Overview
Pain in the right side of the neck is a common complaint. It is often caused by muscle strain, poor sleeping position, or bad posture. Here in this blog, we will share some interesting insights on the causes and treatment options to cure neck pain.
Summary
- Neck pain is usually followed by other additional symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, and arm muscle weakness.
- Possible causes of neck pain include Cervical spondylosis, Brachial Plexus Injury, and stress.
- A whiplash injury causes severe pain in the right side of the neck.
It occurs due to a sudden backward and forward movement of the head with significant force. - If neck pain continues for a longer time, your doctor may recommend some treatments according to the severity of your condition.
They may include muscle relaxants, injecting medications, surgery, physical or occupational therapy.
Neck Pain
Many adults are reported to experience neck pain every year in the US. This pain not only affects the neck and the shoulders but may even radiate down the arms. It could be a dull aching or an electric shock that shoots into the arm. Pain in the right side of the neck can be caused by various conditions and followed by other symptoms. These signs and symptoms include tingling, numbness, and arm muscle weakness.
The neck is more likely to strain as people move it constantly throughout the day. In most cases, the pain appears as a result of a muscle strain.
Often, neck pain is not considered a severe condition and can be cured within some days. But sometimes, neck pain indicates severe injury or illness and requires immediate doctor’s care.
Many people feel neck pain or stiffness occasionally. It happens due to poor posture or overuse. Injury from a fall, contact sports, or whiplash may also cause neck pain.
Usually, people treat neck pain through home remedies and medications. But, severe or prolonged neck pain requires a quick response for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Possible Causes of Pain in the Right Side of the Neck
Some of the most common causes of pain in the right side of the neck include the following:
1. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that develops as the spinal discs in your neck degenerate. The disks between the neck bones (cervical vertebrae) may become dehydrated and shrink as you get older. It will cause osteoarthritis and the formation of bony projections along the bone edges.
2. Bad Sleeping Position
It is common to experience stiffness or pain in the shoulders, back, or neck after waking up. People’s sleeping positions, the pillows they use, and the firmness of their mattresses can all impact how they feel when they get up in the morning. If you fall asleep without adequate head support or your neck out of alignment, you are more prone to wake up with a hurting neck.
3. Whiplash
A whiplash injury is caused due to a sudden backward and forward movement of the head with great force. A rear-end car collision is the most prevalent cause of this injury. It may also happen due to sports injuries, physical abuse, or park rides. Whiplash causes soft tissue damage by stretching the muscles and ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.
4. Stress and Anxiety
Muscles can tighten as a result of stress. People frequently complain about the strain in their neck and back. Sometimes they may experience neck pain as a result of excess stress or anxiety.
5. Worn Joints
The joints in your neck might wear down with age. These joints may experience osteoarthritis due to degeneration of the cartilage between the vertebrae. It can affect the neck joints adversely. Your body also develops bone spurs that can affect the movement of the neck, causing pain in the right side of the neck.
6. Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that connect the spinal cord with the shoulder, arm, and hand. These nerves may get damaged due to being overly stretched. Trauma resulting from a sporting injury or a car accident may also be responsible for this condition. It would cause severe pain or numbness in the neck and affected shoulder.
7. Cervical Disc Herniation
Cervical disc herniation occurs due to the annulus fibrosus cracks. It will make the nucleus pulposus project into the spinal canal. It causes the spinal nerves to become compressed by the herniated disc. As a result, a person may experience severe pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulder, or arm.
8. Other Causes
Some other common conditions of neck pain that may be more severe include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer
- Serious injury
- Meningitis
- Damage to the nerves, vertebrae, or spinal cord
- Infections
- Bone spurs
Effective Treatment Options and Home Remedies to Treat Neck Pain
You can treat mild or moderate neck pain at home through simple home remedies. Some neck pain cases will go away within a day, while others may take a few weeks to disappear completely. Some of the home-based treatments include:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
- Icing the injured area
- Applying heat to the affected area
- Massaging and manipulating the neck
- Staying active despite the pain
- Stretching the neck
- Reducing stress through relaxation methods like yoga or meditation
- Practicing proper posture
- Sleeping in a correct position that supports the neck
Recommended Treatments by Doctors
In case of severe neck pain, your healthcare provider may perform several tests to diagnose the exact cause of pain. These tests may include MRI, myelography, CT scan, or electrodiagnostic studies.
After finding the accurate source of neck pain, a doctor may recommend the following treatments:
- Muscle relaxants
- Injecting medications
- physical or occupational therapy
- surgery
Neck pain is usually not a serious condition. But, if the pain remains for a prolonged time, immediately consult a doctor for medical help.
Consult with our fellowship-trained pain management specialists at Complete Medical Wellness today for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan of neck pain.