The Seven Types of Neck Pain

The anatomy of the neck can be very complex as it supports the head and joints the lower body with it. There are many associative nerves and muscles are involved in facilitating communication among the brain and body through the neck. So when you struggle with neck pain, it can result in associative pain too. But you have to understand which type of neck pain you are experiencing in order to alleviate it.

Different kinds of neck pain

1.      Muscle cramps or spasms

When you experience a sudden tightening around your neck muscles, it’s referred to as muscle cramps or spasms. The pain is spontaneous and causes painful muscle contraction, so you are unable to move your head. Although there is no clear conception regarding muscle spasms cause, it can be due to muscle, spinal disc, or nerve issues.

2.      Muscle pain

If you have any tender spots in your neck areas that are causing aching in the neck, it can be the result of muscle pain. This can be due to untreated emotional or physical stress. Furthermore, the pain can be the result of muscle strains, sprains, and tears in the layers of connective tissues.

3.      Migraine or headaches

In some instances, your headaches can be caused due to neck pain. Generally, when you experience headaches associated with neck pain, it occurs between the back of your head and the upper area of your neck.

4.      Apophyseal joint pain

Apophyseal joints are part of the vertebrae of the neck. When you experience pain in these areas, it is quite intense, sharp, and aching. Any injury or arthritic degradation to the joint areas can cause such pain.

5.      Neuropathic Pain

Nerve-related pain caused due to the neck can be sharp, fleeting, and severe. You can experience nerve irritation or pinching sensation in the spine. Based on which nerve is related to the pain, the aching can travel downwards or your shoulder.

6.      Referred Pain

Referred pain is identified as the kind of pain that occurs in one part of the body but is triggered by another part of the body. Although they might seem not related, you can experience neck pain due to heart, esophagus, etc.

7.      Osteodynia

Pain in the bones can be caused due to injuries or diseased conditions in the soft tissues of cervical vertebrae. In bone pains, you will require immediate medical attention as it might lead to a more serious health condition.

No matter what is causing your neck pain, it’s wise to seek professional help to cure it and refrain from turning it into a chronic condition. You can contact a well-established facility like Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic to help you recover from any kind of neck pain.