Some studies reveal that seven out of ten people suffer from neck pain at some point of their lives. Neck pain is common and it responds well to pain killers and self help techniques. However, if the pain is intense and chronic, a visit to your doctor is essential. Many conditions can cause chronic neck pain.
Emotional stress and physical stress can create tension in the neck muscles, causing pain. However, if the pain persists for more than 3 or 4 weeks, the condition is considered as chronic. It is crucial to treat chronic neck pain, because it may be a symptom of some other condition.
6 Reasons For Why Need To Treat Chronic Neck Pain Fast
1. Chronic Neck Pain May Be A Symptom Of Herniated Cervical Disc
Herniated cervical disc is one of the common causes of chronic neck pain. As you age, the discs in your spin lose their flexibility and the ligaments around the discs become weak. If herniated disc occurs, it gives more pressure on spinal nerves or the spinal cord, causing neck pain. It may be accompanies by shoulder pain, radiating arm pain and numbness in the arm. If you do not treat chronic neck pain caused by herniated disc fast with the help of medications and exercise, you may need to undergo surgery.
2. Cervical foraminal stenosis
Chronic neck pain may be a symptom of cervical foraminal stenosis, a condition caused by changes in the neck joints due to aging or overuse. Medicine, exercise and therapy are often enough to treat this condition. However, if you leave the pain untreated, it will become severe, surgery may be recommended.
3. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Cervical disc degeneration is another common cause of neck pain and/or neck stiffness. The vertebral discs that absorb shock in the spin dry out, as you age. This affects their strength and flexibility, leading to disc degeneration. Low level of chronic neck pain is often a symptom of this condition. The pain becomes worse in some positions and while doing some activities. It is important to diagnose the condition and treat neck pain as quickly as possible to avoid surgical procedures.
4. Neck Arthritis
Chronic neck pain that is severe in the morning and at the end of the day may be a symptom of cervical or neck osteoarthritis. it is a common condition in older adults. Degeneration in the cartilage of the facet joints is the main factor causing pain. If you are diagnosed with this condition, exercises, traction and physical therapy will be suggested to alleviate the pain.
5. Improper Treatment Of A Neck Injury
Improper treatment of an earlier neck injury can cause chronic neck pain. The muscles, tendons and ligaments around the neck area might have been damaged in an earlier trauma. Inflammation occurs, if you leave it untreated or treat it improperly.
6. Joint Dysfunction
Chronic neck pain, stiffness and/or pinching sensation in the neck area may indicate joint dysfunction. Treatment generally includes postural corrections and some exercises.
If chronic neck pain is not treated quickly, it may become worse and more painful treatment procedures like surgery may be required to get relief from it.
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