injury, which may need medical attention?
Let’s take a look at a few differences between acute and chronic neck pain.
Acute vs. chronic neck pain
The main difference between acute and chronic neck pain is that acute pain resolves by itself within a few days or weeks whereas chronic pain lasts longer and usually has an underlying cause. Here’s how to identify whether you’re experiencing chronic neck pain or acute.
Acute neck pain
Acute neck pain typically occurs due to minor muscle strain. It starts suddenly and may be accompanied by stiffness that restricts your mobility.
Here are a few common acute neck pain causes-
- Sleeping the wrong way
- Poor posture
- Carrying heavy weight on one side of your body, such as a heavy bag
- Sudden impact or rapid jerky movement
Chronic neck pain begins gradually and does not always have an identifiable cause. It is considered chronic if the pain lasts for more than 3 months. However, this duration varies depending on the severity of the pain.
Here are a few underlying diseases and injuries usually identified as chronic neck pain causes-
- Cervical degenerative disc disease
- Cervical osteoarthritis
- Cervical herniated disc
- A vertebral break or fracture
Now that we’ve understood the difference between chronic and acute neck pain, let’s explore the common neck pain causes and how to cure neck pain.
1. Muscle Strain
The most common cause of neck pain and stiffness is muscle strain. Pain from a muscle strain can vary from being dull and aching to sharp and intense. Pain may also be accompanied by a headache, shoulder pain or arm pain.
Causes:
Muscle strain is typically caused by-
- An awkward sleeping position
- A fall or a sudden impact
- Rapid back and forth or sideways movement
- Poor posture
In addition to this, excessive stress or anxiety can also contribute to muscle pain as it leads to tension buildup in the neck.
Treatment:
In the case of a minor muscle strain, neck pain treatment will not be required as it will resolve by itself within a few hours. In cases where it does not resolve by itself, try the following steps for pain relief.
- Rest
Taking rest for a few days will give injured tissues the space to heal. During this period, avoid any activities that could potentially worsen the pain, such as carrying heavy objects, craning your neck while working, or swimming strokes that involve repetitive head movement.
- Ice packs or heat therapy
Applying heat to the injured muscle helps increase blood flow which fosters healing. On the other hand, ice helps reduce inflammation which can relieve neck stiffness. Either ice or heat therapy method can be used for pain relief according to your preferences.
- Gentle stretches
Gentle stretches can help relieve stiffness and regain mobility. Try carrying out basic neck exercises, or consult a physiotherapist if needed. However, do not stretch beyond capacity as that can worsen the strain on your muscles.
- OTC medication
If the above measures do not help, you can check with your doctor whether using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is recommendable in your case to reduce inflammation.
Any damage or trauma to the cervical spine or neck area is referred to as a cervical injury. The severity of the injury will determine the symptoms and course of treatment, which can range from minor sprains to serious fractures.
Symptoms:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Pain and stiffness in the upper back and shoulders
- Feeling of numbness, tingling sensations or weakness in the arms or legs
Serious injuries could lead to loss of sensation in the limbs, as well as problems breathing, speaking, or swallowing.
Treatment:
Depending on the extent of the damage, cervical injury treatment may involve
- Rest
- Ice or heat therapy
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
Cervical collars or neck braces may be needed to immobilise the injured area. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to stabilise the spine or repair broken vertebrae.
If you suspect a cervical injury, it's critical to seek medical attention right away since timely care can lessen the risk of future harm and increase the likelihood of a full recovery.
3. Cervical spondylosis
The prevalence of cervical spondylosis increases with age. While it does not always present symptoms, when symptoms do show up, they frequently involve neck discomfort and stiffness.
Symptoms:
Apart from pain and stiffness in the neck, the symptoms of spondylosis include-
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the hands, feet, or legs
- Walking difficulties and lack of coordination
- Loss of bowel control
Treatment
Cervical spondylosis is treated based on its severity. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, help you maintain your usual activities, and prevent permanent nerve and spinal cord damage.
- Regular exercise: Maintaining physical activity will help speed recovery, by keeping the muscles active and strong. You may have to temporarily modify your exercises to keep them neck pain-friendly. Even a simple daily walk can reduce the chances of back and neck pain. Physical therapy can also prove beneficial.
- Medication: OTC painkillers can help suppress the pain of spondylosis. Consult your doctor to find out the best course of action for you.
- Heat or ice: Heat or ice therapy can ease sore neck muscles.
- Soft neck brace: A neck band for pain may be recommended by your doctor. However, they should only be worn for the doctor-recommended duration, wearing a neck brace for too long can eventually weaken neck muscles and result in stiff necks.
4. Cervical degenerative disc disease
We all have 6, gel-like cervical discs in between our cervical vertebrae that absorb shock and prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. These discs are composed majorly of water. They begin to lose hydration during the ageing process, which means reduced cushioning for our vertebrae and increased risk of cracks in the discs. This degeneration of cervical discs is referred to as cervical degenerative disc disease.
Similar to this is Cervical Herniated Disc, another disc-related disease that is caused when the cervical discs develop tears and the inner fluid leaks out.
While most people will face cervical disc degeneration with age, it does not necessarily lead to pain in all individuals. However, studies show that genetic predisposition, obesity, as well as a habit of smoking can lead to early development of cervical degenerative disc disease and increased risk of symptoms.
Treatment:
- Lifestyle modifications
Certain activities are more painful for your neck than others, such as craning your neck forward to look at the computer monitor, or intensive swimming strokes. Refraining from these activities for a few days or weeks will usually help reduce the pain. Additionally, maintaining strong posture is recommended, especially when you’re working or driving for long hours. Lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, staying hydrated, and quitting smoking are also beneficial for disc health.
- Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen might be beneficial. Consult with your doctor for the best course of medication for you.
- Ice or heat therapy
As with a muscle strain, applying heat or ice to the injured muscle can have a healing effect and relieve pain.
- Exercise and physical therapy
Most non-surgical neck pain treatment programs include exercise and stretching. Your
physical therapist or doctor can prescribe an exercise and stretching regimen that meets your specific needs. Through such a regime, you can increase your neck strength and flexibility over time, which will lower the risk for pain.
- Using a neck brace
Your doctor may recommend a neck band for pain management, which can stabilise the neck and reduce neck pain by offering rigid support to the neck.
Conclusion
These are the basic neck injuries and diseases that could be the cause of your neck pain. In cases of prolonged pain, consulting a doctor is a must. Receiving neck pain treatment as early as possible can help prevent chronic pain and reduce the chances of injury.
Positive lifestyle changes, such as stretching daily and exercising regularly, can go a long way in preventing the onset of cervical pain and keeping your muscles strong and flexible. In severe cases, advanced neck pain treatment methods such as a neck band for pain may be necessary.
Remember, cervical injuries should not be taken lightly, if you suspect that you have suffered an injury after a fall or an accident, consult your doctor immediately.
Disclaimer
Please note that the above recommendations are general care tips. Consult a healthcare professional in case of any uncertainty around wound treatment and healing.
Always see your doctor if a wound is deep, bleeding profusely or showing signs of infection. For diabetic patients especially, proper wound care holds the utmost importance. Do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or your podiatrist, even when it comes to minor wounds and cuts – especially if they’re on your feet.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Although compiled with great care, it is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult your doctor immediately.
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