What happens during neck pain?

Neck pain may not be the worst thing that can happen to you, but it comes pretty damn close. Anyone who has suffered from chronic neck pain gains a deep understanding of why a person who is annoying is called a ‘pain in the neck’.

Neck pain can be caused for several reasons. If you sit crouched over a computer for a long time, you are liable to develop a crick in the neck. Over a period of time, this pain can become constant and sharp. Other things, like sleeping in an awkward position, working with the neck stretched up (like when painting a wall or ceiling) can also put a strain on the neck muscles. Accidents, like a very bad fall, or whip clash from a car, can also lead to neck pain.

Neck pain can become long lasting if you already have other health problems. People who have arthritis, or whose spine canal is becoming narrow, tend to have prolonged neck pain.

If not relieved, chronic neck pain can lead to depression. Lack of rest because of the pain leads to fatigue, irritability and poor concentration. Neck pain therefore should not be ignored, but treated as soon as possible.