A lot rests on your neck. Its role as a component of the musculoskeletal system is a significant one. Yet, the neck can also be very vulnerable. In fact, statistics indicate that approximately 45% of American workers suffer from neck pain. While women suffer the most from this problem, it does not exclude anyone, including children.
Categories of Causal Factors
The neck is prone to a variety of potentially harmful health problems. These are essentially divided into two different categories:
1. Medical: Those resulting from a medical issue such as a disease or disorder.
2. Environmental: These stem from external factors acting upon the body. They can range from improper sleeping positions to car accidents.
Although the causal factors may differ, both can result in neck (cervical) pain that may produce anything from mild to life-threatening consequences.
Causal Factors: Medical
Common medical conditions can cause your neck to be sore. It may be a minor issue or a chronic pain. Among the disorders or disease that may result in pain in your neck are the following:
* Degenerative disc disease
* Viral throat infection
* Tuberculosis of the neck
* Osteoarthritis
* Osteomyelitis
* Septic discitis
* Fibromyalgia
* Meningitis
* Polymyalgia rheumatica
These and other disorders can cause you to feel the dull throbs and aching that comprises a very sore neck.
Environmental Causal Factors
The environment in which we live and operate is the major source of neck pain. It provides the setting in which we damage our necks. Among the myriad of possibilities are:
* Car accidents – Incidents such as these often result in herniated disks and whiplash. Those most affected are the individuals involved in rear enders.
* Sports Activities – Sports are the perfect means through which people can harm their neck as well as other parts of the body. At higher risk are those who play football, soccer, hockey and other contact sports. Horseback riders are also in danger of harming their neck.
* Heavy Lifting – If as part of your job you perform heavy lifting, you can strain your neck and shoulders causing damage.
* Poor Posture – This results from sitting hunched over a computer or workstation of almost any type for a prolonged period of time.
* Falls – People can damage their neck in a variety of ways when they fall. It often depends on how hard and/or on what they land.
* Diving – Necks can be injured and even broken from diving into unknown waters.
This does not mean you should avoid contact sports or quit driving. Instead, you need to ensure you protect your neck in any way possible. This may include wearing the proper safety gear including helmets and seat belts as well as performing various neck-strengthening exercises.
Neck Pain
Your neck is a vulnerable component of your body. You can damage it irreparably in a moment of carelessness. While disease can cause issues, you need to remember that the more common causes of neck pain are environmental, including car accidents and sports injuries.
Neck pain can be very debilitating. It can prevent you from leading a full life. If you want to learn more about what is causing it and any treatment options, contact the professional medical staff at Suburban Orthopaedics. They approach the health concerns of their clients with compassion. They are there to provide what is best for their clients–something they have done for more than 25 years. To discover more about their excellent health services, visit them online at www.suburbanortho.com. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates!
