9 causes of neck and shoulder pain you need to know

Causes of neck and shoulder pain

Neck and shoulder pain often appears suddenly, most cases suddenly feel pain in the neck and shoulder area after waking up one night.

Usually at first the patient only feels mild pain, fatigue in the neck and shoulder area and limited movement of the neck and head area, can only lean to the left or right, cannot turn back, moving the neck area can cause pain.

Neck and shoulder pain is quite common and there are many different causes of neck and shoulder pain such as:

- Bad living habits: Habits such as sitting for long periods in front of a fan or air conditioner, bathing at night, being exposed to rain and sun regularly... can affect the nervous system that controls sensation and muscle activity.

- Due to overtraining: High-intensity sports training, incorrect exercise posture or not warming up before exercising can easily cause fatigue and damage to the neck and shoulders, which over time will cause pain.

- Due to incorrect posture: Working in one position for too long, bending the neck for a long time, leaning the head on the chair, lying on the side and curling up... will affect the process of supplying oxygen and blood to the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, thereby leading to pain and stiffness in the above positions. If working in one position such as sitting or standing for too long, it will make it difficult for blood to circulate in the neck and shoulder area, leading to pain and fatigue.

- Due to injury: Soft tissue injuries can also cause pain. Soft tissue injuries include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When an injury occurs, it can lead to a variety of pains such as stiff neck, headaches, and muscle spasms.

A sudden neck injury caused by movement causes the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck to tear. The patient will feel pain and stiffness in the neck, headache, dizziness, or blurred vision.

Neck and shoulder pain is a condition in which the muscles in the neck and shoulder area become stiff and painful.

Some underlying medical conditions can lead to neck and shoulder pain.

- Nerve dysfunction: Nerves that are stretched or overstretched can cause nerve dysfunction in this area.

- Cervical spondylosis: Cervical spondylosis is a condition in which bone spurs appear on the cervical spine due to inflammation and calcium deposits that compress the blood vessels and nerves in the neck and shoulder area. Commonly found in people aged 40-50.

- Cervical disc herniation: This is a condition in which the fibrous sac of the cervical spine weakens, causing the nucleus pulposus to escape, causing the disc to shift out of position on the vertebrae, compressing the nerve roots or cervical spinal cord.

- Spinal calcification: The vertebrae or transverse processes of the spine have calcium deposits, causing compression of nerves and blood vessels, causing neck and shoulder pain.

- Shoulder bursitis: Due to trauma or accident causing damage to the soft tissue surrounding the joint, causing inflammation, pain and limited movement of the neck and shoulder area.

In addition, age, weather, diet or serious illness can also lead to neck and shoulder pain. It is noted that the older you are, the more your body ages, your organs and skeletal system gradually degenerate and lose function. Therefore, the rate of elderly people suffering from neck and shoulder diseases is often higher.

In cold weather, the neck and shoulders will become more painful due to poor blood circulation in the body, affecting anemia and fluid deficiency in bones and joints.

A diet lacking in vitamins and minerals will affect blood circulation and the ability to heal damage to cartilage and joints... and can also easily cause neck and shoulder pain.

Some diseases also have pain symptoms that can be easily confused with bone and joint diseases and neck and shoulder pain such as shoulder and thoracic joint disorders, stable angina, lung cancer, etc.

Summary: Neck and shoulder pain is a common problem. There are many ways to treat neck and shoulder pain. Depending on the severity of the disease, there will be an appropriate treatment method.

When the disease is in its early stages, avoid trying to turn your head or neck, and avoid sitting in front of an electric fan or air conditioner to avoid muscle stiffness and more severe pain. When going to bed, apply a warm compress to the neck, use an infrared lamp, or gently massage for 10-15 minutes. After 2-3 days, the disease will go away on its own.

When the disease is at a moderate level, meaning the level of nerve stimulation is greater, the symptoms of right neck and shoulder pain or left neck and shoulder pain are more obvious, it is necessary to use some supportive drugs such as: pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs... to reduce symptoms in this area.

In severe cases, acupuncture or neurotransmitter inhibitors should be used. Neck and shoulder pain is not a difficult disease to cure, and early treatment is needed. If treated incorrectly or late, there is a high risk of hospitalization.

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Van Thang

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/9-nguyen-nhan-gay-dau-vai-gay-can-biet-17224062720292616.htm