This may take a few days to a week to show up or may occur right away. Whiplash, such as what often occurs during a vehicle accident, also causes neck pain. Other times, it’s caused by a more severe issue, like an infection, tumor, or a side effect from a prescription medication. In many cases, you’ll have to suffer through it for a few days and it will go away on its own. Sometimes, it also occurs after being exposed to cold temperatures for extended periods of time. This often happens overnight, causing you to wake up in the morning feeling like your head is twisted to one side and you’re unable to turn it.Īlthough the cause of this condition isn’t completely known, doctors suspect that it’s caused by a muscle or ligament sprain in the neck. Neck pain that seems to come out of nowhere could be caused by a condition known as Torticollis.
At this time, doctors aren’t sure what causes this type of headache. These can be fairly mild or severely intense. Sometimes, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can also cause headaches and neck pain.Īnother headache, called a hemicrania continua, causes pain that starts in the head and spreads to the shoulder, neck, and the area around the ear. The most common headaches that lead to neck pain include tension headaches and migraines. Sometimes, you’ll have a headache that’s so severe that it runs down int your neck. This condition is caused by an injury to or irritation of your occipital nerve. It starts in the upper part of your neck and spreads out into your head. In this case, you’ll usually feel the pain on one side of your head. It affects the neck, ears, and the back of the head. This is a completely different sensation, usually causing sharp, painful sensations that feel like an electric shock. This condition is usually caused by an underlying disc, nerve, joint, or muscle disorder that is occurring in your neck.Īnother possibility is an occipital neuralgia. Sometimes, it will also spread forward, to your temples, forehead, and/or the areas around your muscles or ears. It usually starts as a dull ache in your neck that radiates upward along the back of your head. One possible issue is called a cervicogenic headache (CGH). If the problem starts in your neck, it’s more likely a chronic condition. If you’re experiencing neck pain with a headache, there’s a chance it could be starting in your neck and traveling up to your head, or vice-versa. Many types of neck pain are totally preventable! Take a look at this article for some tips to help you keep your neck healthy and pain-free. If this is the cause, practicing deep breathing, yoga, or even just simple neck stretches should fix the problem.
This often causes you to feel shoulder and neck pain on the right side of your body. When you’re stressed out or anxious, your muscles tighten up. These common problems cause your neck to be out of alignment all night, which leads to you waking up with pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. This could stem from having an old, worn-out mattress, using pillows that don’t have enough support, or using too many pillows. If you wake up with sore neck muscles, you might have less-than-ideal sleeping conditions. In this case, it’s fairly easy to treat with over-the-counter medication or home remedies.įollowing are a few of the issues that might be causing your neck pain. Usually, the cause is something benign, like a pulled muscle.
Most people who suffer from neck pain feel it on the right side of their body. There’s no need to suffer any longer! Start with this guide. Understanding the different types of neck pain and the possible causes is one of the first steps towards finding some relief. From the constant headaches and difficulty sleeping to more severe issues like arm numbness or trouble with your grip, the symptoms are impossible to ignore. Throbbing neck pain can completely derail your life. Young woman holding neck in pain and discomfort