Neck pain is the result of a number of factors. Poor posture, strains, tension or disc disease can all create neck pain. Understanding the cause of your neck pain is critical to controlling or eliminating the problem. In some instances the source of pain is clear, while in others it is less so. If neck pain is a consistent problem for you, consulting your physician is the first step on the path to recovery.

Causes of Neck Injury -

The most common sources of neck pain are muscular in nature. Soft tissue damage can result from strains, sprains, whiplash or simply "sleeping wrong." Structural issues such as degenerative disc disease or arthritis can both pinch nerves and result in pain in both the neck and shoulders. In severe cases, numbness and tingling in the arms and hands can occur.

Because there are so many structures in the neck - bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and more - it can sometimes be hard to pinpoint the source of pain. Imaging studies like CT scans, MRIs or X-rays can be helpful to your doctor in assessing any damage in the neck.

Symptoms of Neck Pain -

The pain you feel may be dull, sharp, deep or achy. It can be nervy and feel electric or simply crampy, making you feel stiff. Each of these types of pain suggests a different cause. For example, if you feel a dull, deep pain and have difficulty moving your head the chances are that you have a mild strain from poor neck positioning.

In addition to assessing the type of pain you are experiencing, you doctor will look for the following information.

o Numbness in the arms and hands. This indicates the probability of a nerve bundle being compressed by a disc or tight muscles in the neck.

o Weakness. This also suggests a nerve related complaint. Weakness is different from a reluctance to exert the muscle due to pain, by the way.

o Temperature and color. These factors indicate that blood flow is also being restricted to the extremity.

o Swelling. Inflammation may suggest a traumatic injury to the area.

o Deformations. Structural deformities that result from breaks, bone movement or ligament tears indicate specific problems to address.

The Treatment of Neck Injuries -

In the case of mild injuries, home care is best. Icing, over the counter medications to control pain and inflammation and rest will generally see you through your bout of neck pain.

For more serious injuries, physical therapy, massage and chiropractics, injections and even surgery may be considered. Temporary immobilization is used for some injuries as a way to splint seriously injured muscles. Follow up care is required for such injuries, and healing time may be extensive.

With conditions such as degenerative disc disease and arthritis, both of which are progressive, treatment focuses upon reducing pain and maintaining function. Most people do well with a combination of non-invasive therapies.

Neck pain can be, well, a pain in the neck. Until you can't move your neck as usual you don't really realize just how often you use it during the day. Prompt attention and treatment can get you back to your normal activities sooner.