You don’t usually notice your neck in everyday life until you wake up stiff from a poor night’s sleep. Your neck (clinically, your cervical spine) supports and facilitates movement, but when you’re experiencing neck pain, everyday activities like turning your head to check your blind spot or lifting an object become uncomfortable, if not impossible.
Close to 80 percent of adults experience neck pain in their lifetime, and an estimated 37 percent of adults will experience neck pain in the next year. In fact, neck pain is among the most commonly reported musculoskeletal issues in the United States. However, relief is within your reach.
This is your guide to the most common neck injuries and strategies to prevent them, so you can enjoy the freedom of pain-free movement.
The seven cervical vertebrae that make up the neck act as an anchor for numerous muscle tendons and ligaments. The cervical spine also protects the spinal cord so that nerves can safely and effectively control and relay messages to and from the brain. The intricate network of muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones of the cervical spine allows us to move our heads effortlessly in almost all directions. Stay ahead of neck pain by learning about the most common injuries to the neck.
Neck sprain or strain: Typically caused by an unexpected movement, like whiplash in a sudden car accident, a sprain occurs when the ligaments in the neck stretch beyond their regular length, and a strain happens when muscles or tendons tear slightly. Without appropriate intervention, symptoms of whiplash and other strains may develop into chronic pain.
Fractured cervical vertebrae: Vertebral bone fractures or breaks are rare but can happen in high-collision scenarios like a car or bicycle accident or high-impact sports. This type of injury requires immediate emergency attention to avoid or reduce the risk of a spinal cord injury.
Cervical herniated disc: Cartilaginous discs, found between each vertebra, are filled with a gel-like substance that provides support between bones. When one of these discs has a small tear or rupture, the gel can bulge out, compressing the spinal cord or nerve and causing pain or numbness.
Degenerative disc disease: The gel-like disc between vertebrae depends on fluid to maintain consistency. As we age, this structure loses its viscosity(in essence, it begins to dry up), reducing the cushion you have between bones. As the disc thins, some people may have no symptoms, while others can lose some mobility in the spine. Bone spurs may develop, pinching a nerve and causing pain or weakness.
Cervical osteoarthritis (OA): Advanced forms of degenerative disc disease can lead to OA of the cervical spine. Sometimes called cervical spondylosis, OA in the neck is considered a natural process of aging affecting 95 percent of the population over 65 years old. Like other forms of OA in the joints, when the cartilage of the joints on the vertebrae wears down over time, the vertebrae can rub together, causing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
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Neck pain can impose limitations on your mobility and cause frustrations in your day, even bringing you to a standstill. But it doesn’t have to—incorporating these habits can help you easily navigate the world with unrestricted movement.
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