Oh how I just love waking up with a horrible pain in my neck. Typically, this pain is attributed to a night of tossing and turning-and ultimately, falling asleep in a position that wreaks havoc on my poor spine. People like to call this particular condition a “neck crick.” Their life span varies by patient, and by the “complexity” of the sleeping position. Usually my neck cricks last me anywhere from a few days to week.
The way to get rid of a typical neck crick is to apply heat and ice alternately. Stretching is also a good way to get the neck back in good working order. But sometimes that tricky neck pain has nothing to do with sleeping conditions or bad dreams. As a matter of fact, when coupled with other symptoms, they could be warning you that some deeper physical problem is the culprit.
NECK PAIN WITH : STIFF NECK/ VOMITING
Guess what? Under extreme circumstances, these just might be symptoms of meningitis. Don’t be completely alarmed just yet. There are some other symptoms which should probably be present if in case you’re afflicted with this serious condition. If meningitis is the perpetrator of your discomfort, check to see if you are able to touch your chin to your chest. Stiffness of the neck which prevents this movement is something to watch out for. Couple that with drowsiness, confusion, or an aversion to bright lights, and you should definitely consult a doctor quickly.
It should be noted that there are approximately 43 different symptoms associated with cardiac arrest (aka heart attack). A stiff neck and vomiting are two of those symptoms. While one should not panic in the event that a stiff neck and queasiness are present-other symptoms should definitely be monitored. Failing to catch the breath, sweating, and other pains combined with these symptoms are indicative of something pretty serious going on in the body.
NECK PAIN WITH : JOINT STIFFNESS / PAIN
Typically, this kind of combination of discomfort is a result of a previous whiplash injury. Before panicking about your neck pain, try to pinpoint any time where you might have been involved in an accident (motor vehicle or otherwise) which caused some kind of minor “trauma” to the neck area. There is a chance that you may be experiencing Degenerative Cervical Arthritis. This condition is basically related to a breakdown of the small bones of the spine. Over a period of time, this breakdown affects various parts of movement, particularly movement of the neck. This kind of ailment isn’t for the most part, easy to diagnose. But anti-inflammatory medication (like that taken for typical arthritis) should do the trick. As usual, if it does not, a trip to the doctor might be in order.
NECK PAIN WITH : THROBBING/NUMBNESS OF SHOULDER AND ARM
If you’re waking up with a sore neck – and if it just so happens that your shoulder and/or arm are throbbing-then you might have what’s known as a herniated cervical disk. The discs which connect the spine are protected by a “cushy” type of material which prevents shocks to the body’s vertebrae. As time progresses, this material may become less effective. So the space in between your vertebrae is less protected. As a result, you end up with pain in the neck, and sometimes a tingly or numb sensation in other parts of the body. Physicians can usually tell with X-rays whether you’re suffering from this type of condition. If you happen to be diagnosed with a herniated cervical disk, do not be alarmed; most of the time, symptoms disappear without any treatment whatsoever.
NECK PAIN WITH : SORE THROAT / TROUBLE SWALLOWING
Of course the most popular of symptoms associated with neck pain, is difficulty swallowing. This is a difficult one to diagnose because there are so many different types of ailments associated with the throat. The main one is pharyngitis. Many people simply refer to pharyngitis as a sore throat. In actuality, it may be the body’s way of alerting you to a more serious infection like strep throat. The only way to tell is by seeing a doctor. It’s important to make an appointment if you have an exceptionally high fever and extreme weakness.
NECK PAIN WITH : SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES
Lymph nodes are found in various parts of the body including under the arms, in the fleshy area connecting the upper thigh to the groin, and also in the neck. If by chance, you notice a lump in any of these arms (especially the upper parts of the body) -and you’re suffering from neck pain, you might have a case of mononucleosis. Dubbed “Mono” or the “kissing disease,” the condition is not terribly contagious, and most often occurs in teens and young adults. Other symptoms may include fever, sore throat, and fatigue-in which case the typical treatment of bed rest, fluids, and a healthy diet all apply.
The body is an extremely complicated machine. Trauma in any shape or form may cause extremely painful results, or small annoying ones. Pains in the neck should be carefully monitored, as this area holds the most sensitive set of bones in the body (those in the upper spine.) Pay attention to your daily posture, as this may also contribute to neck stiffness and soreness. Try to sit straight up when seated, and if possible use ergonomic furniture which will facilitate correct posture. When physical circumstances have nothing to do with your neck pain, it’s time to investigate some other conditions. Take a bodily “inventory” and note anything else strange which might be going on. But most of all go with your gut feeling. If you sense that something is not right, then it probably isn’t. The best thing to do is see your physician as soon as possible. You’ll feel better, and you might be saving your own life in the process.
