6 Surprising Causes of Neck Pain and Treatments
Neck pain? Who doesn’t have neck pain? Spend a day in my neurosurgery clinic and you’ll see that neck pain is extremely common.
According to a review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the lifetime prevalence of neck pain ranges from 48% to 71% in the general population – a prevalent discomfort experienced by many individuals at some point in their lives.
While there are many common causes of neck pain, you might be surprised to see what daily habits may be contributing to your new achey neck.
Lets go through a few:
1) Technology
Ever heard of “text neck?”
This is a term originated from the widespread use of smartphones for texting – where individuals frequently tilt their heads downward to view and interact with their devices.
It’s a posture-related condition that arises from prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, and other handheld devices.
When individuals spend significant amounts of time hunched over their devices, often with their heads and necks bent forward and downward, it puts undue stress on the neck muscles, ligaments, and vertebra.
Repetitive movement and prolonged abnormal posture places stress on the neck and upper spine leading to discomfort, pain, and stiffness collectively known as text neck.
Text neck can occur with any activity that involves prolonged periods of looking down at a screen, including browsing the internet, gaming, or reading e-books.
Prevention and Treatment of Text Neck
Text neck is becoming increasingly common in today’s digital age, especially among younger populations who are heavy users of handheld devices.
Follow these simple modifications to help prevent and treat text neck:
- practice good posture while using devices
- strengthening exercises for the neck, upper back, and shoulders
- take frequent breaks to stretch and change positions,
- Adjust your ergonomics such as holding devices at eye level to reduce strain on the neck and spine
2) Dental Issues
Dental problems can cause “referred pain” to the neck.
Referred pain is where pain from one area of the body is felt in a different area
Here’s how dental issues can lead to neck pain:
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull and is essential for functions like chewing and speaking
TMJ disorder can occur due to various factors, including teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw misalignment, or trauma to the jaw.
When the TMJ is inflamed or dysfunctional, it can lead to pain and discomfort not only in the jaw but also in surrounding areas, including the neck, shoulders, and even the head.
Muscle Tension
Dental problems such as TMJ disorder or toothaches can cause individuals to unconsciously clench their jaw or hold their head and neck in abnormal positions to alleviate discomfort.
Constant muscle tension and altered posture can lead to muscle strain and stiffness in the neck and surrounding areas, resulting in neck pain.
Nerve Irritation
Dental issues, particularly those affecting the lower teeth and jaw, can sometimes lead to nerve irritation or compression
When nerves in the jaw or facial region are affected, it can cause referred pain that radiates to other areas, including the neck
This referred pain sensation may be sharp, dull, or tingling and can worsen with movement or pressure
Postural Changes
Chronic dental pain or discomfort can alter an individual’s posture and movement patterns as they unconsciously try to avoid aggravating their symptoms
This can lead to compensatory changes in posture, muscle imbalances, and increased tension in the neck and shoulder muscles, ultimately contributing to neck pain
How to Treat Neck Pain from Dental Issues
It’s essential for individuals experiencing neck pain, particularly if it’s accompanied by dental symptoms such as jaw pain or toothaches, to consult with both a dentist and a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.
3) Emotional Stress
Emotional stress is a daily occurence.
Emotional stress can have profound effects on overall health, contributing to a range of physical health problems
Chronic stress is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and exacerbation of existing health conditions, highlighting the importance of managing stress for overall well-being.
How does Stress Cause Neck pain?
Stress often leads to muscle tension and poor posture, both of which can contribute to neck discomfort and stiffness
One of the biggest factors to which I advise my patients regarding stress and anxiety, is that they are independent factors to enhancing pain. Stress-induced changes in pain perception may heighten sensitivity to existing neck pain, making it feel more intense or persistent.
Treating Emotional Stress Related Neck Pain
- relaxation techniques
- mindfulness practices
- stress-reducing activities
- exercise
- Talk therapy
4) Dehydration
Similar to stress, dehydration can significantly impact pain perception and exacerbate existing discomfort in the body
When our body is dehydrated, it lacks an adequate amount of water to support essential bodily functions, including the lubrication of joints and the delivery of nutrients to cells. This results in increased friction between joints and tissues, causing stiffness and discomfort
Additionally, dehydration can impair the body’s ability to flush out toxins and waste products, which can accumulate in tissues and contribute to inflammation and pain.
What about the Nerves? Nerve function is affected during chronic dehydration as well, amplifying pain signals.
How to Treat Dehydration Related Pain
- maintain proper hydration
- use electrolyte supplements for excessive exercise
- monitor fluid losses
- eat foods rich in water
- avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol
5) Large Breasts
Whether you’re a boob person or not, there is no arguing that large breasts create significant musckuloskeletal issues including neck pain
Reasons why large breasts create pain:
- Increased Weight: Large breasts can be heavy, placing additional strain on the muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back. The constant pull of gravity on the breasts can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort, especially for individuals with poor posture.
- Poor Posture: To compensate for the weight of large breasts, individuals may adopt poor posture, such as rounding their shoulders or hunching forward. This altered posture can lead to muscle imbalances and tension in the neck and upper back muscles, resulting in pain and stiffness over time.
- Spinal Misalignment: The weight of large breasts can pull the spine forward, leading to spinal misalignment and increased pressure on the vertebrae in the neck region. This can contribute to conditions such as cervical spondylosis or herniated discs, which may cause neck pain and discomfort.
- Compression of Nerves: Large breasts can press against the chest and collarbones, potentially compressing nerves in the neck and shoulder area
How To Tell If Your Large Breasts Are Causing Pain
Individuals experiencing neck pain may notice that their discomfort worsens after prolonged periods of standing or sitting, particularly if they are not adequately supporting their breasts with a well-fitted bra
Additionally, you might notice that they have indentations at their bra straps, as well. Over time, this can affect the collarbone
Neck pain associated with large breasts may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as upper back pain, headaches, or numbness and tingling in the arms and hands.
Treating Neck Pain Related to Large Breasts
Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a physician or physical therapist, can help assess the relationship between breast size and neck pain and determine appropriate interventions to address the issue.
Physical therapy for posture control can help in addition to looking at the type of bra that is being used.
If pain is persistent, a breast reduction is reasonable to consider.
6) Bag/Purse
Using a purse or shoulder bag can contribute to neck pain through several mechanisms.
When carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, the muscles on that side of the body are required to work harder to support the weight, leading to muscle strain and fatigue.
Over time, this can cause the muscles in the neck and shoulder area to become tense and tight, resulting in discomfort and pain
Additionally, carrying a bag on one shoulder can cause an imbalance in the distribution of weight, leading to asymmetrical loading of the spine and contributing to postural misalignments. his imbalance can cause the head to tilt to one side, placing additional strain on the muscles and vertebrae of the neck, which may lead to neck pain and stiffness.
How to Prevent and Treat Neck Pain Related to Bags/Purses
- choose the right bag
- lighten the load
- take breaks from your bag/purse
- alternate shoulders/arms carrying the load
- for backpacks, use both straps
The design of the bag itself can also impact the likelihood of experiencing neck pain. Read my post “Choosing the Right Purse/Bag to Prevent Neck Pain” to help you find the right bag to prevent or treat your pain.
FAQS
Can long hair cause neck pain?
Yes. Long hair can potentially contribute to neck pain, although it is not a common or major cause compared to other factors like poor posture or muscle strain. How? Read more here.
Can vomiting cause neck pain?
Vomiting itself typically doesn’t cause neck pain directly. However, the forceful muscle contractions associated with vomiting can sometimes lead to muscle strain or tension in the neck
Can playing a musical instrument cause neck pain?
Yes, playing a musical instrument can potentially cause neck pain, especially if proper technique, posture, and instrument setup are not maintained.
Play an instrument and want to prevent neck pain? Read this for preventative techniques.
Conclusion
There are numerous reasons for people to have neck pain outside of the spine.
Neck pain has to be treated in a multifaceted approach. Only focusing on the spine, will miss many of the factors that could be contributing to your pain.
I can’t reiterate enough, the importance of maintaining good posture, managing stress, staying hydrated, and addressing dental and occupational needs for optimal neck health
Neurosurgeon Tip: While neck pain is often temporary and resolves on its own with rest and self-care, it can sometimes indicate underlying issues that require medical attention. Read my article “When to see your doctor for neck pain” for more clarificaiton
