How do I get rid of pain in the back of my neck?
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How do I get rid of pain in the back of my neck?
For minor, common causes of neck pain, try these simple remedies:
- Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Keep moving.
- Gentle massage.
- Make sure you have the proper mattress or pillow.
- Use a soft neck collar.
What causes pain in the back of your neck?
Overuse, strenuous activity, or improper use, such as repetitive or heavy lifting. Trauma, injury, or fractures. Degeneration of vertebrae, often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support your spine, or the effects of aging. Infection.
Can neck pain be something serious?
Neck pain can be serious, but not often. Most neck pain is caused by musculoskeletal conditions, followed by neurological conditions, and most rarely, an infection, tumor or autoimmune condition. Neck pain affects about 10 to 20 percent of adults and can have numerous causes.
Can a virus cause neck pain?
In addition to fever, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, a stiff neck can be a sign of a simple viral infection, such as the flu.
What kind of infection causes neck pain?
Neck pain can also come from rare infections, such as tuberculosis of the neck, infection of the spine bones in the neck (osteomyelitis and septic discitis), and meningitis (often accompanied by neck stiffness).
Is neck pain a symptom of stress?
Tension and tightness in your neck and shoulders is a common symptom of stress and anxiety. It’s part of your body’s way of gearing up to survive a perceived physical threat. In other words, it’s part of the “fight or flight” stress response.
Can neck pain be serious?
Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall. Contact a doctor if your neck pain: Is severe. Persists for several days without relief.
Is my neck pain a tumor?
Can neck pain be a symptom of cancer? Sometimes persistent, continuing neck pain is a warning sign of head or neck cancer. Although it could also be a sign of another less serious condition, head and neck cancers might include a lump, swelling or a sore that doesn’t heal.
Can neck pain indicate something serious?
Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Seek medical care if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm.
Can viruses cause neck pain?
When should I be worried about neck pain?
Seek medical care if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm.
Is neck pain heart related?
Most people have neck pain at some point in their life. It’s usually due to neck muscle strain. But neck pain is also a common symptom of a heart attack. Protect your heart by recognizing when your neck pain is more than a temporary strain and might be due to a problem with your heart.
