Injury or inflammation of any of the tissues in the neck can cause chronic neck pain, including the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and muscles. Possible causes of chronic neck pain include cervical muscle strain, degenerative changes of the spine, and arthritis.
Can chronic neck pain be a sign of something serious?
In most cases, chronic neck pain occurs due to inflammation or degeneration. In rare cases, chronic neck pain can be a sign of something serious. Concerning signs and symptoms include: severe pain, fever, night sweats, pain in the front of the neck, difficulty walking, vision changes, unexplained weight loss, headache, and numbness or tingling in any limb. It is best to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis if a person experiences chronic neck pain.
What is the best sleeping position for chronic neck pain?
Sleeping in a certain position can contribute to chronic neck pain. Adjusting the sleeping position so that the head is at the same height as the rest of the body may help alleviate chronic neck pain. Learn more about how to sleep with neck pain.
What are exercises to relieve chronic neck pain?
Depending on the underlying cause, some exercises may help alleviate neck pain. Examples include side-to-side neck tilts, downward neck tilts, and neck turns. It is important to contact a doctor for advice before beginning any neck exercises, as some exercises may worsen the underlying cause.
