8 Unusual Causes Of Neck Pain

Countless illnesses can cause neck discomfort and stiffness. Common reasons, such as muscular strains or spinal joint issues, are usually suspected first. However, once the traditional suspects have been eliminated, alternative options must be investigated.

Less common causes of neck pain and symptoms

Neck pain and other neck-related symptoms can be caused by a variety of rare or uncommon illnesses. Examples include the following:

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes persistent exhaustion and discomfort in all four quadrants of the body (upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right), with the neck and shoulders being the most typically afflicted areas.

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome develops when the gap between the first rib and the collarbone becomes too narrow for nerves or blood vessels to pass through freely. Neck discomfort and stiffness may be among the symptoms.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is usually transmitted to humans through tick bites. Symptoms can vary greatly and typically begin with a big rash at the bite site, which may or may not be visible. Over time, a stiff neck and uncomfortable neck can develop.

Eagle syndrome

Eagle syndrome is characterized by an extension of the styloid process, a sharp bone beneath the ear in the skull. The extended bone might press against a nerve or blood artery, causing significant pain in the face, throat, or neck.

Crowned dens syndrome

Crowned dens syndrome develops when crystal deposits build on the ligament that surrounds the dens, the bone on which the head swivels. This illness can result in considerable pain in the base of the skull and neck, as well as limited head motion.

There are many more little-known causes of neck pain, some of which are similar to the disorders covered in this article.

Other unusual causes of neck pain

Stress

Stress can cause pain in the neck and shoulders. Currently, one in every ten persons suffers from neck or shoulder pain. To add insult to injury, the American Psychological Association claims that 25% of all Americans suffer from severe levels of stress, with another 50% experiencing moderate chronic stress. When you mix mental and physical stress with a sore neck or shoulder, you can develop chronic irritation, weariness, and melancholy.

Facet syndrome

Facet syndrome can arise anywhere along the spine. It arises in facet joints, which are tiny joints positioned between each vertebra. These joints are constantly moving, giving the spine the stability and flexibility it requires to walk, run, bend, sit, and twist. The joint surfaces are coated with cartilage, allowing them to slide smoothly over one another. As we age, our cartilage wears away, and in many situations, "bone spurs" emerge. Arthritis symptoms include discomfort, swelling, stiffness, and pain caused by bone friction. Though arthritis, or facet syndrome, is usually the result of natural aging, it can also be caused by an injury or overuse in childhood.

Your smartphone

Long hours of playing games on handheld devices might cause neck strain, especially if you're constantly bending forward. A little caution and proper posture can help to keep it from growing worse.

When unexplained neck pain requires a doctor’s visit

People are sometimes unsure whether to see a doctor for a mystery neck discomfort, especially since neck pain usually resolves within a few days or weeks. However, neck pain accompanied by one or more of the following should always be evaluated by a doctor right away.

- Fatigue or brain fog—trouble with memory or thinking—that persists

- Clumsiness with hands, such as dropping items or trouble buttoning a shirt

- Nausea or vomiting

- Pain that radiates down into the arm

- Fever or chills

- Pins-and-needles tingling or numbness in the arm or hand

- Pain that does not improve after a few days and continues to disrupt daily activities, such as dressing, driving, and/or sleep

- Increased difficulty with walking or bowel or bladder control.

Any of these symptoms, particularly when combined with neck pain, may indicate a serious medical concern. While it may not turn out to be serious, contacting a doctor for an evaluation can help get treatment started early, when it is more beneficial.