Neck pain is a sense of unease felt in the neck, or the region of the body that connects the trunk with the head. There are many anatomical structures contained in the neck, as the cervical vertebrae which constitutes the last stretch of the spine, the muscles that give tone to this part of the organism, which are endowed with high mobility, the first tract of the respiratory (larynx and the trachea), the digestive tract (pharynx and the esophagus), various glands (thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, salivary glands), in addition to fundamental blood vessels and nerve tracts (the common carotid artery, jugular vein, the vagus nerve). The neck pain can occur owing to various diseases, every disease differentiating from the other.
What kind of diseases can be associated with neck pain?
The following diseases may be associated with neck pain:
- Anxiety
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cervical osteoarthritis
- Bruxism
- Sialolithiasis
- Headache
- Muscle contractures
- Migraine
- Slipped disc
- Herpes zoster
- Cat-scratch disease
- Meningitis
- Paget's disease
- Strabismus
- Trauma
- Cancer of the salivary glands
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for neck pain?
Neck pain remedies vary and depend on the primary disease whose symptom is the neck pain and consequently, different remedies are able to resolve the condition. The remedies that could also help are: limiting the movements (especially in the case of arthritis, arthrosis, hernia, muscle contractures and trauma) of this part of the body and rest. These remedies, in combination with a specific medical treatment, can help soothe the neck pain.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of neck pain?
In the case of trauma or if the patient is in the presence (or risk) of above associated disease (see list of associated diseases).
