Neck Pain
Neck pain is the term used to describe discomfort in the area between the base of the skull and the chest, which includes the cervical vertebrae. The vertebrae in this area are held together by thick ligaments to provide stability and balance. The muscles attached to this area provide movement and support. The neck is strong enough to support the weight of the head, but it is also more susceptible to injury compared to the rest of the spine because it is less protected.
Many people experience temporary neck pain at some point in their lives. Half of these cases can be resolved with medical treatment. Here, we will provide you with brief information about the causes of neck pain. However, we recommend that you consult your doctor for detailed information.
Neck pain can occur due to soft tissue (muscle, ligament, nerve) and bone structure or joint problems. Most neck pains develop after a disease called osteoarthritis, which is caused by soft tissue origin or wear and tear. Rarely, infections and some tumors can also cause pain. Sometimes, problems related to the back, shoulders, and arms can cause neck pain.
Osteoarthritis is a joint problem that usually occurs in the weight-bearing parts of the body in elderly people. Diseases that disrupt the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause pain. In both of these types of arthritis, joint movement is reduced and pain is caused. Cervical disc degenerations also cause pain. Disks are structures responsible for absorbing the load carried. Cervical disc degeneration usually occurs in people over the age of 40, as the gelatinous substance between the disks decreases, reducing the distance between the disks.
The weight-bearing task remains in the bone tissue, which leads to changes that cause bone deterioration. The strength of the disk decreases, and with the increase in the load on the bone, the jelly inside the disk can escape outward, which is called herniation. Herniations compress the nerve roots passing by the disk, causing severe pain.