Neck pain is a common health problem around the world, both in terms of personal health and overall well-being. It can be the result of stress, overuse, poor posture or a number of degenerative diseases.
5 reasons why your neck might be hurting
Common conditions that cause neck pain include:
- Degenerative disc disease – Degenerative disc disease occurs when the rubbery discs between the vertebrae in the spine deteriorate or break down. Approximately one-third of people aged 40-59 have evidence of this disease.
- Neck strain – Neck strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons that support and move the head and neck. Anywhere from 16-75 percent of the world population experience neck pain.
- Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is a degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. Approximately 12 percent of people aged 21 and older have osteoarthritis.
- Cervical spondylosis – Cervical spondylosis is age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs in the neck. Between 12-17 percent of people suffer from symptomatic cervical spondylosis and it is higher in females than males.
- Spinal stenosis – Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through it. It affects between 8-11 percent of the population and is most prevalent after age 50.
Other common reasons for neck pain
Neck pain can also have causes that aren’t related to an underlying disease. If you struggle with persistent neck pain it could also be the result of the following factors:
- Prolonged stretching and straining (looking up or down)
- Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
- Poor posture
- Stress
- Chiropractic manipulation
- Neck injury (e.g., whiplash, herniated disc, pinched nerve)
- Wearing heavy necklaces
If you’re looking for effective solutions for either sudden or chronic neck pain, call Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants at 210-255-8935 for expert neck pain treatment in San Antonio. We offer a full spectrum of highly effective, minimally invasive and nonsurgical pain treatments.