ZOOM+Care DIY Health Articles

Neck pain is specific to the lower neck and upper back, where issues with your spine, back muscles, or nerves could contribute to consistent pain. While not uncommon, frequent neck pain is abnormal and may require medical attention.

Strenuous activity or recent, minor injuries can contribute to pain in your neck or upper back, but these pain triggers don’t usually last for more than a few days.

Like back pain, neck pain affects millions of Americans every year according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Environmental, lifestyle, and medical disorders could be the underlying cause of your neck pain. You should talk to a doctor if you’re suffering from frequent pain.

The following can cause neck pain:

• Extended phone use (looking down at your phone)
• Muscle strain
• Pinched nerves
• Poor posture
• Sitting for long periods of time without moving
• Sleeping in an awkward position
• Sports
• Stress
• Whiplash

Medical conditions causing your neck pain may include:

• Abnormal joints
• Bone spurs
• Degenerative diseases
• Fibromyalgia
• Herniated disc
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tumors

If you have infrequent, short episodes of neck pain, you shouldn’t worry too much. However, if your pain continues for a week or longer, talk to a doctor.

Also, you should seek immediate care if you’ve been in an accident or fall or sustained a blow to your spine.

You may also need immediate medical attention if the following symptoms accompany your neck pain:

• Can’t move parts of your body
• Fever
• Headache
• Inability to sleep due to the pain
• Incontinence
• Lumps in your neck
• Numbness
• Radiating pain in your arms or legs
• Vomiting