ai-Health
Assist in the management of healthy living
Most neck pain originates from minor issues, such as muscle strain due to poor posture or sleeping in an uncomfortable position, and resolves without treatment or with modest lifestyle changes. However, certain signs and symptoms are indicators that there is likely a more serious underlying problem. These include:
- Severe or excruciating pain
- Headaches
- The pain persists for a prolonged period of time
- Pain radiates to the shoulders or arms, especially accompanied by numbness, cold sensations, and/or weakness
- Muscle spasms or decreased range of motion
Neck pain may be caused by:
- Muscle strain – holding the neck in one position for too long, such as when looking at a computer screen all day, can cause muscle fatigue and lead to tightness or soreness
- Arthritis – also called osteoarthritis, it is the physical “wear-and-tear” of bones and cartilage that comes with age
- Herniated disc – the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc leaks out and can compress or “pinch” a nerve
- Cervical stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
- Infections (e.g. meningitis, osteomyelitis)
