Complications From Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic pain seems to be an epidemic throughout the world. Studies show that nearly 1.5 billion people around the world suffer from chronic pain. Of those pain suffers, about 100 million are Americans. Chronic pain is pain that persists without going away. Chronic pain generally lasts for months or even years. One type of pain that seems to be really common among individuals coping with chronic pain is neck pain. Neck pain in San Mateo can result from an injury or from someone placing strain on their body. It can also develop as a result of another painful condition that exists in a person’s spine.

When to Get Treatment for Neck Pain Having full control over one’s neck is central to having a good quality of life. Without the ability to turn one’s head from side to side because of pain, many people find staying at home a better option. Getting rest is a great way to ensure people with Neck Pain San Mateo recover, but when people significantly reduce their activity levels because they are in pain, then they need to seek medical attention.

Neck Pain Complications Even after adjusting their lifestyle, many people still fail to get the medical attention they need to alleviate their pain. Unfortunately, this can lead to complications, particularly, cervical spondylolysis. Cervical spondylolysis is the medical term used to describe worn discs in a person’s spinal cord. Many people experience this condition as a result of aging. Most of the time, it’s referred to as spurs on the spine. People who develop the condition could ultimately suffer from pinched nerve endings, which can lead to challenges walking, weak arms and legs, and numbness in a person’s arms or legs.

It is always prudent for anyone suffering from chronic neck pain to visit their medical professional. Doctors have the ability to prescribe pain medications and therapeutic treatment options that help neck pain suffers cope with the pain. Conversely, if a person fails to get the treatment they need, it could make matters worse by increasing their chances of developing cervical spondylolysis. Allowing neck pain to persist jeopardizes one’s quality of life; therefore, getting treatment is the best option for many.

Factors That Contribute to Severe Neck Pain in San Mateo

Several factors can contribute to severe neck pain in San Mateo. People who are prime for these symptoms often unintentionally make they’re situation worst when they experience these factors. Posture Poor posture can lead to severe neck pain. For example, people who jut their head and shoulders forward place stress on their lower neck. This can lead to degenerative disc illnesses and can force the muscles in the upper back to work harder to balance the head, neck and shoulders against gravity. People often display poor posture when reading, driving or using a computer. Intense concentration on these activities might cause a person to jut his or her head forward.

Movement Sudden movements, lifting heavy objects and attempting to reach objects in high places also can contribute to neck pain. Sometimes even one quick movement can injure the neck, and so can lifting an object that is too heavy. Lifestyle Factors Certain lifestyle factors make some individuals susceptible to chronic neck pain. These factors include exercising infrequently or not at all. Improper exercise techniques also might contribute to neck pain in Campbell. Heavy weight gain also contributes to neck pain, as does overexertion in physical activities.

Emotional Triggers People who are stressed or depressed might find themselves experiencing severe neck and/or back pain. This is because a person’s mind and body works together and can’t be separated. For example, someone who’s stressed or anxious might feel muscle tension in the neck and shoulder area, and a depressed person’s pain might increase during the depressed period. Fatigue and Insomnia For many people, lack of sleep cause pain in the neck area. An alarming trouble with this factor is that both can be a symptom of the other. In other words, people who don’t get enough sleep might find that they experience pain in various parts of the body, especially the neck shoulder and back. Conversely, neck pain might make it difficult for a person to sleep and further exacerbate the problem.

Environmental Factors For some people, the environment can be a trigger for their neck pain. For example, extremely hot and humid climates can trigger asthma. A person experiencing an asthma attack might tighten the neck and chest muscles in an attempt to get air to the lungs. This tightening process places stress on the neck muscles, causing the person to experience severe neck pain in Paolo Alto.

Back and neck pain can disrupt a person's life tremendously. Some people try various home methods, such as stretching exercises and applying gels and creams. For long term relief, some neck pain suffers visit specialists with offices in in San Mateo, Campbell and Palo Alto. There they can get various treatments for their ailments, including prescription pain relievers, muscle relaxants and antidepressants.