The Senior Digest

Health and Wellness Tips

Types of Neck Pain in Seniors

Neck pain, one of the severest spinal column pains, is quite common among people who belong to the age group of 60 -70 years or above. Early or late, senior/ elderly people have to go through this type of pain and discomfort. Therefore, to relieve the agony, you must be aware of what actually is neck pain and why does it instigate at such a crucial age.

60 -70 years

What is neck pain?

What is neck pain?

A number of cervical vertebrae combine together to form a neck that extends from right below the skull to the upper torso. The neck supports our head and allows it to move freely. Thus, any sort of abnormality, deformity, or injury in the neck ligaments and muscles, eventually results in neck pain or stiffness. Also, the wear and tear through which our spines undergo on daily basis cause deteriorating spinal conditions.

Such a type of state, where a person feels tightening in the upper spinal column, is more likely to occur in elderly people which causes pain in their necks, shoulders, and its adjoining areas. In some cases, neck pain turns into a serious illness that then requires immediate medical attention, while most of the time this pain is curable and can be relieved in few days, after proper medical treatment.

Causes of Neck Pain

Causes of Neck Pain

Common causes of neck pain are;

Neck injury/ fracture
Muscle strain/ tension
Nerve compression
Fibromyalgia
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Neck injury/ fracture
Muscle strain/ tension
Nerve compression
Fibromyalgia
Osteoporosis
Arthritis

Below picture also clearly illustrates some very common causes:

Types of Neck Pain in Seniors

Types of Neck Pain in Seniors

Following are the seven most common types of neck pain that could possibly occur in senior people;

Muscle Pain

Muscle Pain

Muscle strains and tears are common in aged people as it occurs due to prolonged physical or mental stress. The worse the muscle strains and sprains are, the worse the inflammation gets leading to swelling and severe pain in the neck. Hard knots tend to develop eventually causing further muscle pain and soreness.

Headache

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Headache

Headache related to neck pain is also a severe pain that is usually felt at the back of the head and its surrounding neck area. Worse muscle tension is the major cause of headache as it is accompanied by neck stiffness and tenderness.

Muscle Spasm

Muscle Spasm

Muscle spasm is a result of painful contraction and tightening of neck muscles. Generally, people who wake up with a stiff neck are more likely to be the sufferers of muscle spasms. Basically, it results in the inability of the neck to move in different directions.

Nerve Pain

Nerve Pain

In this type of neck pain, certain spinal nerves ache and cause irritation and pinching in the whole neck. The pain may extend and reach down the arm or into the hand along with feelings of pin and needles or burning sensations.

Bone Pain

Bone Pain

Bone pain is a perilous form of neck pain than other types of neck pain as in this condition, harsh tenderness occurs in the cervical vertebrae. This condition occurs due to severe injury of the soft tissues of the cervical spine. Moreover, bone pain may be a sign of bone fracture or weakness which could even put your spinal cord at risk.

Referred Pain

Referred Pain

In this type of pain, aching is triggered in one part of the body but appears in another part of the body. For instance, a heart attack might cause pain in the neck and shoulders. Therefore, instant treatment must be given to the patient in order to avoid any further damage.

Facet Joint Pain

Facet Joint Pain

Particular points in the vertebral column where two adjacent vertebrae meet are known as ‘facet joints’. Sharp and deep pain in these joints develops with an acute injury or arthritic degradation. The pain may radiate in the whole upper body making the pain grow worse.

Treatment of Neck Pain

Treatment of Neck Pain

Once you are clear about your type of neck pain and its symptoms, see the doctor as soon as possible. The doctor, after examining your condition thoroughly, will either advise you of medical treatment or will prescribe you to adopt home remedies.