Sharp Neck Pain Causes

 

There are a number of different types of neck pain, and when it comes to sharp neck pain causes; there are a number of different potential culprits. Neck pain can refer to any pain that is experienced between the shoulders and the area at the base of your skull, including:

• - The cervical spine bones and joints (vertebra)

• - The discs separating the cervical vertebra, responsible for acting as shock absorbers,

• - The ligaments and muscles in the neck area, holding the cervical spine together

There are a number of potential sharp neck pain causes. Neck pain is commonly caused as a result of strains and spasms of the muscles in the neck as well as inflammation of the joints in the neck. Some examples of common activities capable of causing sharp neck pain include holding your head in an odd position while reading, watching television or working, sleeping on a pillow that supports your head improperly, spending long periods of time in the classic thinker's pose, tension and stress and exercise or work activities that make use of your arms and upper body.

There are a number of other potential sharp neck pain causes that you should be aware of, including the following:

• - Tripping and falling a short distance,

• - Excessive spinal twisting,

• - Whiplash

• - Falling from a significant height,

• - A blow to the back or the top of your head,

• - Sports related injury

• - Penetrating injury

• - External pressure such as by strangulation,

Sharp neck pain may be both sudden and severe. When an injury occurs, bruising and swelling may eventually develop. Some examples of injuries that may be sharp neck pain causes include:

• - Injuries to the ligaments or the muscles in the neck such as a strain or a sprain,

• - Fractures or dislocations of the spine,

• - Disc that is ruptured or torn,

In addition to these injuries to the spine, ligaments, muscles and discs, there are a number of conditions that can also be perceived to be sharp neck pain causes. Sharp neck pain is not always a symptom in these conditions, but it may present itself as a symptom of the condition and therefore should be explored by a physician:

• - Arthritis causing damage to the discs in your neck, causing a pinching of the nerves there,

• - Meningitis, which is a serious bacterial or viral illness causing inflammation,

• - The flu, though not serious, is capable of causing similar symptoms to meningitis including sharp neck pain

• - Heart problems including the onset of a heart attack may cause sharp neck pain,

• - Torticollis involves the severe muscle contraction of one side of the neck, causing tilting, and may cause sharp neck pain as well.

When the pain that you experience in your neck is sharp and sudden, consulting a doctor sooner rather than later is always indicated so that the problem can be diagnosed and remedied before it can be allowed to become worse.

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