Overview
If you were to ask one of the doctors at Spine Center of Texas about the number of patients with neck pain that have come into their practice, you would be blown away! Neck pain is a pretty common complaint. In many cases, there is no cause for alarm regarding neck pain, sometimes it can be a symptom of something serious. In cases where the pain is accompanied by loss of strength in the hands or arms plus numbness, you need to consult a back pain specialist. Spine Center of Texas now has offices in San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Seguin to better serve you.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
- Muscle Strain and Tension caused by activities and habits that include:
- Poor posture
- Overexertion
- Poor sleeping habits (sleeping with the neck in the wrong position)
- Exercise related
Injury
- Most of these injuries are usually from auto accidents, falls, and sports. In such situations, these injuries force the ligaments and muscle of the neck to move out of their normal stretch range.
- Whiplash- This is a neck injury that is caused by a sudden jerking of your head
- Meningitis. In meningitis patients, the thin tissue surrounding the spinal cord and the brain gets inflamed. This may include neck pain as well as headaches.
- Other Causes of Neck Pain
The following are other factors that might cause neck pain:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Spondylosis
- Herniated cervical discs
- Spinal Stenosis
- In very rare cases, neck pain can be caused by:
- Cancers of the spine
- Tumors
- Congenital disabilities
- Abscesses
Symptoms of Neck Pain
The symptoms associated with neck pain include:
- Muscle spasms and tightness
- Headaches
- Reduced ability to move the head
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
Depending on the severity of the condition, neck pain is sometimes accompanied by both upper and lower back pain. Contact Spine Center of Texas today for an appointment and to hear more about our treatment options.
